After years of talking and planning, the age of the battery-operated vehicle has finally dawned. It seems as though the idea now appeals to the vast majority of people, with many of them considering buying an electric car. Indeed, research estimates that by 2025, electric vehicles will account for 30% of all automobiles sold globally.

Driving an electric car has many advantages, including the fact that it’s better for the environment. However, the ownership experience is very different from a gas-fuelled model, which may take some getting used to. So, with that in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of the things to consider before making the big switch.

Things to consider before buying an electric car

1)    Driving Range

One of the biggest reasons keeping people from buying an electric car is the distance that the vehicle can operate before running out of battery power. When making the decision, you should take your lifestyle into consideration. If you’re fighting hours of traffic on your daily commute to work, electric cars might not be the ideal option for you. However, if you’re an urbanite living close to work, then electric cars will be more practical. Different models also have varying driving ranges, and it’s a good idea to compare them on the Electric Vehicle Council’s website before purchasing.

2)    Charging Stations

Though the number of public charging stations is growing, there will be times when you’ll want to give your car an extra boost. The simpler option is to charge it at home by simply plugging it into a standard 110-volt wall outlet for what’s known as Level 1 charging. However, this can take up as long as 24 hours for a full charge. Another option is to have an electrician professionally install a 240-volt service in your garage that will speed up the charging process to as little as four hours. For convenience, we also recommend investigating how many public charging stations there are close to where you live or work. These are usually installed in public charging spaces or retail parking lots. You can also use different apps and websites to locate them.

3)    New vs. Used

Most electric cars are expensive, so buying a used vehicle will save you money.  However, there are a few things to keep in mind when weighing out the two different options. The batteries of an electric vehicle are similar to what you find in your smartphone, but on a larger scale. This means that they’re prone to deteriorating over time. Generally, an EV battery can last up to 10-20 years before needing to be replaced. If you’re wanting to go towards the used route, you will need to carefully inspect the battery’s status. On the other hand, going for a brand-new vehicle guarantees a full warranty, the longest electric range currently available, and up-to-date tech and safety features. You will also have peace of mind knowing that your battery in in tip-top condition.

4)    Servicing

While electric cars can be more expensive up-front, they can save you a lot of money in the long run. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles that need regular servicing, electric cars have fewer moving parts. This means there is less to maintain. There is no oil to change, no engine to manage and fewer parts to wear down. Servicing is relatively easy, less frequent and overall cheaper than a petrol or diesel vehicle.

In summary, switching to an electric car is a big decision to make, but there are many long-term advantages involved.