Nowadays, people are buying electric cars more and more because of high fuel prices, environmental pollution, and the latest technology. Also, with the government providing lots of facilities and subsidies, everyone is seeking to buy an electric car. But before buying any electric vehicle, there are some things you need to know. Let’s see the 7 most important things that you should know before buying an electric car.
1. Driving range
When buying an electric car, the most important thing is how much distance it covers on a full charge, which means its ‘Range’. For daily use in the city, a 100 to 150 km range is usually sufficient. If you often travel longer distances, you should buy a car with a range of 250 to 400 km on a single charge. You should choose your electric car according to your needs and expected travel distance.
2. Charging facility
Another important factor is charging time and the availability of charging facilities. You should check if you can charge your car at home because many people live in apartments and multi-story buildings, and it’s difficult to charge at home if you are living on the upper floor. Also, check the charging facility at your workplace or nearby public charging stations. Nowadays, almost all the electric cars charge 80% within 60 minutes, but some take 6 to 8 hours to fully charge with a regular charger.
3. Battery & Warranty
In electric vehicles, the battery is the most expensive and important part. Usually, lithium-ion batteries are used in all electric vehicles due to their efficiency and durability. Understanding battery life means knowing how many charging cycles it can handle, so before buying an electric car, make sure you know about the battery warranty and expected lifespan.
4. Maintenance cost & service centres
Unlike traditional cars, there is no engine gearbox and very few moving parts in electric cars, so as a result, there is less maintenance cost for electric cars. Though you should take care of the suspension, brakes, and tires. For hassle-free use, check whether authorized service centers are available in your city.
5. Price & benefits
The initial cost of an electric car is obviously more than a traditional fuel car, but its daily running cost is much less. For example, an average electric car covers a distance of 10 km in 1 unit of electricity, and 1 unit of electricity costs Rs. 8-9; then it will cost you Rs. 80-90 to travel a 100 km distance. Electric cars have very low travel costs, and it is very beneficial in terms of long-term use.
6. Reviews & features
When buying an electric car, check its important features like regenerative braking, digital display, safety features, and app connectivity, and read about its consumer reviews on the internet. Choose the best car that will serve you for the next 5-7 years without any hesitation. Also, don’t forget to think about the brand’s reliability and resale value.
7. Government policy & subsidy
The central government and main state governments offer subsidies for electric cars. For example, under the FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) policy, you can get a discount of up to Rs. 10,000 to 50,000. Many states offer exemptions on road tax and registration fees for electric cars, so find out about the subsidies and offers provided by the government before buying and save on the extra cost.
By purchasing the electric car, you are adopting the eco-friendly technology. So before purchasing, do research, collect the information about the model you want to have, and avoid further problems. Choosing the right electric car will be the best decision in terms of a cleaner environment, long-term fulfillment, and the future of budget-friendly transportation.
Read also: Mahindra XEV 9e: Range, Power & Style of a Futuristic EV.
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