The Best Reasons To Consider An Electric Car
Electric cars have improved a lot over the last few years, and there are becoming a more viable option for the average car owner. They can even be a stylish option now, as the design and technology are improved. There are more positives than negatives to owning an electric vehicle, so could now be the time to go electric?
More Models Mean More Choices
New electric cars are being launched all the time across almost all vehicle classes. Whether you want a family car, a small city car, or a sporty option for more fun driving, there are now more options than ever. All those new models mean you have a lot more choice and can find an electric vehicle that matches your needs and wants. There are even electric pickup trucks being developed by Tesla, and SUVs coming from Rivian and Bollinger.
Whatever kind of driving you like to do, there will be an electric vehicle that could work for you. Just make sure that your drive your EV safely, so you don’t need a car accident attorney for you after an accident.
Even Affordable Electric Cars Can Run For Over 200 Miles On One Charge
It wasn’t so long ago that it seemed impressive for a mainstream electric car to be able to run for about 100 miles on a charge, but a growing number of cars that are still in a more affordable price range, are able to go for more than twice that number before they need charging again. For example, the 2020’s Nissan Leaf Plus boosted the model’s range from 150 miles to 226. The Kia Niro EV goes for 239 miles. The most affordable Tesla model gets 240 miles. How far the car can go on a charge has been a concern for many considering buying an electric vehicle, but as the technology improves, so does the distance, and this is becoming less and less of an obstacle.
Most Electronic Cars Are Eligible For A Tax Credit
There are some exceptions to this rule, such as the Tesla models and the Chevrolet Bolt EV, but those who buy or lease a new electric car can still take advantage of a generous one-time federal tax credit. If you buy an electric car, this will be deducted from your tax bill when you file your next 1040 form, whereas if you lease, this credit will be rolled into the deal. The tax credit has been phased out for Tesla, as the company has already reached the 200,000 unit sales threshold. Take advantage of the credit while it is still available to you. As sales increase, it’s likely this incentive will be phased out. Check what is available in your state, as some states do grant new electric vehicle buyers rebates or tax credits.
Electric Cars Are Cheaper To Run
If you choose to charge your electric car at home, you can actually save a substantial amount of money by choosing not to charge at a gas station. According to the Environmental Protection Agency estimates it will cost an average of $550 a year to drive the Hyundai Kona Electric crossover SUV for 15,000 miles in combined city and highway driving. To compare, the EPA says it will cost an average of $1500 to drive a Hyundai Tucson of comparable size the same distance. How much you will actually save will depend on a few different factors, such as local gas prices and electricity costs, and your own driving. You can use an online cost calculator to see how much you might be able to save. You might also be able to save even more money if you decide to charge your electric vehicle in the middle of the night if you have a power company that charges less for electricity that is used during off-peak hours.
You’ll Save Money On Maintenance
A lot of sources suggest that maintaining an electric car will cost about one-third of what it costs to maintain a conventionally powered car. This lower cost is because electric cars don’t need all those common automotive components that normally need to be serviced or replaced in traditional cars. An owner of an electric vehicle doesn’t have to deal with having to take their car in for a regular oil change, cooling system flush, or to replace the air filter, spark plugs, and drive belts. Instead, for an EV, a regular service visit will usually include a simple mechanical inspection, rotating the tires, replacing the cabin air filter and wiper blades, and topping up the washer fluid.