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Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an Electric Car (EV)

There are countless advantages to purchasing an electric vehicle; they are fast, fun, easy-to-maintain, and help combat climate change with zero tailpipe emissions. Many electric vehicles also qualify for a state or federal tax credit, potentially saving you thousands of dollars on your taxes.

But even if you are sure you want an electric vehicle, which one should you choose? Before selecting an EV, you need to make sure you understand what exactly an “electric car” is.

 

What is an Electric Car?

An electric car is an automobile powered either partially or entirely by electronic batteries. This sets them apart from traditional vehicles that utilize internal combustion engines (ICE), which generate power by burning gasoline, oil, or other fuel to drive its pistons.

There are a variety of EV types, including:

      Traditional Electric Vehicle (EV)

      Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)

      Hybrid (HEV)

      Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

      Mild Electric Vehicle (MHEV)

      Hydrogen Vehicle (FCEV)

      Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (RE-EV)

 

Electric Car Buyers’ Guide

Before purchasing an electric car, there are several things to consider:

• Choosing a Type: As you can see above, there are a variety of choices to select from. Choose your type based on what you’ll utilize the vehicle for: for example, those with longer trips in mind may want to consider a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle.
• Initial Cost: New EV’s can be incredibly cost prohibitive. A good way to mitigate this initial cost is to research and choose a used electric vehicle, which is usually significantly cheaper.
•  Choosing a Dealership: Finding where you’ll purchase your vehicle is important, and this process can be a bit tricky with EV’s. Some EV companies, like Tesla, that don’t have physical dealerships, will require you to purchase new vehicles online.
•   Maintenance Costs: Maintenance costs vary depending on what type of EV you choose, but tend to be much more affordable than ICE vehicles.
•   Service and Repairs: Service and repairs on EV’s also tend to be less expensive than ICE vehicles; EV’s have fewer moving parts, with no need for oil changes, replaced spark plugs, or repaired catalytic converters.
•   Charging Method: While the nation is rapidly constructing an EV charging infrastructure, considering how you’ll charge your car is still important. As long as you don’t plan to drive long distances, you may not have to worry too much; EV’s can easily be charged at home, and some newer models can drive as much as 200 miles before requiring a charge. However, for those who frequently travel longer distances or require quick charging solutions, the benefits of commercial electric car charging stations become apparent, as these stations enable faster charging times and are strategically located along highways and major routes.  Moreover, some commercial charging stations also provide additional services such as Wi-Fi access or nearby dining options, enhancing the overall driving experience for EV users.

 Once you’ve determined what your perfect fit will be, and you’re considering a used vehicle, you may want to look up its license plate number. Finding a license plate number can help you get valuable information about the vehicle, including its accident history, mileage, and number of previous owners.

 

Electric Vehicle License Plate Guide

Finding the license plate number for a used EV is relatively simple and can be completed in 3 easy steps.

How to Find a License Plate in 3 Steps

1. Get the Car’s VIN Number

To run a license plate check, you’ll need the car’s VIN number. The VIN for a used car can often be found by asking the dealer, looking at the car window sticker, or by checking the dash for the small engraved VIN plate.

2. Contact the State DMV or Use a Third-Party Service

Once you have the VIN you can contact the state DMV or use a third-party service to find the license plate number. The easiest choice is to use a third-party service, as the DMV may require more information than the VIN to find a vehicle’s plate number.

3. Read Your Report

If you choose a third party service, many will provide a report with other details besides just the plate number. You can use these reports to negotiate better prices on your used EV, and make sure that the vehicle has never been stolen or used in a crime.

 

Electric Vehicle’s Can Seem Costly Upfront, But Are Cheaper Over Time

Often the initial costs of an new electronic vehicle can seem daunting, but over the long-run reduced fuel costs and tax incentives can make them a very prudent financial choice. One way to reduce those upfront costs is to buy a used EV, but you’ll want to do thorough research beforehand.

Getting a vehicle history report is a good way to see how long the car has been on the road; with an accurate mileage reading, you can determine how much wear-and-tear a battery has experienced. With a good battery a used electric vehicle can be an excellent choice, perfect for errands, commutes, and other short trips.