Choose Wisely for the Best Electric Experience
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When it comes to electric vehicles, choice matters. You can have a vastly different experience depending on the make and model you select. Some companies are shipping “minimal viable products,” while others have had over a decade to refine their cars.
Unfortunately, selecting an EV can be challenging. It’s not always clear which features you should prioritize.
That’s where this post can help. We take a look at some of the things you’ll want to consider before signing any financing agreement. Here’s everything you be thinking about first.
Available Charging Stations
The top priority should be to check the available charging stations. You want to avoid a situation where you’re out on the road and can’t top up your range because your vehicle uses a different connector.
Fortunately, manufacturers are getting their act together and increasing the number of compatible stations available, particularly in Europe and North America. Some of the biggest names have agreed that they will work together to provide stations in populated areas and on highways.
Heated Seats
You might also want to consider heated seats on your new EV. These can help reduce the chill on cold winter mornings.
Charging Speed
Another consideration is the charging speed. How rapidly you can top up your vehicle matters if you want to do multiple long drives in it per month. You don’t want to be standing around for hours, waiting for the gauge to top up, adding more time to your trips.
Charging speed can vary substantially depending on the charging technology you use. The best vehicles can accommodate fast-charging technologies. These can usually top up vehicles to around 80% in under 30 minutes. However, some battery chemistries aren’t as adaptable as others. Therefore, you might be unhappy with the performance if you choose an EV at random.
New battery chemistries may become available soon that speed up charging significantly. Some brands are teasing that solid-state batteries may be coming before the end of the decade. These will be safer and will theoretically charge in just a few minutes with the proper power supply.
Performance
Another consideration is performance. Electric vehicles can have radically different driving characteristics from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles.
Take VinFast, a Vietnamese automaker. The company has an EV with more than 402 hp that can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 5.5 seconds, which is about the same performance as a conventional V8.
Whether you want extreme performance is a personal choice, but many drivers prefer it. It gives them more choice to maneuver on the road. Power is no longer a limiting factor. Electric cars often have exceptional performance and handling characteristics, outperforming their ICE peers considerably across multiple dimensions.
One benefit is the direct, gear-free power, often provided by the multiple motors. Drivers don’t need to change gear (even quicker than an automatic transmission), providing smoother takeoff and eliminating the pesky clutch.
Cornering is also exceptional, too, thanks to the low center of gravity provided by the battery. Most automakers store it on the floor, making EVs virtually impossible to roll, even in the most severe collisions or on extreme slopes.
Safety Features
You’ll also want to consider the safety features of any new EV you get. These protect passengers, drivers and pedestrians in the event of a collision.
Interestingly, electric vehicles often offer the most advanced safety features of any vehicle on the road. Manufacturers equip them with state-of-the-art computer systems to manage everything from parking to blind spot detection.
Safety features to look for on your next vehicle include things like:
- Parking assist
- Near-side object detection
- Pedestrian detection and automatic braking
- Adaptive cruise control
- Autopilot (Tesla’s trademark for its adaptive cruse control)
- Drowsiness warning light
Some manufacturers also imbue their electric vehicles with improved chassis designs that are better at absorbing and protecting against impact. Large crumple zones and stiffer frames protect passengers by distributing energy more evenly.
The Price
Another consideration is the price. Electric vehicles can represent exceptional value, but they can sometimes be considerably more expensive than equivalent gas vehicles.
That said, running electric vehicles is often cheaper. Therefore, the total cost of ownership over time might be substantially lower.
Look for electric cars offering superior efficiency. These will lower your long-run costs while having a negligible impact on performance.
Range
Finally, you’ll want to consider your EV’s range. These can vary substantially, depending on the manufacturer. Some are now offering an incredible 500 miles, while others will only get you 150 miles of the way to your destination before needing recharging. Ensure whatever vehicle you choose can travel the distances you want to go regularly.
