Buying an electric car sometimes means leaping into the unknown. We will tell you everything you need to know to get started with peace of mind!
While the electric car is becoming more and more democratic, it sometimes remains quite mysterious and still raises many questions. Which model is the best for my needs? Is it really for me? Where can I connect? These are all very legitimate questions that can sometimes hold back potential buyers. Sometimes overwhelmed by the apparent difficulty of owning such a vehicle. We will help you see more clearly and explain everything you need to know to get started!
Choose your electric car carefully
Before you start, take a moment to take stock of your needs. Are you looking for a vehicle for your daily commute or for traveling? This will allow you to know which type of model to turn to, between a BMW i3 or a JAC iEV7S, for example. Also determine a budget not to exceed. Taking into account the often high price of an electric as well as the amount of the recharge. Do not hesitate to inquire about the specialized forums. In order to collect the informed and objective opinions of owners, whether they are happy or not.
Also check that the electric car is right for you. Check that you have a solution to plug in at home or at your workplace. Indeed, it will be much more difficult to drive with this type of vehicle if you travel too long distances each day without the possibility of charging your car at the end of the day.
There is an electric car for every taste
If you think the electric car is not for you, chances are it isn’t totally true. While the offer was still very limited a few years ago. It has grown significantly in recent times, making this type of mobility accessible to as many people as possible. Whatever your budget or your needs in terms of autonomy, there is a model made for you, from the new Tesla model X to the JAC iEV7S. Not to mention everything between the two, whether city cars, compact cars or SUVs. Do not hesitate to go to the dealership to test the vehicles that interest you. In order to better appreciate the driving sensations, which can be confusing at first for the uninitiated.
Autonomy is not an exact science
That’s it, you’ve found the electric car of your dreams, with ideal range for your daily commutes. We must note that many parameters influence the consumption of the vehicle. Therefore the number of kilometers it can cover in a single charge. In fact, consumption can drop from single to double on a flat journey. At moderate speed and in town, in the mountains, with hilly roads or on the motorway at a very fast pace. You should also know that the outside temperature as well as the use of air conditioning and the various accessories of the car have a strong influence on its range.
First of all, check whether the network of charging stations is dense enough around your home to be able to drive on a daily basis without fear of breaking down.
An uneven and not always easy to understand charging network
While the number of charging infrastructure is growing, especially in large cities, it can sometimes be difficult to charge with peace of mind. In addition to breakdowns or terminals already occupied, it is also necessary to take into account the number of different operators, who then offer many offers, which can quickly lose their mind. Some terminals are then only accessible with a badge which must be requested in advance, which makes impromptu travel difficult, while others require a subscription to a specific service. Not to mention the different types of plugs, which are not compatible with all cars and vice versa. A real puzzle.
But there are effective solutions to find your way around, such as the Chargemap application, listing all the charging stations and displaying all the essential information such as the occupancy level or the type of connector.
Electric cars are economical
While an electric car generally costs more than a thermal equivalent to purchase, you must also take into account the cost of use. And on this point, the zero-emission models are then much more economical than their gasoline or diesel counterparts. Indeed, from 4 years of ownership on average, an electric car will then have an average total cost lower by 4% compared to a thermal model, a percentage which obviously increases over the years.
Not to mention purchasing aids such as the ecological bonus or the conversion bonus, the electric car is also less expensive to charge, but also to maintain. On average, the maintenance price of such a vehicle is 25% lower than a thermal model, thanks to a reduced number of mechanical parts, requiring less maintenance and generally less strained brakes.
Also, be aware that some insurance companies offer steep discounts for the purchase of an electric car, which can tip the scales in its favor.
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