What do I need to know before I buy an electric car?

Here’s a checklist of factors you’ll want to consider before becoming an EV owner.

Does it make sense to buy an electric car?

Electric cars cost more to buy, but they’re more affordable to run than gas-powered cars. For one thing, fuel costs are lower. Electric cars are also a lot cheaper to maintain and service because they have fewer moving parts and don’t need oil changes. You can even save money on your car insurance.

Why do people not want to buy electric vehicles?

Charging time (21%) and the hassle of charging (20%) are two of the top reasons why those in the market for a new vehicle would not consider an electric vehicle (EV). Other deterring factors include the cost of charging at home (18%), battery life (15%) and a lack of charging stations (17%).

How much does it cost to install a Level 2 charging station at home?

Cost to Install a Charging Station One of the most common EV charging stations is a wall-mounted system with a Level 2, 240-volt outlet. Installed, these systems cost between $850 and $2,200, or $1,200 on average.

Can I plug my electric car into a regular outlet?

All mass-produced electric vehicles today include a charging unit which you are able to plug into any standard 110v outlet. This unit makes it possible to charge your EV from regular household outlets. The downside of EV charging with a 110v outlet is that it takes a while.

What is a level 2 charging station?

Level 2 charging refers to the voltage that the electric vehicle charger uses (240 volts). Level 2 chargers come in a variety of amperages typically ranging from 16 amps to 40 amps. The two most common Level 2 chargers are 16 and 30 amps, which also may be referred to as 3.3 kW and 7.2 kW respectively.