Cost efficiency, environmental benefits, and innovative technology—there are so many reasons to buy an electric car. But when it comes to actually buying an electric car, how do you know you’re choosing the best one for your needs and budget?
With so many unanswered questions about EVs, it can be difficult to know what to look for when buying an electric car. And considering the fact that the electric car market share is projected to reach 50% by 2030, now is the perfect time to understand the EV buying process.
Don’t fret! We’ve put together an entire electric car series to answer all of your EV questions. From the best electric cars to the different types of EVs and where to buy one, read on to understand the top tips when buying an electric car.
What to Know Before Buying an Electric Car
When it comes to choosing the best electric car, there are a few tips to consider before jumping into the process. While it can all seem a bit overwhelming, the easiest way to buy an electric car is to talk it through with an expert. At Diepholz Auto, that’s exactly what we’re here for. We want to ensure you make an informed decision based on the newest trends and features in the EV industry.
Like any car purchase, buying the right electric car starts with prioritizing your needs and budget. Before purchasing an electric car, consider:
- What’s your budget? Deciding on a budget can be challenging, no matter what type of car you’re looking to buy. It may be helpful to know that the average transaction price for an electric vehicle is $56,437, according to Kelley Blue Book. Keep in mind this includes luxury electric cars. The cheapest electric cars start at just $25,000 new, while the most expensive luxury EVs range into the hundreds of thousands.
- Where do you drive? Consider what your needs are based on where and how you drive your car. Do you use it just for daily tasks like going to work and dropping off the kids? Or, do you use it for long business trips? Considering this question will help you identify the charging range you’ll need.
Types of Electric Cars
When choosing an electric car, it’s essential to understand the different types of all-electric and hybrid electric vehicles as well as how EVs work. Because hybrid vehicles have been a popular option for some time, many consumers confuse the differences between all-electric and hybrid.
Simply put, there are three main types of electric vehicles: battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid electric vehicles.
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs or EVs): EVs are what most people think of when it comes to electric cars. Electric vehicles do not have traditional gas engines at all, meaning they don’t require oil. Instead, EVs rely on electricity from battery packs. EVs are charged using a home charger or public charging station, costing around $6 to fill up completely.
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): Plug-in hybrids are a bridge between EVs and regular cars. They feature a gasoline engine and an electric battery pack. Typically, PHEVs use the electricity stored in the battery pack first and switch over to gas when needed. While these battery packs are smaller than EVs, you still get a functional charge range.
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): Hybrid vehicles feature a gasoline-powered engine paired with an electric motor. Unlike PHEVs, they cannot be plugged in. The purpose of an HEV is to improve your fuel economy.
Best Electric Cars to Buy
Although the electric car industry is just beginning, there are increasingly more options on the market each year. It’s hard to know where to start if you're considering buying an EV. That’s why we did the work for you!
Whether you’re looking for the best truck or the best in luxury, we’ve put together the top choices when it comes to electric cars. Read on to learn more about the best EVs to buy.
Best Truck: Chevy Silverado
Mile Range: Up to 400 miles of all-electric range on a full charge.
Charging: Level 1 120-Volt and Level 2 240-Volt.
The new Chevy Silverado is designed to be sleek and agile while offering maximum range capability. Developed from the ground up as a fully-electric truck, the Silverado EV offers a boundary-breaking combination of capability, performance, and versatility, along with advanced technologies. Key features include four-wheel steering, Automatic Adaptive Air Suspension Multi-Flex Midgate, trailering-capable Super Cruise, and panoramic fixed-glass roof.
The Silverado EV also includes Ultifi*, a General Motors’ software platform that enables seamless delivery of upgrades, personalization options, and new and exciting apps to drivers on demand.
Best All-Terrain: GMC Hummer
Mile Range: Up to 350 miles of all-electric range on a full charge.
Charging: Level 1 120-Volt, Level 2 240-Volt, and DC Fast Charging.
The GMC Hummer EV is an all-electric super truck, engineered to conquer any terrain. The Hummer EV combines the features of a pickup with the benefits of an SUV so you can enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. With intuitive Hummer EV technology at the helm, off-roading will never be the same. The GMC Hummer EV performance features highlight its strength on and off the road. The HUMMER EV Edition 1 range reaches up to 350 miles, allowing Illinois GMC fans to travel farther and for longer.
The HUMMER EV truck is equipped with three motors that generate up to 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pound-feet of torque combined without any fuel. Other notable features include One-Pedal Driving, Regen on Demand™ steering-wheel paddle, 800-Volt DC Fast Charger Capability, e4WD propulsion system with Torque Vectoring, and Ultium 24-module battery system.
Best Luxury: Cadillac LYRIQ
Mile Range: Estimated 312 miles of all-electric range on a full charge.
Charging: Level 1 120-Volt, Level 2 240-Volt, and DC Fast Charging.
The Cadillac LYRIQ SUV has a 12-module/100.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel Ultium Drive unit that delivers a thrilling 340 horsepower.1 The all-electric Cadillac LYRIQ also offers driving modes that adapt to changing road conditions. Ranging from Sport to My Mode, the new LYRIQ puts the control in your hands. Other Cadillac LYRIQ features include up to 340 horsepower, Isolated Precision 5-link suspension system, Driver Mode Selector, 19-speaker audio system, and Next-Generation Active Noise Cancellation.
Relish in a world of comfort and relaxation when you drive the LYRIQ SUV thanks to Super Cruise™ hands-free driver-assistance technology, which can automatically activate the turn signal and adjust steering when necessary.
Where to Buy Electric cars
Where to buy electric cars can be another challenging part of the shopping experience. With many electric vehicle manufacturers just starting production, many models are set to release within the next year or two. It’s a good idea to reserve your electric car now to ensure the quickest turnaround time.
Another critical piece to the buying journey is finding a dealership you trust. The right auto dealership can help answer your questions about the different electric car models and features to help you choose the right one. We know that buying a car is a big deal—and the right one at that! That’s why Diepholz Auto is here to help you at any stage of the process. Are you looking for electric vehicle recommendations or curious about specific features? We can help answer all your questions and assist you in reserving your electric car today.
AdChoices