How to Choose the Right EV for your needs

So are you thinking of shifting to EVs and joining the electric revolution? Buying an EV is quite a complicated process, as there are several choices available, but choosing the right EV for you can become tough. Don’t worry as we have prepared an important checklist for you to navigate through the world of EVs and make your EV buying process smooth by filtering out the best EVs for you which will be perfect for understanding your needs and which could fit your life.

Know your Driving Style

Before knowing about the specs and features of the EV, try to know your driving style and needs. What do you really need from your car? This question will surely give you valuable insight into what you really want. It’s important to note that an expensive EV with a bigger battery is just pointless to own if your only goal is to commute to shopping stores and back. Here are some important questions to ask yourself before buying an EV.

For what purpose will you use your car? Is it for daily commutes, adventures and family trips or a mix of everything.

How many people will be traveling in the car? Are you looking for a big 4*4 SUV for the whole family or a compact car for city drives?

Where do you most likely drive? Mostly in the city, on highways, or a combination of both? Are you looking for extreme adventures and weather?

How much distance do you drive in a day? This is very important for the range you need in your EV. We will be discussing it later.

What’s your budget? EVs come in a wide range of price options, so it is important to set a budget.

What features do you want from your EV? Are you putting an emphasis on features or on performance, safety, and technology?

Once you answer these questions, then we can start finding EV matching your needs and evaluate the features it offers.

Calculating Your Daily Range: 

Range anxiety is one of the biggest concerns, especially for first-time EV buyers. The fear of running out of charge before reaching the destination just limits the user’s ability to use its EV within the city. But with little planning, you can find your ideal range which is not too much, nor too little, but just right. Here's how to calculate it:

Calculate your Drives: Use a driving app or your car’s odometer to calculate your daily kilometers. This will help you calculate your mileage and will give you a realistic range. 

Add a Buffer: Add a buffer for unexpected trips, detours, or traffic jams, which can reduce your car’s efficiency. A 20-30% buffer is a good starting point. 

Consider Weather and Terrains: EV cars give lesser range in cold weather and hilly terrains, so if you live in this condition then add another 10-20% buffer.

Battery Depreciation: Just like in petrol and diesel cars, with time their engines depreciate, similarly in EV cars battery depreciates over a period of time. It’s wise to add a potential 10-15% degradation over several years. 

Let’s take a look at the Example:

Let's say your average daily driving is 30 miles.

• Adding a 25% buffer for unexpected trips brings it to 37.5 miles.
• If you are living in a cold climate, adding another 15% will bring it roughly 43 miles.
• With battery depreciation over a long period of time, expectation of your EV with a real-world driving range of around 50 miles.

This calculation will help you to prevent overspending on a big battery EV that you don’t need and will unnecessarily add to extra costs, or buy an EV with low range and scratch your heads for buying an unreliable EV.

Finding a Perfect EV according to your needs.

Range: As we discussed, this is important, companies generally promote advertised ranges to attract customers which are tested under ideal conditions. Look out for real-world reviews about these EVs to find out their actual ideal range.

• Charging Speed: This can help you determine how fast you can charge your EV battery to full charge. If you generally go on long trips, then look out for EVs that provide faster charging options. This allows you to increase your range while doing long road trips.
• Battery Size: The size of the battery is directly related to the range of your EV. Always remember that larger batteries surely do offer more range but take longer time to recharge.
• Motor Power and Performance: If you enjoy sportier driving and just like to rev the peddles, then look for EVs with higher horsepower and torque. But do keep in mind that performance reduces the range.
• Practicality: Decide your EV by the number of people and space you want to accommodate in your car. EVs come in all shapes and sizes, from compact hatchbacks, and sedans to SUVs.
• Features & Tech: EVs are offering a range of next-generation features like ADAS, virtual cockpit displays, and larger touchscreens. Decide what features you want.
• Charging Infrastructure: Research the available charging stations near your home or places where you generally go. If you are living in metro cities, then charging your EVs is rather convenient. Look out for home options also.

Home vs Public Charging

EVs can also be charged at home and this is usually the most convenient and cost-effective option.

Home Charging: Installing a Level 2 charger (240V) at home can rapidly speed up charging compared to the standard wall outlet (Level 1). This is highly recommended for most EV owners. 

Public Charging: Public charging stations are developing at a huge scale and are now increasingly common in metropolitan areas. They offer various levels of charging, ranging from slower Level 2 chargers to ultra-fast DC fast chargers.

Cost Comparison with Petrol

There is no doubt that the cost of EV cars is higher than a similar-spec gasoline car. However, it is also important to consider the cost of ownership.

• Electricity is cheaper than petrol, which can lead to significant cost savings. 
• EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline thus resulting in lower maintenance costs.
• Many governments are offering incentives, tax rebates and schemes for purchasing EVs, which can be a stellar deal for EV buyers.

Finally Test Driving & Research your EV

After going through the above steps and choosing your perfect EV, it's time to get behind the wheel and test drive your car to further strengthen your decision. Driving it in person will give you a feel for its driving dynamics, comfort, and features. Read reviews from reputable sources, so as to give a better understanding about the EVs review and to get some valuable insights.

Choosing a perfect EV is dependent on what you want from your car.  By understanding your needs, calculating your range, and matching those needs to specific EV features, you can find a perfect EV car that can add value to your life and help you enter the world of electric mobility. So, take your time, do your research, and get ready to find your perfect electric companion.