You probably know what to look for when you’re shopping for a traditional petrol car – what questions to ask, what aspects to consider, and how to compare vehicles. But if you’re planning to buy an electric vehicle (EV) for the first time, there are a few additional factors that you’ll need to think about.
Here are three vital questions to ask the dealer when you head off to the car yard.
1. What are your EV options?
There are several types of cars that fall under the ‘EV’ banner:
100% battery-powered electric vehicles, or BEVs, for example a Tesla or a Nissan Leaf. These are charged with electricity and require no petrol or diesel. BEV engines are simpler and require less maintenance than petrol engines.
Non-plug-in hybrid vehicles, or HEVs, for example a Toyota Prius. These have both a battery and an internal combustion engine (ICE) that runs on fossil fuels. The battery is powered as you drive, so it does not need to be charged with electricity. An HEV requires refuelling with petrol or diesel, but needs less fuel than a standard internal combustion engine (ICE) car because the battery provides energy at low speeds and when idling.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs, for example a Mitsubishi Outlander. These have both a battery and an ICE engine, and require both recharging the battery and refuelling at the service station. Typically a PHEV uses the battery until it runs out, then switch to the ICE engine.
All these EVs have lower emissions than comparable ICE cars. Each one has its pros and cons, and you’ll need to think about both the emissions and your lifestyle needs to choose which type of EV will work best for you.
In terms of value, if you’re looking at new vehicles, you can see the cost per kilometre using the Gen Less calculator. For used cars, you’ll only be able to get a rough estimate of the cost, but in general the total cost of operating a BEV is lower than a petrol car. The nature of an electric vehicle’s drive system makes maintenance cheaper; PHEVs and HEVs don’t have this advantage because they still have fossil fuelled engines.
2. What is the range – and how healthy is the battery?
Driving range is vital when choosing BEVs, and the stated range from the manufacturer won’t necessarily be achievable in real-world conditions. It will be impacted by the temperature, the type of driving you do, and other factors. Test drive some BEVs and keep an eye on the data read-outs to get a sense of what’s realistic.
Most newer models have range of around 300km or more, which is usually ample for city driving. However, there may be issues that mean a BEV is not the best choice for you. For example:
- You live rurally
- You’re in an area with relatively few charging stations
- You drive long distances daily
- You have nowhere to charge your EV (for instance, you park on the street)
In these cases, you might find a PHEV or HEV suits your life better.
When buying a new EV, ask about the battery’s warranty and what servicing is provided.
For used EVs, ask about the battery’s remaining capacity or 'state of health', which helps you know how much life is left in it. A technician will need to connect diagnostic equipment to the vehicle to give you a read-out. An EV with higher mileage but a battery in good condition may be a better choice than one with lower mileage but with its battery in poorer health.
If you’re worried about your EVs range, don’t forget that AA Roadservice now provides emergency charge for EVs. Find out more about AA’s Mobile EV Charging Vans.
3. What are my charging options?
BEVs and PHEVs should come with a cable that allows you to charge at a public station and also at home. But not all models can be charged at all public EV stations, so always check what’s available for a specific model. There are online resources that show the charging network along with types of charging stations, like Waka Kotahi’s Journey Planner.
A vehicle may also come with a charging cable that you can plug into a standard outlet, so you can charge your car at home without a special plug. However, this type of ‘trickle’ charging tends to be extremely slow, particularly on newer cars. If you are a first-time BEV or PHEV buyer, you should factor in the cost of installing a wall-mounted charger at home – which must be done by an electrician.
Kiwis love their electric vehicles
At first it may seem daunting to switch to charging your car compared to filling up at a petrol station. But Kiwis who switch to EVs tend to adapt quickly to charging, and managing their EVs driving range, reporting high satisfaction rates.
For more information, Gen Less has a useful guide called Buying an Electric Vehicle. Once you’ve bought your EV, it’s important to maintain it so you get the best possible performance and value from your new car. Our 32-point EV Service can help you keep on top of your EV.
Did you know?
AA Money offers EV loans to help you make the switch.