Buying
Choosing an EV Model Checklist
Selecting the right electric vehicle (EV) model can be a daunting task with so many options on the market. Discover key factors to consider, ensuring you pick the perfect EV tailored to your needs and preferences.
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Checklist
- Driving Range: Determine your daily driving distance and consider occasional longer trips or vacations.
- Charging Infrastructure: Check the availability of charging stations near home and work, compatibility with home charging setups, and charging speed options.
- Vehicle Size and Style: Consider passenger capacity, cargo needs, and preferred vehicle styles such as sedan, SUV, or truck.
- Budget: Set a maximum budget, look for rebates or incentives, and consider the total cost of ownership including potential fuel savings.
- Features and Technology: Prioritize essential tech and comfort features.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research brand reliability, read owner reviews, and consider warranties and customer service.
- Battery Warranty and Longevity: Review the battery warranty duration and research average battery life and potential replacement costs.
- Environmental Impact: Reflect on the environmental benefits of different models and any available lifecycle emissions data.
- Resale Value: Investigate models known for high resale value and consider long-term resale benefits.
- Test Drive Experience: Always test drive potential models, noting comfort, handling, noise levels, and overall driving feel.
- Cold Weather Performance: In colder climates, battery performance can degrade, and heating the car can consume more energy. Some EVs handle this better than others. Research how your chosen model performs in cold conditions.
- App Integration & Functionality: Many EVs come with their dedicated apps for remote functions like pre-conditioning, checking charge status, or even locating the car. Test out or research the user-friendliness and reliability of these apps.
- Tire Availability and Cost: Some electric cars use specific tire sizes that might be more expensive or harder to find. It's worth checking the availability and price of replacement tires for the models you're considering.
- Futureproofing: As technology evolves, some newer EVs offer over-the-air updates that can improve vehicle performance, range, or even fix bugs. Consider models that provide this feature for longer-term peace of mind.
- Crash Test Ratings: Always check the crash test ratings from recognized institutions.
- Advanced Safety Features: Look for models that offer advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Some of these features might come standard, while others could be part of an optional package.
- Battery Safety: Investigate any history or reports of battery-related incidents, such as fires or malfunctions. While these incidents are rare, it's always good to be informed.
- Pedestrian Safety: Some EVs are very quiet, which can be a concern for pedestrians. Some models have added pedestrian warning sounds at low speeds. Understand how each model addresses this concern.
- Vehicle Weight: EVs tend to be heavier due to their batteries. See how each vehicle's weight plays into its safety and handling characteristics.
Tips
If you're purchasing a fleet of EVs, it introduces some unique considerations. Here are additional tips tailored for fleet buyers:
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Beyond the initial purchase price, consider maintenance costs, energy consumption, potential fuel savings, and resale value over the expected lifespan of the vehicles.
- Charging Infrastructure Scalability: If you're planning to expand your fleet in the future, ensure that your charging infrastructure can handle more EVs without significant additional costs.
- Bulk Purchase Discounts: Some manufacturers or dealers may offer discounts or incentives for bulk purchases.
- Vehicle Tracking and Management: Consider vehicles with integrated fleet management software or ensure compatibility with third-party fleet management systems to monitor vehicle location, state of charge, maintenance needs, and driver behavior.
- Uniformity vs. Diversity: While uniformity might simplify maintenance and training, having diverse vehicle types could cater to varied use-cases within the organization.
- Driver Training: Account for potential training sessions for drivers transitioning from traditional vehicles to EVs, covering aspects like efficient driving, charging protocols, and regenerative braking.
- Downtime Management: Since EVs might need to be out of service during charging, plan logistics accordingly. Fast chargers or rotational usage might mitigate downtime.
- Incentives and Grants: Some local or national governments might offer incentives for businesses transitioning to electric fleets, both for vehicle purchases and charging infrastructure setup.
- Residual Value & Leasing Options: Investigate if leasing EVs makes more financial sense for your organization, especially given the rate at which EV technology evolves. Also, consider the projected residual value of the EVs at the end of your planned usage period.
- Environmental Reporting: For businesses keen on sustainability reporting, consider how switching to an EV fleet will impact your carbon footprint and how you can leverage this in communications and marketing.
- Maintenance Protocols: EVs generally require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, but the nature of maintenance is different. Set up a clear protocol with service providers or in-house teams for regular checks and any necessary repairs.
- Pilot Program: Before transitioning entirely, run a pilot program with a few EVs to gather real-world data, understand challenges, and get feedback from drivers.
- Battery Degradation: Understand the rate of battery capacity loss for the models you're considering. Over time, as the battery's capacity decreases, so will the vehicle's range.
- End-of-life Battery Strategy: Have a plan for what you'll do with the batteries once they've degraded beyond suitable use for driving. Some can be repurposed for stationary energy storage, while others might be returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
- Access to New Technology: The EV landscape is rapidly evolving. Consider options like leasing over buying, so your fleet can have easier access to newer technologies without being tied down to rapidly aging assets.
- Charging Time Shift: To reduce electricity costs and grid impact, consider charging fleet vehicles during off-peak hours, especially if your fleet is large.
- Green Energy Procurement: If sustainability is a key driver, consider sourcing renewable energy for your charging needs. This could be through green energy programs with your utility or by installing renewable energy sources on-site.
- Feedback Mechanism: Set up a system where drivers can provide feedback on the vehicles, charging process, or any challenges they face. This continuous feedback can help troubleshoot issues early on.
- Insurance and Liability: Check with your insurance provider on how adding EVs might affect premiums or coverage. Ensure that liabilities related to charging equipment, especially if publicly accessible, are also covered.
Considering these points alongside general EV buying tips will help ensure a smooth transition to an electric fleet and maximize the benefits of such a move.
About EVcourse
EVcourse is a collection of checklists for people interested in the Electric Vehicle industry
