Why and how: The more electric vehicles, the more driver benefits?

Do you want to own an electric vehicle? Well, there are many things you need to know about it. You can know most of this in the instruction manual given together with the vehicle. But, there is more to the operation instructions of an electric vehicle.

In this article from Philkotse.com, you will know the basics of electric vehicles from its meaning, operation, and guidelines in owning an EV.

There is more to the operation instructions of an electric vehicle

What is an EV?

This is the first thing you need to know about EV before you buy one. EV stands for the "electric vehicles." It is driven by an electric motor as a replacement for a gasoline engine. The accelerator pedal dictates the power that the controller gives to the electric motor.

An electric car uses the stored energy in rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be recharged through common household electricity.

Compared to a hybrid car, an EV is quite simple. A hybrid car is operated by gasoline and makes use of a motor and a battery for efficiency. But, an EV is driven only by electricity.

An EV is driven only by electricity

Back then, EV was not in trend to be used due to many reasons. It has a limited driving range, charging issues, and a lack of automakers' commitment to endorse and produce it. This has changed nowadays.

As technology improves, the battery also upgraded. It has increased its energy storage, faster charging times, a new group of EV's by automakers, and, most important, reduced cost.

>>> Make sure you know:

• Hybrid cars in the Philippines: Pros & Cons and Differences from Electric cars
• EV Buyer's Guide: 7 common kinds of EV charger

What are the advantages of an electric vehicle?

There are many advantages to having an electric vehicle. These are the reasons why you should buy an electric car. Here are the benefits of an EV.

1. The electric vehicle is economical and does not need fuel to operate

Regular fuel up of your car to gas stations is very expensive. Gasoline prices are also fluctuating consistently. If you choose to buy an electric vehicle, you will not have to mind the prices of gasoline.

You will not need it because you only need electricity. Also, electricity is cheaper than gasoline. It has a stable price point, also unlike gasoline, that is unstable.

If you choose to buy an electric vehicle, you will not have to mind the prices of gasoline

Moreover, you can reduce more of your costs by installing solar panels into your rooftop. You can use this in charging your electric vehicle.

Having yourself a solar panel, you also reduce your monthly bill on electricity. With this, you save more money rather than having a conventional vehicle.

2. The emissions from electric cars are reduced, making it more economical

Nowadays, we are suffering from climate change and global warming due to pollution. One of these is air pollution and as most people know, emissions from your car is a great contributor to this.

CO2 emissions from fuel-operate vehicles greatly help in accelerating climate change through greenhouse gases.

To reduce and prevent these gases, using an EV is one way to do it. The electric cars don't discharge carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The electric cars don't discharge carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Electric cars are also built more economical than conventional cars. The electric car's battery can be recycled.

Also, the fuel of EV can be from different sources that are renewable. These are solar, hydropower, and wind, while gasoline can be produced only through extraction and many processes.

>>> Relevant article: Top 9 most successful electric vehicles brands in 2019

3. There is no internal combustion engine in an EV

This is one of the best advantages of an EV, unlike conventional vehicles that needed general repair and maintenance issues.

You will not worry about some maintenance and repair, such as coolant flushes, oil changes, and tune-ups. The brake life of an EV is longer than that of conventional ones. 

You will not worry about some maintenance and repair, such as coolant flushes, oil changes, and tune-ups

What are the things to know about owning an EV?

Now that you have gained a little knowledge about EV let us now move on the things to know before buying an EV.

1. Search for the right EV for you

This is the first thing you need to do if you're going to buy an EV. Searching and finding a car through a dealer or salesperson.

Once you choose a model, canvass to many car dealers in your area to see the best deal they offer. With this, you can save money because you can choose the cheaper deal.

Once you choose a model, canvass to many car dealers in your area to see the best deal they offer

2. Know the limited range

If you choose the smaller and affordable EV, they also have a limited range. Nissan Leaf, for example, has around a limit range of 80 to 90 miles. As time passes by, it is said that the range decreases up to 60 to 70 miles.

Other models will deliver for about 100 miles, and some may also go for 125 miles. But, these electric vehicles will cost more.

If you are only going to use the vehicle for a close range, consider buying the cheap one. You don't need the expensive one if you do not use it to its full potential.

3. Check the life of the battery

If you are going to buy a used or old EV, this is the biggest concern for you. It is very important to check the battery life because it is the one operating your vehicle. You can check the life of the battery through a mechanic or a dealer.

Of course, go for the one with long battery life. Moreover, avoid electric vehicles that have been exposed to extreme cold or hot climates. Weather conditions greatly affect the battery life of your car.

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If you are going to buy a used or old EV, this is the biggest concern for you

4. Conduct a physical examination in the electric vehicle

Even the electric vehicles don't come up with an engine. It is still being driven on the road like others. Check for any wear on windshield wipers and tires, especially if it is an old or used EV.

Be prepared to replace them and choose a better one. Make sure also that the EV you want has a charge card that enables you to charge it to a 120-volts outlet.

>>> Worth reading: Pros & Cons of Buying Used Electric Vehicles

5. Consider a CPO electric vehicle

While it is cheaper to buy from private sectors, it might be better to spend more on Certified pre-owned EV.

A CPO electric car goes through more hard inspection and coverage to certain features unrelated to the main components. Also, most of the CPO vehicles will have low mileage. It is also well-cared for and off-lease.