We all ask ourselves the question concerning the profitability or the amortization of an electric vehicle. New or used electric vehicles are often more expensive than a combustion vehicle and it is legitimate to wonder about the profitability of this purchase in the medium or long term.
Since Toyota launched its Prius, the automotive world has pushed the electrification of cars to the next level. Today, electric cars cover all segments. From the Porsche Taycan to the Renault Twingo, several models and prices are now available on our market.
But the question persists, "Is an electric vehicle right for me?"
Things to consider before buying an electric vehicle
Buying an electric vehicle is a thoughtful process. There are several factors to consider such as commute, budget, buying an electric charging station and electric car range. It is also important to find out about purchase incentives that may apply to new and used vehicles.
- Commuting
Commuting is the number one factor in determining whether an electric vehicle is right for you. Many buyers suffer from empty battery syndrome even though most ranges today easily exceed 200 km of range.
o 65 km or less
Do you need 65 km or less to get to work? Even the current base model like the Mazda MX-30, one of the shortest-range electric vehicles with only 200 km in Europe or 160 km in North America, will still have between 30 and 70 km of range after a full day's drive.
Even in the winter conditions found in Northern Europe or Canada, electric vehicles will lose about 12% of their range. So if your daily commute is 65 km or less, an electric vehicle may be right for you.
o 65 to 100 km
If your commute is longer, you may start to worry about your maximum range.
You might want to consider the Renault Zoe which, with close to 300km, will give you more peace of mind. Moreover, depending on the region where you live and where you drive, you have to consider the temperature, which can reduce your range by almost 40% in very cold weather.
o More than 100 km
If you drive a lot and travel more than 100 km per trip, you will find that vehicles with a small battery are a little short for you. You may want to consider a longer range model, such as the Kia Niro EV [https://www.auto123.com/fr/essais-routiers/kia-niro-ev-essai-long-terme-partie-4/68485/] or Hyundai Kona EV [https://www.auto123.com/fr/essais-routiers/hyundai-kona-electrique-2019-essai-routier/65780/] Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E or a Renault Megane that offers over 470km of range. However, with these longer ranges come significantly higher prices and higher charging costs.
- Budget
Electric cars are still expensive. For the same size, a thermal vehicle will always be cheaper than the electric equivalent. For this, the calculator is important to make the right calculations. Fortunately, at the moment, the government is willing to subsidize electric vehicles.
Why a bonus? There is a will of the governments to encourage drivers to switch to electric cars.
The best known is the ecological bonus with a ceiling of 5,000 €. Only fully electric vehicles and some plug-in hybrids or hydrogen vehicles are eligible.
Additional expenses
After the purchase of an electric vehicle, the terminal is the essential purchase. Before installing or having your charging station installed, a professional must first check your electrical installation. After the verification, you must choose the right charging station for your vehicle and the desired charging speed.
- Maintenance savings
Because electric vehicles do not have combustion engines, they have lower maintenance costs. The only maintenance items on an electric vehicle include tires, brakes, suspension components and steering components.
- Fast chargers
Unlike gasoline-powered cars, you can't just walk into any gas station and fill up your electric vehicle in minutes. Charging an electric vehicle takes planning, as they can sometimes take hours to reach a full charge.
Recent advances have introduced fast charging capabilities that can recharge a battery from 5 to 80 percent of its electric range in less than 45 minutes. However, these chargers are not available to everyone, especially those living in areas far from major highways.
You should therefore consult the list of fast charging stations installed in your area.
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