How to choose right electric car?[Ultimate guide]

Today, electric cars are not just a trend; they have become a need of the future. Rising prices of petrol/diesel, pollution control and subsidy offered by the government on EVs have increased the adoption of electric cars. There are several options available in the market, and choosing the right electric car is not easy because they offer a wide range of features. So here we will try to understand how to choose the right electric car.

In this electric car buying guide, we will try to learn how to choose right electric car based on our needs, budget and driving style. [Pros & Cons of overnight car charging]

Decide your driving needs

The first and most important step while choosing the right electric car is to understand the driving needs. Every person’s car usage habits are different, and this determines which electric vehicle is best for you.

Daily Commute

If you are going to use your electric car mostly in the city, then a small electric car should be enough. But if your office is far or you go on long drives frequently, then you should choose an electric car with a larger battery that offers a long driving range.

City Vs Highway Driving

The compact size of the EV car is convenient for driving in city traffic. If you frequently drive on highways, then an electric car with a bigger battery and a fast charging feature is a better choice.

Passenger & Cargo Space

If you have a large family or need to travel frequently with luggage, consider the best 5 or 7-seater electric car.

Tip: Before making any buying decision, consider your driving needs/route, charging infrastructure, and parking availability. These factors will help you in choosing the right electric car for you.

Best car for 1st time drivers

Understand EV range and battery capacity

When choosing the right electric car, understanding EV range and battery capacity is crucial because these two factors significantly impact the vehicle’s range and charging time.

What is EV range?

EV range means that once an electric car is fully charged, how much distance can an electric vehicle travel after being fully charged? For example, a 300 Km range electric car can go for around 300 km under normal driving situations.

Importance of battery capacity

The higher the battery capacity (kWh), the greater the range of the car. A bigger battery takes a longer time to charge, and EVs with bigger batteries are expensive.

Choose a battery according to your needs

If you drive mostly in the city, then 250-300 km range electric cars are good enough. If you frequently go on long drives, then choose an EV with at least 400 km of range.

Tip: Before buying an EV, choose the battery capacity keeping in mind your daily commute and charging options, so that you can get the full benefit of the right electric car in the long run.

Charging infrastructure

Not only battery and range, but the charging infrastructure also plays an important role in choosing the right electric car. A good EV will prove to be convenient only if you have adequate charging facilities available.

1. Home Charging- If an electricity connection is available at your parking space, then setting up a charging setup is a good option. You can easily charge your EV fully overnight.
2. Public Charging Station- Before buying an EV, make sure to check the availability of public charging stations in your city or travel route. The charging network in India is growing rapidly, but it is still limited in many places.
3. Importance of fast charging- For long-distance travelling, the fast charging feature is important. The fast charger can charge the battery up to 80% in 30–40 minutes, which saves both time and convenience.
4. App & Navigation support- Many electric vehicles come with a feature to locate the nearest charging station in their app or navigation system. This feature is very helpful during long journeys.

Tip: Before buying an EV, assess the status of the charging infrastructure in your area and on your regular travel route, so that you don’t face any charging issues after choosing the right electric car.

Budget and Incentives

While choosing the right electric car, budget is one of the most important factors. The initial cost of an EV may be higher than that of petrol or diesel cars, but it proves to be less expensive in the long run.

1. Initial cost vs long-term savings- The Initial cost of an electric car is high, but the overall expense balances out over time due to fuel savings and lower maintenance costs.
2. Government incentives and EV subsidy- The Indian government and other state governments offer subsidies and tax benefits on EV purchase. Before buying an EV, always find out about the government schemes.
3. Battery warranty and replacement cost- Battery is the most expensive part of an EV, so always check the warranty on the battery offered by the manufacturer. A longer battery warranty can help you save on replacement costs.
4. Total Ownership Cost- While choosing an electric car, it’s not just about buying cost, you should also consider insurance, charging cost and long-term maintenance cost.

Tip: If you use government incentives and subsidies, it will help you save a good amount when you choose the right electric car for you, which will be beneficial in the long term.

Performance & Features

An electric car should not just be good at battery and range, it should also offer performance and features that can improve the driving experience.

1. Acceleration & driving comfort- Electric vehicles offer instant torque, which significantly improves the initial pickup. Always check the car’s smoothness, braking and steering response while test driving.
2. Safety features- Airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and ADAS are important safety features.
3. Smart connectivity- Touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone connectivity, voice control, and app-based control make driving easy & hassle-free.
4. Climate control and comfort- Features like automatic climate control, ventilated seats and panoramic sunroof can make travelling comfortable.
5. Driving modes – Different driving modes, such as Eco, Normal, and Sports, help you manage performance and battery efficiency as needed.

Tip: The right electric car is the one that fits in your driving style and fulfils the safety and technology needs.

How to choose the right electric car: Conclusion

Choosing the right electric car is not just a purchasing decision, but a choice of long-term convenience, savings and responsibility towards the environment.

When choosing an electric car, you should consider your driving needs, battery capacity, charging infrastructure, budget, performance, etc…

Remember, an electric vehicle is not just a vehicle but a smart investment that will give you fuel savings, lower maintenance and a better driving experience in the years to come. So this was all about how to choose the right electric car.