Electric Vehicle Buying Guide
You’ve decided it’s time to purchase an electric vehicle—but what type should you buy? And what other considerations should you keep in mind as you begin shopping? Whether you’re making the switch from an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or are hoping to buy an electric vehicle as your first ride, this guide will walk you through several buying factors particular to EVs so that you can make a more informed purchase decision.
Range needs and EV type
Driving range—the distance you can drive on a single battery charge—varies from model to model and across the different types of EVs.
● BEVs: All-electric, battery-powered vehicles are powered solely by their battery packs and can have a driving range of roughly 100 to 520 miles, depending on the model.
● PHEVs: Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles use both an electric motor powered by a battery and an internal combustion engine powered by fuel. Most PHEVs have a driving range of between 15 and 60 miles before automatically switching to their ICE for propulsion. Their total range can be anywhere between about 290 to 640 miles.
● HEVs: Hybrid electric vehicles do not have an electric-only driving range in the same sense as PHEVs and BEVs, as they do not use a battery that’s charged by plugging into an outlet or charging station. They function more like gas-powered cars, but typically with much better fuel efficiency than ICE-only vehicles due to HEVs use of regenerative braking to power their battery.
For more information, see our guide to today’s different types of EVs.
Each type of EV has different strengths. For example, consumers may find that BEVs are more appealing because they offer a higher all-electric driving range than other types of EVs. However, other consumers may have concerns about an entirely electric-vehicle, such as limitations or inconveniences related to charging infrastructure—in which case, PHEVs or HEVs can be attractive because they allow for the use of gas.
Home charging and local EV charging infrastructure
When choosing which type and model of EV meets your needs, you will want to investigate your home’s current charging setup and capabilities, as well as what charging infrastructure is already in place in your area.
Most new EVs come standard with a portable charging cable that can be plugged into a standard, grounded 120V outlet (the outlet types found in most North American homes). This type of charging is called Level 1 charging and is readily available in most homes with an outlet near or in the garage.
Level 1 charging can typically replenish a PHEV’s smaller battery pack overnight, but it is not fast enough to replenish the full driving range of a BEV in that same time frame (assuming the battery is near depletion at the start of the charge).
Level 2 charging, which requires a 240V outlet for residential applications, significantly reduces the time needed to fully recharge an EV, making it feasible to recharge a BEV overnight and a PHEV in less than a few hours.
On the road, many public charging stations offer Level 2 charging and DC fast charging (also called Level 3 charging), the latter of which is, in turn, much faster than Level 2 charging. If you regularly drive your BEV for significant distances around town, you’ll want easy and reliable access to public charging stations to top up your vehicle’s charge. Most PHEVs, however, are not equipped to handle Level 3 charging.
For more information on charging, please see our articles on How to Charge An EV Anywhere, How to Charge an EV at Home, and EV Charging Levels Differences & Benefits.
Vehicle pricing and financial incentives
As with any major purchase, it’s best to start with a budget in mind when choosing which EV you wish to buy. In particular, you’ll want to consider how much you’re able to put toward a down payment, how much of your monthly income you’re able to put toward regular car payments, and how much you’ll need to keep in your back pocket when maintenance needs arise.
While there’s no exact formula that can tell you how much you should be paying toward your car each month, one popular financial literacy website recommends that you spend no more than 10% of your take home pay on car debt, and less than 20% on car expenses overall.
When it comes to purchasing an EV, there are three additional cost-related factors to keep in mind:
1. As of August 2023, this writing, purchase prices for EVs can be higher than those of a similar ICE vehicle, but these prices are starting to become more comparable. Financial incentives can also bring the number on EV price tags closer to that of their ICE counterparts.
2. Many, but not all, EVs are eligible for federal and state financial incentives. The financial incentive you will see referenced most often is the $7500 federal tax credit in the U.S., but keep in mind that the legislative landscape around these incentives changes frequently. It’s best to speak with your dealer and/or check the Alternative Fuels Data Center Laws and Incentives Database for the most up-to-date information.
3. A BEV’s propulsion system has fewer moving parts than an internal combustion engine, and therefore tends to require less maintenance, and thus typically less costs. You can learn more in our article on EV Maintenance Considerations.
Car cost calculators like the Edmunds Auto Affordability Calculator can provide a helpful starting point for budgeting discussions, but there may be other variables involved.
Cargo and passenger space
The size and type of EV you wish to purchase depends on a host of variables: family size, business needs, lifestyle, and more.
EVs have historically skewed toward being smaller in size, typically coming in compact or midsize platforms. However, an increasing number of manufacturers have recognized the need for larger EVs and have begun answering the call with vehicles that can accommodate more passengers and cargo.
Performance, quality, and experience
In most respects, electric vehicles drive similarly to ICE vehicles, with a few key differences:
• Acceleration: The electric motor of an EV provides near-instant torque, generally giving motorists the ability to accelerate faster.
• Regenerative braking: Most EVs employ regenerative braking, which “feeds energy” back into the EV’s battery to increase driving range. While it typically requires no special action, it can feel different, and in some models regenerative braking activates right as you take your foot off the accelerator, and you may feel the car decelerate more promptly. However, you will still need to press the brake pedal to fully decelerate your vehicle.
• Sound: Without the rumble of an ICE in action, EVs can be noticeably quieter at low speeds. This can take some getting used to, but most drivers quickly adjust to the new hum of their EV.
As with most vehicles, equipment and specifications for EVs, including performance, build, safety features, interior design, and more, will vary—sometimes significantly—between models and manufacturers. Make a list of what safety and convenience features are must-haves and nice-to-have and shop accordingly.
Should you buy an electric car?
As made clear by the above, the answer to this question relies heavily on your driving habits, where you live, your budget, and a variety of other factors. Here is a roundup of questions about your preferences and needs that you should ask and answer as you consider purchasing an electric vehicle.
Range, EV type, and infrastructure:
• How long is your daily commute to work? If you don’t commute, how far do you drive on an average day?
• How often do go on long trips in your vehicle?
• What is the EV infrastructure like in your area? Do you have easy and dependable access to public charging stations? Are there plans to improve said infrastructure?
• Do you have a standard, grounded 120V outlet near or in your garage, and/or is your home wired for 240V Level 2 charging?
• Infrastructure aside, are you comfortable with driving an all-electric vehicle like a BEV, or does the prospect give you range anxiety?
Budget and general:
• What is your budget for your next vehicle?
• Would you prefer to buy or lease your next vehicle?
• Based on your income, are you eligible for any tax credits?
• Is the model of EV you wish to purchase eligible for tax credits?
• How much passenger space and cargo space do you need in your next vehicle?
• What safety and performance features are non-negotiable to you?
• If your home isn’t wired for Level 2 charging already, would you need one and be fine with the associated installation costs?
2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Premium Plus with options shown throughout.
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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is based on the latest competitive information available at the time of posting. Information herein is subject to change without notice and without Mazda incurring any obligations. Please review a variety of resources prior to making a purchasing decision. Visit Resource Center for more articles.