What you need to know before buying an electric car…..So I almost bought a used EV from a guy who called himself “Tesla Todd.” Yep. That’s where this story starts.
I mean, on the outside, the car looked fine—sleek, shiny, smelled vaguely of cinnamon gum. But my gut was like, “Girl, something’s off.” Spoiler alert: the battery had the life expectancy of a banana left on a sunny dashboard.
Anyway, I learned the hard way that buying an electric car isn’t as simple as “Ooh look! It doesn’t make engine noises!” So let me walk you through some stuff you really should know before buying an electric car—so you don’t end up rage-Googling “emergency EV tow service” like I did that one Tuesday.
So… Why Are You Even Getting an EV?
Let’s be real: if your only reason is because your coworker Chad won’t stop talking about how his Lucid Air makes him feel like Iron Man, maybe take a beat.
Ask yourself:
- Is it about saving money on gas?
- Are you trying to reduce your carbon footprint?
- Are you just kinda into the tech?
Whatever it is, knowing your “why” makes it so much easier to figure out which EV fits your vibe. Like, don’t go full Porsche Taycan if you’re just tryna make Costco runs.
Range Anxiety Is Real (and kinda dramatic, but still real)
Okay, listen. We all think we drive like 18 miles a day max. Until it’s a random Wednesday and you’ve gotta pick up your kid’s forgotten science project, go to Target, then do a U-turn back to your mom’s because she’s locked out again.
And suddenly? You’re sweating over a battery bar that’s not moving.
Here’s the thing:
- Some EVs do over 300 miles per charge. Sweet.
- Some barely push 150. Less sweet.
So know your range needs, and always check your area’s charger map. (Pro tip: Get the PlugShare app—it saved me from charging in the sketchiest Taco Bell parking lot ever.)
Home Charging = Sanity Saver
If you don’t have a garage or a place to install a charger at home, just pause for a sec.
Like… do you really want to depend on public chargers?
‘Cause they can be:
- Full
- Broken
- Hidden behind suspicious storage units
Home charging? Total game changer. I just plug in overnight like it’s a phone and boom—100% by morning. (Unless I forget. Which I do. Often.)
Maintenance Isn’t Nothing, But It’s Less of a Thing
So here’s the wild part—EVs don’t need oil changes. I KNOW.
But don’t get too excited. You’ll still deal with:
- Tire rotation
- Brake fluid (eventually)
- Cabin filters
- And if you mess up your battery? Wooo buddy.
Battery replacements can cost as much as a Disney vacation for four (and that’s without the mouse-shaped ice cream bars).
So yeah. Lower maintenance, but not no maintenance. Just keep it real.
Tax Credits & Rebates = Free-ish Money
You’ve probably heard people say, “You get that sweet tax credit, right?”
Well. Yes and no.
Some cars do qualify for federal and state incentives. Some don’t. Some qualify if they’re built in the U.S., others only if the battery materials are sourced ethically from unicorn tears—it’s confusing.
Just check: 👉 fueleconomy.gov
That site’s been more helpful to me than 98% of my group chat.
EVs Are Weirdly Fast
They look quiet. They act classy. But hit the pedal and suddenly you’re going 0-60 in “OH MY GOD” seconds.
So if your grandma occasionally drives your car? Maybe warn her first.
Also: EVs are heavier than gas cars. So they can feel weird when cornering or braking fast. Just something to get used to.
Resale Value?: what you need to know before buying an electric car
So this is a spicy one. Because EV resale value is a rollercoaster.
Some cars—like Teslas—hold up well. Others? Not so much. Tech changes fast, and batteries degrade. People get nervous buying used EVs unless they know the battery is solid.
If you’re not planning to keep the car long-term, maybe look into leasing instead of buying. I didn’t. I should’ve. Live and learn.
What About Cold Weather?
Oh man. Cold = range drop. Like, dramatic range drop.
My cousin in Minnesota called me crying because her EV went from 280 miles down to 170 on a snowy day. “It’s like it forgot how to be a car,” she sobbed.
If you live somewhere chilly, look for:
- A heat pump (better for battery in winter)
- Pre-conditioning features (warm the car while it’s still plugged in)
- All-wheel drive, if snow is a thing
Final Thoughts about what you need to know before buying an electric car
So yeah. I didn’t end up buying from Tesla Todd, thank goodness. I ended up with a used Chevy Bolt and honestly? Love the little guy. It zips. It fits in weird parking spaces. And it doesn’t smell like cinnamon gum (which I’ve grown to appreciate).
Buying an electric car isn’t for everyone right now. But it can be the best decision ever if you know what you’re getting into.
Ask questions. Test drive everything. Don’t buy from dudes named after car brands.
And most importantly? Make sure it fits your life—not Chad’s.
Recommended Outbound Links:
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation — because learning never hurt anyone
- Rider Magazine’s crash stories — for “I’m not alone in this” laughs and lessons
