Know Before You Buy

Using battery technology similar to the battery in your smartphone, but on a much larger scale, EVs convert electricity from the grid into stored energy that is then used to power the electric engine, as well as the rest of the car’s systems, including lights, wipers, air conditioning and entertainment. EVs also have fewer parts than gas-powered cars, meaning there's less maintenance and repairs. 

EV checklist

We've created this checklist to help you consider what to look for when choosing an EV. 

• Daily driving distance – Think: how many miles do I typically drive each day? Consider commuting miles, errands and any other trips you make daily. About 90% of consumers drive 80 miles or less per day. With electric vehicles ranges spanning 100 to 300+ miles on a single charge, an EV can handle the daily demands of most commuters.
• Number of passengers – How many people are in your family? Most electric vehicles on the market today have 5-capacity seating. However, there are a few models that can seat seven, with more models being developed every year. If you have a large family and are concerned about seating capacity, something else you can consider is how often the whole family rides in the car at the same time. If full family trips aren't a daily occurrence, an EV could still work for you, especially if you have another car to use for family trips.
• Carrying capacity – How much stuff do you typically carry around with you in your car? Most electric vehicles have standard-size trunks, perfect for your weekly grocery run. Some EVs have "frunks," or front trunks, for extra storage. Many have rear seats that can lay down to create extra room for storage. New EVs coming to market, such as electric trucks, can even support towing needs, This is an important factor to consider when selecting the right electric vehicle for you. 
• Proximity to charging – Where do you usually park your car? Vehicles spend 75% of their time parked at home, 20% parked at work or out in the community, and only 5% driving from place to place. With all of the idle time that your car spends parked, recharging is easy! Many workplaces now offer free charging to employees, charging infrastructure in the community is expanding daily, and you can charge your EV at home overnight for free with Cobb EMC’s NiteFlex rate.
• Price range – How much would you like to spend on your next car? After federal tax credits and other incentives available, new EVs start in the low $20,000 range, competing with many other cars on the market. Since EV technology has been around for several years now, there is also a large used vehicle market for EVs, making them attainable for almost any budget. 

Think an electric vehicle will work for you? Take this quiz to find your perfect match.