Driving an electric vehicle is tempting to anyone who pays for a lot of fossil fuel. Who wouldn’t want to dump a gas guzzler in favor of a car that runs on electric or solar power? But before ditching your gas-engine vehicle, some factors must be taken into consideration.

The most significant benefit of electric vehicle ownership is having reduced dependence on gasoline or diesel fuel. However, electric-powered vehicles come with their own set of concerns and expenses.

How Far Do You Usually Drive?

Most electric vehicles have limited ranges due to battery life. 

Generally, motorists driving 75 miles or less in a single trip should have few concerns. However, if you enjoy jumping in the car and seeing where life takes you or driving long distances, this could present limitations. With a gas-engine car, you can fuel up anywhere and keep moving. While electrical charging stations are available, it could take planning and time to find stations to recharge your battery. However, the range for EVs is expanding, which is good news for EV drivers. 

Is Driving One of Your Job Duties?

Sales representatives and other workers who drive significant distances as part of their job could find electric vehicles unworkable. However, gas-engine cars are always reliable, and gas is easily accessible, albeit getting more expensive all the time. 

Do You Rent or Own a Home?

Like other types of technology, the only way to keep an electric car running is by charging it. To accommodate the new addition, you’ll need the ability to install a specialized charger in your garage. If you are a renter, this alone could be a deal killer. Whatever the case, it’s a no-go without a way to charge your car at home conveniently. In addition, installing a car charger in your home represents more upfront expenses if this is a concern.

Are You Single or Driving for a Family?

Most single people with predictable driving schedules and access to a charger can drive an EV with confidence. Transporting a family around is a different story, though. If using an electric car as a primary means of transportation, many trips can exceed the recommended driving range. For example, you may have to take the kids to soccer practice or run to the store. However, electric and alternative energy cars can easily handle short runs and daily driving without much issue.

Let Your Lifestyle Decide

Ultimately, deciding to purchase an electric vehicle will come down to whether it fits your lifestyle or not. For most drivers, the limitations in range and the need to recharge are the main considerations. 

Interestingly, did you know that Tesla has a Semi Car Hauler in concept? Check it out!

Electric cars are on the trend today because of their environmental advantage. But sometimes it is difficult to separate the hype from the sound buying advice. When it comes time to buy your next car, will it run on electricity, gas, diesel, or some exotic combination? Will it help or hurt the environment, and will you be able to afford a more environmentally friendly alternative?

One way to answer these questions is to listen to the news. GM recently made big news when they announced it was committing to no less than 30 electric cars this decade. That is a major commitment. But this serves as further proof that the future of transportation is cleaner and greener than ever before.

Tesla may be soaking up all the headlines with its larger-than-life CEO. The industry stalwarts like General Motors are clearly not left out of the equation. In fact, GM may actually have the edge on its upstart competitors with more than a century’s worth of innovation and success driving its future innovations.

With this new announcement, GM is making it crystal clear that electric cars are not a flash in the pan or an aim at well-heeled drivers. Instead of electric cars being the odd ones out, GM sees them as the new standard. Indeed, GM has now announced its commitment to an all-electric future; committing to produce 30 such vehicles by 2025 is only the beginning.

For practical buying advice, what this means for drivers is that their next cars are likely to be electric. It is clear that electric cars have a number of built-in advantages such as fuel economy and cost of ownership. It is also environmentally friendly design and compliance with future regulations as well.

If you are planning to get one and ship it out, make sure to read our post on ship car to another state to save you from stress in shipping your electric car!