Looking for the best deal when buying a new car is only natural, but shoppers sometimes get so caught up in the sticker price that they don’t think about the long-term cost of a vehicle. This includes basic things like your monthly fuel bill but also maintenance fees over the total lifetime. Many people are deterred by cars that seem to cost more on the face and, therefore, overlook cars that could end up saving them money in the long run. Electric vehicles fall into this category. It certainly doesn’t help the relative newness of EVs makes buyers even more nervous. However, there is a good reason that the technology is quickly taking off and being embraced by automakers the world over.
Aside from being one of the greenest propulsion methods currently available today, the electric motor powertrain also boasts some of the best fuel economy figures. This benefit is compounded on the best small electric cars, which already get great mileage thanks to their size and low weight. However, it’s not all hard work and no play, as EVs can also deliver excellent performance. Even more, economy-minded models can be quite fun, which is not something you’ll often find in models with a gas engine.
Well Grounded
Like any good electrical system, EVs need a grounded foundation. In this case, it takes the form of a charging network. This functions like gas stations for electric vehicles, but ‘refueling’ takes slightly longer. The relatively long charge times of EVs work against them, and the added cost of installing home charging ports can also deter interested shoppers. The ability to charge in public somewhat offsets these problems, as you can recharge while running errands or even at work. Furthermore, many of the charging stations allow for DC fast charging. This means it is possible to regain up to 80% of your vehicle’s maximum range in just a few minutes.
This infrastructure has reached a point of saturation in the USA, which is why now is a good time to consider buying an electric car. However, there may still be some areas that lack these necessary amenities, so it’s still something you need to check before making a purchase.
No Compromise
Modern electric vehicles are not as clunky and oddly designed as they once were. Available now in a variety of configurations, including sedan, coupe, hatchback, crossover, and even pickup truck. The best small electric cars used to have very cramped rear seats and hardly any trunk space to spare, but advances in battery pack technology have allowed automakers to limit the size of these batteries to something manageable. This means that back-seat passengers no longer need to sacrifice legroom, and you can still fit a decent amount of cargo in the trunk.
When you consider that the engine bay is now an empty space that serves as a front trunk, or frunk, you actually get a lot of practicality from a classification that was once considered rife with compromise. Of course, the best subcompact cars need to deliver great value with a small footprint, but EVs take it a step further. That being said, they still don’t have the kind of range that larger vehicles with bigger batteries do.
Urban-centricity
Large pickups like the Ford F-Series or compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 show that American shoppers value ruggedness, power, practicality, and value, but when it comes to city-living, subcompacts have virtues that shouldn’t be overlooked. Crossovers like the Mazda CX-3 have the advantage of ride height as well as an easily accessible cargo bay with room enough for all your daily errands.
Meanwhile, small sedans like the Nissan Versa or hatchbacks make for great commuters with their incredible fuel economy and ease of use. None of these have electric powertrains, though. For that, you’ll need to look to the Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona, and Kia Niro. The latter two are spin-offs of extremely popular crossovers and bring top-notch safety records and reputations for reliability to dispel some of the trepidation directed at the EV market.
Adding the quiet and comfortable driving experience of an electric vehicle to the benefits of a car specifically designed to deal with urban traffic and packed parking lots only makes sense. The easier access to the charging network means that a limited driving range is a non-issue, and most urban businesses will include some form of charging in their parking areas.
Embracing The Future
If all of these benefits are not enough to convince you to take a small EV for a test drive, you may need reminding that the automotive world is moving away from gasoline power. Many brands have already committed themselves to abandon the internal combustion engine completely in the future.
Getting in on the ground floor makes sense, and a compact or subcompact electrical is an affordable way to do just that. With the savings you get from these highly efficient vehicles, you could conceivably save up to buy an even better one as the technology is refined in years to come. They are a great investment in your driving future,
