The Complete EV Buying Guide

EPA Range vs. Real-World Range: The advertised EPA range is an estimate. Highway driving, extreme heat (common in Florida), and using the AC will lower your actual range. Expect about 80-90% of the EPA range in real-world conditions.

Battery Degradation: EV batteries lose a small amount of capacity over time (typically 1-2% per year). Federal law mandates that EV batteries be warrantied for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles.

Level 1 (120V): Plugs into a standard wall outlet. Adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour. Good for plug-in hybrids, but usually too slow for full EVs.

Level 2 (240V): Requires a dedicated circuit (like an electric dryer). Adds 20-30 miles of range per hour. Essential for overnight home charging.

DC Fast Charging (Level 3): Found at public stations (Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America). Can charge a battery from 10% to 80% in 20-40 minutes.

The federal EV tax credit offers up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs.

• Point of Sale: You can now transfer the credit to the dealer to reduce the purchase price immediately, rather than waiting for tax season.
• Income Limits: Apply for both new ($300k married/$150k single) and used ($150k married/$75k single) EVs.
• Vehicle Limits: The vehicle must meet specific battery sourcing and price cap requirements.

EVs generally have a higher upfront purchase price but lower ongoing costs.

• Maintenance: EVs have no oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid. Brake pads last much longer due to regenerative braking.
• Tires: EVs are heavy and have high torque. Expect to replace tires more frequently than on a gas car.
• Insurance: EV insurance can be slightly higher due to specialized repair costs for battery packs.