Buying an EV amid high demand and supply chain issues

March 25, 2022 by admin 32 Comments

With record-setting gasoline prices across the nation, an increasing number of drivers are considering electric vehicles (EVs). Searches for new plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles are at record levels, increasing by over 60% since the beginning of March according to a report by MarketWatch. Unfortunately, global supply chain issues are making it more difficult to make the switch.

If you’re considering any new vehicle right now, whether electric or not, you may be facing higher prices and longer wait times right now. We encourage you to expand your search geographically, as the perfect vehicle for you may be available a few towns over. In addition, there are more than 70 models of EVs now available in the U.S., our website PlugStar.com is available to compare all of the different vehicles now available.

Some dealerships still have vehicles available on their lots and are updating their websites daily. Across the nation, there are more than 20,000 EVs available for purchase. With such a hot market, your first step should be to call the seller for availability. More often than not, vehicles will sell within the first few days of being posted online. Our advice: if you see a vehicle that fits within your criteria, don’t wait to reach out.

This is also a great time to consider a pre-owned vehicle. Used EVs have fewer moving parts that can break or fail and they require less maintenance, so you can find a dependable vehicle, such as a Chevy Volt or Nissan LEAF, at a reasonable price. While used EVs may not have the 250+ miles range of new vehicles, they provide a solution to skyrocketing energy costs while still being useful and fun to drive.

Our Used EV Buyer’s Guide also provides a comprehensive list of what to look for when shopping for a pre-owned EV. There are many factors to consider, such as battery health, usable range, and charging options. While EV batteries are known to last the life of the vehicle, a used EV may have less range than when it was new. Using apps like Plugshare or A Better Route Planner will help you find local charging station information and help you plan your charging stops on longer trips.

Recurrent allows you to see a used vehicle’s battery health and compare it to battery health statistics of the same make and model. This is important to make sure that the vehicle you are thinking of purchasing will provide the range you need to drive without worry. Most manufacturers have a lengthy warranty on EV batteries and their related components, usually for around 8-10 years and 100,000 miles. Also, be sure to check with your local state and city municipalities for EV incentives such as reduced electricity rates, tax credits, or rebates to help make the transition to an EV or PHEV easier.

Although buying a new or pre-owned EV in these strange times comes with a unique set of difficulties, it is still possible to find a vehicle that works for you. Once you go electric, you won’t go back!

This article was originally published by Pluginamerica.org. Read the original article here.