Purchasing an electric car for the first time can be tricky. Even though we know that eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs) are the future of transportation, it is sometimes hard to understand some technical terms that sellers randomly throw at you.

From specifications to price, tax benefits to maintenance, here’s what you should keep in mind before buying your dream electric car.

Price

Electric cars are not that cheap. They are costly because of their electric drive train and battery packs. In India, even a small electric hatchback car is priced over 6 lakh. So, if you want to purchase an electric car, you should keep your budget in mind.

Also read: All you need to know about Hummer’s all-electric Supertruck

Specifications

Electric cars come with a wide range of electric motors and battery packs. Always take expert advice to match your requirements. Go through the technical details before buying the car.

Battery life

Battery packs are the soul of electric vehicles. Therefore, always check the battery life of a car before purchasing it. It is important to note that battery packs are expensive and replacing them is not pocket-friendly.

Tax benefits

The Indian government offers some benefits to EV owners, such as reduced goods and services tax (GST). Make sure to search for such tax incentives before purchasing an electric vehicle.

Also read: Jaguar I- Pace electric SUV launched in India, price starts at Rs 1.06 crores

Infrastructure

While EV infrastructure is being updated in major cities, it is not something you’d find in smaller cities and villages. You can’t find charging stations as frequently as fuel stations. To charge your EV, you need a charging socket and a significant amount of time. 

Range

While it’s a question of ‘how much’ in terms of the mileage of a petrol or diesel car, the question with EVs is ‘how many’. Note how many miles can the EV travel per full charge to get an idea about its range.

Maintenance cost

Electric cars are quite easy to maintain. However, the repair bills could be expensive in case of a major breakdown. The spare parts of EVs are also quite expensive. 

Car insurance

Insurance is a must for EVs as the cost of an EV is very high. Any minor damages to the electric car could attract a large repair bill. It is always better to be on the safe side.