Questions to Ask Before Buying an Electric Car

The electric car market is booming and more Chapel Hill drivers are considering making the switch to electrified cars than ever before. Models like the Cadillac LYRIQ are built on the cutting-edge of electrified powertrain technology and are filled with luxury features, premium convenience amenities, and sophisticated comfort. But, before committing to a new electric ride, it’s important to understand that switching to an EV will change the way you drive. Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint has compiled a list of questions to ask before buying an electric car to help ensure that a new electric model is the right choice for your Raleigh drives.

What to Know Before Buying an Electric Car

Before buying an electric car, make sure you know the answers to the following questions:

What is EV’s Range?

Of all the information to know before buying an electric car, range is one of the most important. An EV’s range, or how far it can go on a single full battery charge, can tell you how often you’ll need to charge your EV, and whether or not you feel comfortable taking the EV on road trips or long commutes. For instance, the 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ boasts up to 314 miles of range on a full charge, a near equivalent to most gas-powered model’s range on a full tank.

Where & How Will You Charge Your EV?

Instead of fueling up at your local Cary gas station, your new EV will need to be plugged into a dedicated electric car charger. There are three types of charging available: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging. See the differences below:

• Level 1 Charging: While Level 1 charging is one of the most accessible forms of EV charging, it’s also the slowest. Level 1 charging can be found in any standard household 120-volt outlet, but can take more than 24 hours to fully charge a EV.
• Level 2 Charging: The most convenient way to charge your EV is with a dedicated Level 2 charger installed in your home. Cadillac offers a Level 2 home charging station that can give the Cadillac LYRIQ up to 51 miles of range in an hour, making it perfect for overnight charging or top-ups between errands.
• Level 3 Charging: Level 3 charging, also called DC fast charging, is only available at public charging stations but can give your EV significant range in as little as half an hour.

What EV Incentives Can You Take Advantage Of?

While EVs tend to cost more than traditional gas-powered vehicles, several federal, state, and local government incentives can save you money on either the vehicle, your home charging station installation, or both! Talk to our finance department to see what kind of EV incentives you may qualify for.

Will You Still Need a Gas-Powered Vehicle?

The short answer: no. An EV with sufficient range, like the Cadillac LYRIQ, can often be driven in your day-to-day life as if it were a gas-powered vehicle with very little changes required. That said, if you plan to go on long road trips regularly, planning routes around where you can find Level 3 charging stations could be difficult. If you’re concerned about range and road trip planning, consider renting a gas-powered vehicle for long journeys to simplify the process.

Should You Lease or Buy an EV?

One of the most important questions to ask before buying an electric car is whether you plan to buy or lease. As mentioned previously, EVs are currently more expensive upfront than other new vehicles, which may not quite fit into your budget. If that’s the case, or if you’d like to test out the EV life before committing, a lease might be the right choice for your lifestyle. If, however, you want to make a long-term investment in electric, financing may be the best option in the long run.

Learn More About EV Life With Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of what to know before buying an electric car, you’re ready to decide if an EV makes sense for your Durham lifestyle! Have any other questions about EVs that we didn’t cover? Contact Hendrick Cadillac Southpoint online or at (844) 506-7504, and our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the benefits of electric vehicles.