Important questions to ask when purchasing an EV
by Robert Yang | May 28, 2022
When people buy a car, they normally ask: What’s the newest model? What colors are available? What are the entertainment and safety features? And how many miles per gallon?
Those are great questions for buying a combustion engine vehicle. However, if you’re buying an electric vehicle (EV) for the first time, you might want to consider other factors to better understand your purchase. I asked a few dealerships what questions consumers should be asking when purchasing an EV. Check them out below.
From Darwin Villa, Sales Consultant at Aloha Kia
Q: How durable are electric vehicles?
A: When it comes down to speaking about batteries in cars, the numbers are comparable at 200,000 miles before the battery should be replaced. That’s an average 12,000 miles per year for 17 years. Warranties can go a long way as well when it comes to keeping your EV well-maintained. KIA’s warranty for the EV6 is 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain and battery.
Q: Are electric vehicles as safe as other vehicles?
A: EVs must meet the same federal safety standards as other cars and you won’t be hauling around gallons of combustible fuel wherever you go.
From Julie Tabarejo, Director of Marketing at Tony Hyundai (Tony Group)
Q: What will I need to install an at-home charging station?
A: A Level 1 charger (120V) typically comes with the purchase of new EVs. Level 1 chargers can plug into any general home outlet and are ready to use. However, a Level 2 charger (typically 220V to 240V) is recommended for extended use at home to maintain battery health. Usually, Level 2 chargers are sold separately and available for purchase from your dealership. Installing a Level 2 charger will require a 220V outlet. You will need to install one if you don’t already have a 220V outlet in the area where your charger will be going in. Submit an electrical service request application with Hawaiian Electric to upgrade your electrical circuit depending on the type of home charger you install.
Q: Are chargers readily available in the immediate area around my home or workplace?
A: It’s easier than ever to find EV chargers in your area. Sites that gather user-generated information, including Google Maps, PlugShare, and ChargePoint, are great resources to help plan ahead. There’s also the HECO app! Before leaving your home, check your route to find available charging stations online.
From Ashlyn Terai, Client Advisor and Richard Catungal, Marketing Coordinator at BMW of Honolulu
Q: What affects range?
A: Different wheels and tires affect range so you should consider different options when purchasing your EV. Extreme weather will reduce your range. How fast you go will affect range. Every EV has differences in range so you should make sure the EV’s maximum range fits your lifestyle.
Q: What about the lifecycle of the battery? What do you do with it when it’s done?
A: A lot of people care about sustainability so we try our best to recycle the battery. For BMW, after batteries are used in EVs, they are given a second life and reused as energy storage devices for cities, homes, and offices, such as providing energy storage for solar and wind energy systems.
By asking these kinds of questions you’ll have a better understanding of EVs and whether an EV is right for you and your lifestyle. Many of you will be purchasing an EV for the first time, so we encourage you to ask as many questions as possible during the process. EV sales representatives understand that green transportation is gaining traction in Hawaii so they are there to help you make the change to a more environmentally-friendly vehicle. Don’t forget to check out EV resources on our website. Mahalo for considering an EV!
Robert Yang is a digital communications and social media specialist at Hawaiian Electric.
