12 Signs It's Time To Get Over Your Hesitation and Buy an EV

Trying something new can be exciting or unsettling, depending on how you view it. Many people are nervous about transitioning from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle.

But those fears are likely overblown. It has never been easier or more affordable to ditch your internal combustion engine, and doing so might even boost your bank account over the long haul.

Here are 12 signs that it’s time to overcome your hesitation and switch to an EV.

The up-and-down nature of gas prices can take a big chunk out of your bank account — and your sanity.

Owning an EV will significantly reduce fuel costs. Even when factoring in the cost of electricity, you’re likely to come out ahead financially.

Ditching your internal combustion engine means leaving behind a lot of upkeep costs. You won’t have to deal with oil changes, valve adjustments, or engine tuneups.

With far fewer moving parts in an electric engine, you can save a lot of money in yearly maintenance costs.

How many times do you take long trips that require you to drive hundreds of miles? For most people, the answer is “not often.”

If you’re not someone who constantly takes long road trips, you probably don’t have to worry much about the “range anxiety” that prevents some folks from buying an EV.

If you mostly drive around town and park your car at home during the evening, the switch to an electric car probably won’t be as disruptive as you think.

Humans are contributing to climate change and environmental degradation, and gas-powered cars are part of that process. Choosing an EV means a future with less pollution as you lower your carbon footprint.

You’re also signaling to the market that you’re transitioning to the new green economy, making manufacturers more likely to produce more EVs.

Car companies always strive to create the best driving experience for consumers, and that’s also true of EVs.

From smooth suspension to great handling, stylish interiors, and comfortable seating, the latest electric cars have a lot going for them.

Proximity to charging stations can make or break your experience when you buy an electric vehicle.

If you live and work in places with easy access to charging stations, purchasing an EV makes more sense.

Installing a home charging station can be a bit costly, but it’s a long-term investment that should be worthwhile.

While you can plug your car directly into a regular outlet, that slow charge means it will take many hours to fill up your battery.

The first thing you’ll notice when driving an EV is the lack of engine noise beyond the barely perceptible hum of the electric motor.

Less car noise is good for your hearing and better for the neighborhood. In addition to reducing your carbon footprint, you can reduce your noise footprint.

Auto manufacturers are becoming aggressive in marketing EVs to the middle-class consumer, which means you might have the opportunity to take advantage of a price drop.

From zero-interest financing to flash sales, keep your finger on the pulse of auto sellers in your area. Electric cars are not going anywhere, so companies are incentivized to get you in one sooner rather than later.

The $7,500 federal tax credit is a big reason to purchase an EV, but it might not be around forever.

There is some speculation that the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump will eliminate the credit. So, now might be the time to make a purchase.

Many densely populated regions in the country are establishing special road lanes that will allow those with EVs to save time during their commute.

Such lanes likely have fewer cars and are tightly policed. So, you can expect to spend far less time sitting in traffic if you live in an area with them.

Electric vehicles use less energy at rest. So, if you live in a high-traffic area, switching to an EV can be a huge benefit.

Stop-and-go traffic can be hard enough to deal with as it is. Throw in the fuel costs of idling, and it might make sense to go electric instead.

Purchasing an EV has never been easier or more affordable. In the long term, it’s one of the smartest car owner moves, as you’ll save money on gas and will help the environment.

So, if you are ready to purchase a new vehicle, maybe the time is right to get over your hesitation and join the new green energy economy.