Top 3 Essential Tips Before and After Buying an Electric Car
The Rise of Electric Cars
Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years, marking a significant shift from the days when models like the G-Wiz barely outperformed electric bicycles. Today, leading manufacturers such as Audi and BMW have entered the market, alongside Tesla, the pioneer of electric vehicles.
Things to Know Before and After Purchasing Your Electric Car
Buying an electric car isn't always straightforward for many people, often due to various concerns and uncertainties. To simplify the process, here are three simple yet crucial things you should know before and after purchasing your new electric vehicle.
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Do a Simple Calculation First
You don't need advanced math for this step, but it's important to consider both the driving range and battery size of the electric car you're looking to buy.
Is the driving range enough for your daily commute between work and home for a week without needing a recharge? If your electric car comes with a large battery offering an extended range, remember that you'll likely need a more powerful charger for faster charging, as well as suitable charging infrastructure.
For further guidance, we've prepared two helpful guides: one on installing a home charger and another detailing where to find charging stations in the UAE and how to use their services. You can find the links to these resources at the end of this article.
Another important calculation involves cost. At first glance, an electric car that meets all your needs might seem expensive. However, keep in mind potential government incentives and the fact that you won't be paying for expensive petrol every week. When you factor in maintenance savings and incentives, you'll be able to determine whether your new electric car is more cost-effective than your current vehicle in the long run.
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Never Disable the Regenerative Braking System
Most electric cars are equipped with a system known as regenerative braking. This smart feature recharges your battery while driving by capturing energy typically lost during braking. Instead of letting that energy go to waste, as with conventional fuel-powered cars, regenerative braking channels it back to charge the battery.
Some vehicles allow you to disable the regenerative braking system (though the reason for this option is unclear). However, it is highly recommended that you never turn off this feature to maximize your electric car's efficiency.
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Sell Your Old Car
While it might be difficult, you are unlikely to use your old, fuel-powered car after purchasing an electric vehicle. Even if you don't sell it immediately, selling your old car should be a priority, as you probably won't drive it once you adjust to your new, environmentally friendly electric vehicle.
We recommend selling your old car as soon as possible. The longer it stays with you, the more likely you are to become attached and possibly favor it over your new electric car.
