Maybe you have been on the fence about buying an electric vehicle for a few years, but circumstances have changed. The battery range of some cars has increased, more models are available from many different manufacturers and prices have dropped.
It might be time to hop off that fence and look around for an EV or hybrid that fits your needs. If nothing else, it’s time to test drive one, said Jeff Allen, executive director of Forth, a nonprofit whose goal is to bring people together to electrify transportation.
“The best way to decide is to take one for a drive,” Allen said. “EVs are better cars, more fun to drive and incredibly cheap to operate and maintain.”
U.S. consumers have been reluctant to buy EVs, put off mostly by price and anxiety about a lack of charging stations. That said, EVs usually work best for people who commute between 30 and 50 miles a day and don’t regularly take 1,000-mile trips, according to Allen.
“The technology and the vehicles are just not a great fit yet for some people,” Allen said.
Still, you might be surprised to see how many charging stations you can find near you.
So, is an EV the right fit for you? Here’s a checklist to get you started.
Should You Buy an EV Checklist
✅ You’ve done your research and compared initial and lifetime costs with traditional gas vehicles. While EVs are currently more expensive to buy and insure, after a few years, the higher purchase price is often offset by lower operating costs. Try our EV cost calculator.
✅ You’re low maintenance. EVs still require regular service, but generally not as much as traditional gas-powered vehicles. No more oil changes!
✅ You’re ready to install a home charger. Home chargers aren’t necessary but can help cut down on charging time. Consider where and how to safely install a home EV charging station.
✅ You’ve gotten over your range anxiety (or can learn to). If you’re mostly driving around town, you don’t have to worry much about range, especially if you’re familiar with your local charging options. If you like to take long trips, a little extra planning can make your ride go smoother with an EV.
✅ You’re adaptable. EVs have their quirks. For example, extreme hot or low temperatures could impact range, which may require the driver to take a few extra precautions or make small habit adjustments.
✅ You want to do what you feel is best for the environment. The greenhouse gas emissions associated with an EV over its lifetime are typically lower than the average gas-powered vehicle, even when accounting for manufacturing, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Try our emissions calculator.
✅ You’re OK with a potentially lower resale value. EVs lose value faster than gas-fueled cars in part because their batteries and computer technology become outdated quickly.
If you checked most of these boxes, it might be time to start searching for a new car. Check out the 2025 Car Guide to find the EV that’s right for you.
If it’s still not the right time to purchase an EV, you might want to consider buying a hybrid instead.
AAA’s Recommendation: Whether you own an electric vehicle or a gas-powered car is up to you – and you should consider lots of factors in making that choice. No matter what type of vehicle you’re choosing, we recommend visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.
