4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying an Electric Car
By [email protected] (Catherine Hiles)
March 15, 2025
My spouse and I purchased our first electric vehicle (EV) in November 2024. We had long discussed buying one when our trusty Subaru finally gave up the ghost. After replacing the transmission and facing the possibility of needing a new engine, we decided it was time to make the switch.
Like with any car purchase, we set a budget, looked at the most affordable EVs, and considered our needs and wants. After much discussion and a few test drives, we settled on a 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 with all-wheel-drive. It’s a midsize crossover with enough room for our family of four. After getting loan approval and making our down payment, we drove off the lot.
We still love the car three months later and believe we made the right decision. However, there are several things I wish I had known before finalizing the purchase. Here’s what you should know before buying an EV.
- The price of the car is only part of what you’ll pay
When you buy a traditional car with a combustion engine, you factor in registration, insurance, and taxes. The same is true when purchasing an EV, but I didn’t realize those costs would be higher than expected.
Many state departments of motor vehicles charge an additional electric vehicle registration fee for alternative-fuel vehicles like hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or battery electric vehicles. This helps the state recoup some of the lost funds it collects from taxing gasoline purchases. According to the National Conference of State Legislators, 39 states charge a special registration fee for electric cars. Depending on your location, you could pay an additional $50 to $250 (or up to $400 to register a new EV in Texas). In Ohio, where I live, we had to pay an extra $200. These fees typically go toward a state transportation fund for road maintenance, improvements, and infrastructure repair. Some states also funnel part of the funds toward EV charger infrastructure, making EV ownership more attainable.
- Installing a home charger could cost more than you think
Before buying our Ioniq 5, we wanted to install an EV charger at home. I researched to get a rough estimate for installation in our garage, but I didn’t consider whether our electrical panel could support the additional wattage.
Home charger units cost anywhere from $200 to $700, depending on your brand and model. After looking at a few options, we chose the Emporia 48-amp charger, which cost $399. Then, we contacted a couple of local electricians for quotes. We found that our electrical panel needed some modifications to support the charger, including a load management device to ensure we didn’t overload our electrical circuit. The load management system added an extra $1,000 to the cost, and the wiring and outlet installation cost just over $1,600.
With the cost of the charger, we paid approximately $3,000 in total. We agreed that the price was worth the convenience, but that’s a substantial amount to spend after putting down $50K on the car itself.
- Public chargers are hit-and-miss
Before installing our home charger, we relied on public chargers to keep the car charged. It wasn’t terrible, and it’s doable if you can’t install a home charger. However, I found that public chargers can be unreliable.
The main charger I used was at my local gym. I would plug the car in during my workout and add a couple dozen miles of range for $1 per hour. (As a bonus, this made me go to the gym even when I didn’t feel like it!) But there were only two chargers, so I was out of luck if both were taken when I arrived. Additionally, public chargers are prone to breaking. I once went out for dinner with a friend, intending to plug my car in while we ate, and two of the four chargers were out of order. Luckily, one of the functional ones was available, but this would be stressful if you were low on battery and reliant on a charger only to find it broken.
I mentioned this to a friend who drives an EV, and she recommended the PlugShare app. It lists nearby chargers on a map and lets users leave reviews so you know how reliable each charger is. It also tells you whether a charger is in use so you don’t arrive and find it occupied. I’ve used this app several times and found it very accurate.
Another thing to be aware of is EV charging etiquette. The first time I used a fast charger, I was asked if I could unplug and move on because my battery level was above 80%, and another driver wanted to charge their car. While you can charge to 100% at a public fast charger, it’s considered courteous to charge only to 80% when others are waiting.
- Your car’s possible range isn’t always its actual range
Hyundai estimates the Ioniq 5 with all-wheel-drive has a total range of 260 miles when fully charged. I’ve found that reasonably accurate, but only if you turn the heat or AC off and stick to the speed limit.
The first time we experienced extreme cold this winter, I turned the heat on so I wouldn’t freeze while driving. The car’s estimated range immediately dropped by about 10 miles. As I cranked up the heat, the range dropped a few more miles. A slight decrease in range may not seem like a significant issue, but it can be when you’re low on charge. I turned the heat off and relied on the heated seats and steering wheel to stay warm and preserve my range.
Your speed can also affect your range. The faster you drive, the more your range will be impacted. If you’re planning a long-distance trip, it’s better to plan your charging stops sooner than you think you’ll need them to prevent your battery from getting too low.
Finally, the outside temperature can also impact the range. In colder weather, the battery must work harder to propel the car, while in hotter weather, the vehicle must expend more energy to keep the battery cool. Both extremes can reduce your car’s range.
When it comes to what you should know before buying an EV, there’s a lot to consider. It all depends on your circumstances and preferences. But the more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to make a decision.
