Buying Your First EV

Frequently asked questions around buying your first EV

What is an EV and how does it work?

EVs, or electric vehicles, are a type of car that uses electricity to power its motors. Electric cars for sale have been around for over a century, but they've only become widely available in the last few years. In the past, EVs were hampered by range anxiety—the fear that the car would run out of power before reaching its destination. However, newer electric cars for sale have much longer ranges, and charging stations are becoming more common, so range anxiety is no longer a major concern. EVs also have many other benefits over traditional gasoline-powered cars. They're cheaper to operate and maintain, they emit no pollutants, and they're much quieter. If you're thinking of making the switch to an EV, read on to learn more about how they work. 

EVs are powered by batteries, which store electricity that can be used to run the car's motors. The battery is recharged by plugging the car into an electrical outlet. The amount of time it takes to charge an EV depends on the size of the battery and the power of the charger, but it usually takes several hours. 

Once the battery is charged, the EV can be driven like any other car. However, because EVs don't have gears like gasoline-powered cars, they tend to accelerate more quickly and smoothly. And because there's no engine noise, EVs are much quieter than gas cars. 

Pros and cons of owning an EV

The Pros of Owning an Electric Vehicle

1. Fuel Savings. Because EV's are powered by an electric battery instead of an engine, you can save a considerable amount on fuel. Charging an EV tends to be much more affordable than filling your tank with gas.

2. Low Emissions. One of the biggest benefits of EVs is that they produce zero emissions. This is good news for the environment and also for your wallet, since you'll never have to pay for gas again. If you're looking to do your part to reduce your carbon footprint, an EV is a great option.

3. Reduced Maintenance Costs. EVs don't have any oil or filter changes, and they have far fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered cars. This means that maintenance costs are typically much lower for EVs than for traditional cars. over the life of the vehicle.

4. Eligibility for Incentives. Many governments offer incentives for people who purchase EVs, like tax breaks or free parking. These incentives can help offset the higher upfront cost of an EV, making them more affordable in the long run. 

The Cons of Owning an Electric Vehicle

1. Range anxiety. One of the biggest drawbacks of EVs is range anxiety, or the worry that you'll run out of power before you reach your destination. This can be a real concern if you live in a rural area or frequently take long road trips. However, advances in battery technology are slowly but surely increasing the range of EVs, and many charging stations are now available across the country. 

2. Higher upfront cost. Are you curious about the cost of electric cars? EVs tend to be more expensive than traditional cars when you first purchase them. However, over time they become more affordable due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. The sales team at our Jeep dealer near you will be happy to run the numbers to discover whether an electric Jeep is worth the investment. 

3. Limited choice of models. If you're set on buying an EV, you may have to compromise on your desired features or model since there aren't as many options available as there are for traditional cars. However, you can find plenty of diverse electric cars for sale near you at Ewald CJDR! Our Jeep dealer in Milwaukee offers an impressive range of EV options. From the electric Jeep Wrangler to the electric Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ewald offers alternative powertrains for your favorite Jeep models. 

How to choose the right EV for you

1. Determine Your Budget

The first step in choosing the right electric car for sale for you is to determine your budget. Electric vehicles can range in price from around $30,000 to over $100,000, so it’s important to have a clear idea of how much you’re willing to spend. Once you know your budget, you can start narrowing down your options at our Jeep dealer near you.

2. Consider Your Driving Needs

Another important factor to consider when choosing an electric Jeep is your driving needs. If you only use your car for short trips around town, then a smaller and less expensive electric SUV might be a good option for you. However, if you often take long road trips or drive in cold weather, then you’ll need an electric car for sale with a longer range and more features.

3. Research Your Options

Once you know your budget and driving needs, it’s time to start researching your options. There are dozens of different electric vehicles on the market, so it’s important to compare different models before making a decision. When researching EVs, be sure to look at things like range, charging time, and features. The sales team at our Jeep dealer in Milwaukee will have you covered. Ewald makes sure that all of our customers are equipped with enough information to make an educated decision!

4. Test Drive Different Models

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s time to take them for a test drive! This is the best way to see how an electric Jeep feels and handles in person. If possible, try to test drive different models in a variety of different conditions (e.g., city driving, highway driving, etc.) to get a well-rounded sense of each vehicle.

5. Get Help From an Expert

If you’re still having trouble choosing the right EV for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to an Ewald expert for help. There are many qualified experts at our Jeep dealer near you who can help you select the best EV based on your needs and budget

People also ask the following questions around buying your first EV

Buying or leasing an EV

Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years and offer a great alternative to traditionally fueled vehicles. Whether you're looking to buy or lease an electric car, you'll want to consider a range of factors when making your decision. Buying electric cars for sale outright is often the most cost-effective option in the long run, with ownership affording more control on customization options and resale value. If you're looking for convenience, however, leasing an electric car can be a popular choice. Leasing electric cars often requires less upfront cost and offers the latest technology features, making it the ideal solution for those who love to stay up-to-date on their vehicle's features. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying or leasing electric cars but understanding your needs and preferences will ensure that you make an informed decision when taking action on this exciting purchase.

Charging your EV

1.  Level 1 vs. Level 2 Charging

When charging an electric vehicle (EV), there are two main types of chargers that can be used: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt outlet, while Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet. Level 2 chargers are typically much faster than Level 1 chargers, as they can charge an EV in about 4-6 hours, compared to 8-12 hours for a Level 1 charger.

2.  Home vs. Public Charging

There are also two main types of locations where an EV can be charged: at home or at a public charging station. Home charging is typically the most convenient option, as it can be done overnight while the vehicle is not being used. Public charging stations are typically located in parking lots or other public areas, and they usually cost money to use. Ask our Jeep dealer near you for more information about installing your own home charger.

3.  How to Charge an EV

Charging an electric car for sale is fairly simple and only takes a few steps. First, find a suitable charger (Level 1 or 2) and plug it into the vehicle. Next, connect the charger to the power outlet (120-volt or 240-volt). Once the charger is connected, the vehicle will start charging automatically. The amount of time it takes to charge an electric Jeep will vary depending on the type of charger and the size of the battery.

Tips for driving your EV

1.  Plan your route in advance

When driving an electric vehicle (EV), it's important to plan your route in advance. This is because EVs have a limited range, and you'll need to make sure that you can reach your destination without running out of charge. There are a number of apps and websites that can help you plan your route, such as PlugShare and ChargePoint.

2.  Find a charging station

Before setting out on your journey, it's also important to find a charging station. Again, there are a number of apps and websites that can help you locate a station, such as PlugShare and ChargePoint. Once you've found a station, it's important to check that it's compatible with your EV before attempting to charge.

3.  Charge your EV before setting off

Once you've found a compatible charging station, it's important to charge your EV before setting off on your journey. This is because it can take some time to charge an EV, and you don't want to run out of charge halfway through your journey. Most public charging stations will have different types of chargers, so it's important to check which type is compatible with your EV before plugging in.

4.  Follow the rules of the road

When driving an electric car for sale, it's important to follow the same rules of the road as you would when driving any other vehicle. This means obeying speed limits, using turn signals, and yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles when appropriate.