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Picking an EV can be overwhelming. 5 factors can inform your purchase — and help you save.

A close-up shot of an blue electric vehicle as it charges
There are many factors to consider when picking the right electric vehicle for your lifestyle.

Leon Neal/Getty Images

  • There are many factors to consider when purchasing an electric vehicle.
  • It can help to know your daily mileage and charging preferences and see if you qualify for tax credits.
  • This article is part of "Getting Ready for Electric," a series of guides and practical advice for buying your next EV.

If you're considering an electric vehicle for your next car, there are various factors β€” like your anticipated daily mileage and charging needs β€” to consider.

Before buying, you may also want to think about EVs that are eligible for tax credits, which can lower the cost of your overall purchase.

Whether you go with a fully electric or hybrid model, there are plenty of new, used, and coming versions of this more sustainable car type to choose from.

In "Getting Ready for Electric," a series of shopping guides, Business Insider has been exploring the ins and outs of EV purchasing. Read on for the best tips for shopping for your next EV.

When choosing your EV, it's important to take stock of your lifestyle and surroundings.
Two EVs charge outside of a gas station.
Two EVs charging outside a gas station.

MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images

Battery ranges can vary depending on your driving habits and the climate of where you live.

While driving a few dozen miles daily in a moderate climate like Florida could open a buyer to a wide variety of EV options, someone who drives hundreds of miles daily and lives in a locale prone to colder temperatures may have fewer options overall, Scott Case, a cofounder and the CEO of Recurrent, a startup that tracks EV-battery health, previously told BI.

Newer models tend to accommodate long-haul driving needs better than older models, but they usually have higher price tags.

For more budget-friendly options, consider EVs that come with government-provided tax credits.
Three EV enthusiasts take a look inside the engine of a Chevy EV.
There are various tax incentives and rebates available for EV buyers, depending on the vehicle they choose.

Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The federal government offers tax incentives on certain EVs, while some states have rebate programs that can lower the cost of your purchase.

Each of these discount methods has its own requirements and varies for new versus used EVs.

For example, to get a federal tax credit of up to $7,500, your new EV must have:

  • A battery capacity of 7 kilowatt-hours or more.
  • A gross vehicle weight rating under 14,000 pounds.
  • Final assembly in North America.
  • At least 50% of the minerals used to make it extracted, processed, or recycled in the US, or in countries with which the US has a free-trade agreement.
  • A suggested retail price of no more than $80,000 for vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks, and no more than $55,000 for all other vehicles.

If you meet some but not all of the requirements, you may qualify for a smaller tax credit.

When it comes to used EVs, you may be eligible for a tax credit β€” 30% of the vehicle price, up to $4,000 β€” if you have:

  • An EV that is at least 2 model years old, under $25,000, and sold by a licensed dealership.
  • An income that doesn't exceed $150,000 if you're a joint filer or surviving spouse, $112,500 if you're a head of household, or $75,000 if you're a single filer.
  • Not used this credit in the past three years.
There's also a leasing loophole for the EV-curious.
An electric vehicle charges in California
Leasing an EV could be a desirable option for shoppers seeking to save.

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

For the EV-curious who don't want to pay for a yearslong commitment, the leasing approach could be the way to go.

Unlike bought EVs, leased ones fall into a different tax-incentive category because they don't undergo the same complex parts-sourcing process and don't have the same income caps.

Because of this distinction, dealerships get a $7,500 federal tax credit for each of their EVs. That's where the EV-leasing loophole comes in: Many dealerships are opting to pass these credits onto their lessees.

That extra cash, bumper-to-bumper coverage, and the ability to return the car at the lease's end are benefits worth considering when shopping.

When it comes to powering up your EV, public fast chargers are becoming more readily available.
An EV charges on the street in Hoboken, NJ.
EV charging options include public and at-home setups.

Gary Hershorn/Getty Images

The Department of Energy reported that there are more than 61,000 EV charging stations nationwide, double the number in 2020.

The majority of Americans β€” 95%, a Pew Research Center study found β€” live in counties with at least one of these stations.

If you're close to one of these stations, an EV could be a convenient and inexpensive alternative to a gas-powered car.

Or you can invest in an efficient at-home charging setup.
A Tesla Model Y charges in a garage with a dog in the trunk.
Charging your electric vehicle at home can extend your battery's lifespan.

James D. Morgan / Contributor

Though more of an investment, at-home EV chargers can make your green-car purchase that much more worthwhile, Jenni Newman, the editor in chief of Cars.com and an EV owner, previously told BI.

Not all public charging ports are compatible with all EV car models, and drivers have reported coming across broken chargers. An at-home charging setup could eliminate those issues.

EV owners can charge their cars within hours or overnight β€” a slower method that can prolong battery life β€” and end up with 250 to 300 miles of driving range without leaving their driveways.

These setups range in cost β€” from $250 to $7,000 β€” depending on your outlet location, the voltage your electric panel can support, and the speed at which you want to charge your vehicle.

Like with buying or leasing an EV, there are charger tax credits available from the federal government.

No matter your needs, you can expect to see a wider variety of EV options in the coming years.
Jeep Wrangler hybrid-model cars sit on a lot.
Automakers are investing in more hybrid-EV production.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

As automakers adjust their EV-manufacturing strategies, they're investing in more hybrid EVs and models at lower price points.

Because of these strategic changes in the car industry, you can expect a bigger menu of EV options for both fully electric and hybrid cars.

Read the original article on Business Insider

15 coming electric cars we can't wait to drive

Six photos show the Cadillac Vistiq, Volkswagen ID.BUZZ, Lotus Emeya, Mercedes-Benz G580, Kia EV4, and Lucid Gravity EVs.
Cool coming electric vehicles.

General Motors/Volkswagen/Lotus/Mercedes-Benz/Kia/Lucid

  • Coming EV models include small hatchbacks, pickups, sports cars, and minivans.
  • They come from brands like Audi, Cadillac, Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Tesla, and Volkswagen.
  • This article is part of "Getting Ready for Electric," a series of guides and practical advice for buying your next EV.

A large number of exciting EVs are headed to market soon.

Several automakers have modified their electrification strategies in recent months, replacing some of their prior electric-vehicle concepts with a focus on internal-combustion-engine and hybrid models.

Even with this strategic change, you can expect to see a lot of EV options in the coming years.

Here's a collection of cool EVs β€” including small hatchbacks, pickups, sports cars, and minivans β€” that we can't wait to drive.

Audi Q6 e-tron
The left front and left rear of two Audi Q6 e-tron EV SUVs parked in front of a building.
The 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron.

Audi

The Audi Q6 e-tron is the 11th battery electric model to join the brand's lineup and marks the debut of Audi's all-new EV platform.

With a 100-kWh battery pack, the Q6 e-tron is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency for 321 miles of range. The Q6 e-tron with Quattro all-wheel drive has 456 horsepower and can do 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. There's also a higher-performance SQ6 e-tron.

The Q6 e-tron starts at $63,800.

Cadillac Vistiq
A blue 2026 Cadillac Vistiq EV SUV plugged into the a charger.
A 2026 Cadillac Vistiq electric SUV.

Cadillac

The Cadillac Vistiq, starting at $77,400, is a three-row midsize luxury electric SUV positioned between the smaller Lyriq and the flagship Escalade IQ.

Cadillac says the Vistiq will have a range of about 300 miles with a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. With dual electric motors generating 615 horsepower, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

Production at GM's Spring Hill, Tennessee, plant is expected to start in early 2025.

Canoo pickup truck
The left front of a black Canoo EV Pickup truck.
A Canoo electric pickup truck.

Canoo

The Texas-based startup EV maker Canoo unveiled its electric pickup in 2021, but there hasn't been much news about the innovative cab-forward truck since. So it's unclear when it will go into production. What we do know is intriguing, including 600 horsepower, 200-plus miles of range, and an ultraconfigurable truck bed.

Hyundai Ioniq 9
A photo shows the front and rear of two 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 three-row EV SUVs parked on a tarmac.
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9.

Hyundai

The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is an all-electric midsize three-row family SUV set to go on sale in the first half of 2025. Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform platform, which also underpins the Kia EV9, the Ioniq 9 features a 110.3-kWh battery pack and an estimated range of 385 miles.

Kia EV4
The left front of a brown Kia EV4 Concept EV parked in front of a wall.
The Kia EV4 concept car.

Kia

The Kia EV4 is a concept for a stylish compact EV sedan that debuted at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Kia has not confirmed that the EV4 will enter production. But Car and Driver believes it could arrive as early as 2026 with up to 300 miles of range and a starting price of about $39,000.

Lotus Emeya
The left front of a yellow Lotus Emeya EV sedan parked on gravel.
The Lotus Emeya.

Lotus Cars

The Lotus Emeya is a high-performance four-door GT with as much as 905 horsepower. According to Lotus, the Chinese-built EV can do 0 to 62 mph in 2.78 seconds and has a top speed of 159 mph.

Lucid Gravity
A silver Lucid Gravity EV SUV parked in front of a home at night.
A Lucid Gravity.

Lucid Motors

The Gravity is the second model to emerge from the American EV startup Lucid. It's a three-row luxury SUV with up to 828 horsepower and an estimated 440 miles of range. The Gravity Grand Touring is on sale now, starting at $94,900.

Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology
The right front of a blue 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology EV SUV.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology.

Mercedes-Benz

The iconic Mercedes-Benz GelΓ€ndewagen can finally be had as an EV. Offered alongside its internal-combustion siblings, the 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology comes with a 122-kWh battery pack, 239 miles of range, 579 horsepower, and a starting price of $161,500.

Polestar 5
The right side of a Polestar 5 EV sedan prototype in gray camouflage paint parked at the Goodwood festival of speed.
A Polestar 5 EV sedan prototype.

Polestar

The Polestar 5 is a luxury high-performance EV sedan that is scheduled to launch in 2025. The Polestar 5, set to compete against the likes of the Porsche Panamera and Mercedes-Benz EQS, will be built on the brand's first dedicated EV platform, featuring an 800-volt battery and electric motors that can produce up to 884 horsepower. While developed by Polestar's research-and-development teams in the UK and Sweden, the 5 will be built in the brand's new factory in Chongqing, China, alongside the coming Polestar 6 EV sports car.

Ram 1500 REV
The Ram 1500 REV electric pickup truck.
The Ram 1500 REV electric pickup truck.

Ram

The Ram 1500 REV is Stellantis' answer to the Ford F150 Lightning and Chevrolet Silverado EV. Its 168-kWh battery pack helps it reach an estimated 350 miles of driving range. According to Ram, the 654-horsepower pickup can do 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and tow up to 14,000 pounds.

Rivian R3X
The right rear corner of a green Rivian R3X EV SUV.
A Rivian R3X.

Rivian

The R3X is the high-performance variant of the Rivian's coming R3 midsize electric SUV and has distinct hatchback styling. According to Rivian, the R3X should be able to achieve over 300 miles of range and do 0 to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds. The R3 and R3X are expected to arrive after Rivian commences customer deliveries of the R2 in the first half of 2026.

Scout Terra and Traveler
The electric Scout Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV
The electric Scout Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV.

Scout Motors

Volkswagen Group's Scout Motors recently unveiled its Scout Terra pickup and Scout Traveler SUV. The body-on-frame off-roaders, with a starting price between $50,000 and $60,000, are inspired by the International Scout utility vehicles of the 1960s and '70s. The Terra and Traveler are set to enter production in 2027 in South Carolina.

Tesla Roadster
Tesla Roadster.
The Tesla Roadster.

Tesla

The long-awaited second-generation Tesla Roadster was announced in 2017 and remains in development purgatory. The Roadster was supposed to go on sale in 2020 but has been continuously delayed. When it does arrive, Tesla says it should go from 0 to 60 mph in 1.9 seconds, reach 250 mph, and have a range of 620 miles.

Volkswagen ID Buzz
The right front of an orange and white 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz EV minivan parked by the sea.
A 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz EV minivan.

Volkswagen

The VW bus is back. Volkswagen relaunched its counterculture-era icon as the all-electric 2025 ID Buzz. The new bus, which starts at $60,000, comes with a 91-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and is available in all-wheel drive. The ID Buzz has an estimated 234 miles of range.

Read the original article on Business Insider

A hybrid-car comeback is in the making — and it could be great news for your wallet

Electric Vehicle
Automakers are turning toward hybrid-model production in the coming years as car buyers seek more affordable and efficient EVs.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

  • EV customer bases are changing, so auto executives are investing in more hybrid-focused models.
  • Hybrid EVs can be more practical and affordable than charge-only EVs.
  • This article is part of "Getting Ready for Electric," a series of guides and practical advice for buying your next EV.

Though the electric-vehicle market is having its toughest year yet, battery-powered cars are here to stay.

As EV sales slowed this year, major automakers had to reconsider their lofty goalsΒ and adjust to shifting customer bases.

Automotive executives moved forward with several EV launches this year, with some companies adding more hybrid models β€” cars that industry experts say could become a bridge for future EV owners.

Companies are turning to hybrid models to appeal to a more practical and frugal shopper, as wealthy early EV adopters who fueled years of growth have recently fled the market.

It's clear that the expansion the EV segment enjoyed over the past few years is no longer a guarantee of future growth. But executives insist they're committed to an all-electric future, even at a slower clip and with an updated strategy.

In the coming years, you can expect a greater menu of green vehicles on dealer lots β€” at various price points and with more seamless charging options.

Why more consumers are considering hybrid EVs

Hybrids β€” once thought to be a relic of the pre-Tesla EV market β€” are quickly gaining in popularity as EV demand slows.

Green-car shoppers are increasingly drawn to hybrid cars, which come in plug-in and non-plug-in varieties. These cars offer a stepping stone to full EV adoption, with the safety net of a gas-powered engine to ease range anxiety.

While these vehicles solve a pervasive concern among new EV shoppers, a lack of supply has also driven up the price of these cars, creating an affordability barrier for some shoppers.

Still, companies that stayed in the hybrid market over the past several years are now reaping the benefits of a renewed interest in these cars.

Toyota, which was once criticized for its slow adoption of EV technology, is now enjoying big increases in hybrid sales. That's elevating the brand's cache among green-car shoppers in general, with Toyota often at the top of brand considerations for EV shoppers now.

Ford is also taking this approach. The company has said that Ford's hybrid cars are converting more car buyers than any other segment. More than half of all Ford Maverick pickup truck hybrid buyers are new to the brand.

A strategic shift after EV growing pains

The nascent EV market experienced a demand shift this year: The new generation of shoppers are more frugal and practical than their early-adopter counterparts.

But the market is still growing. J.D. Power said that battery-powered cars accounted for 10.2% of retail sales in the US in September, up by 0.8 percentage points from the same month a year ago.

This growth rate isΒ much slowerΒ than the rates of the past four years.Β EV market share soared from about 2% of retail sales in the 2010s to nearly 8% by the end of 2023, Kelley Blue Book said.

The important distinction here is that demand hasn't dried up β€” it's just changing.

Companies are scrambling to adjust, pulling back production on big, expensive EVs and prioritizing more affordable models. Ford, for example, recently said it would pause production of its F-150 Lightning pickup truck for the rest of the year.

Ford also announced plans in August to replace two electric three-row SUVs with hybrid models. GM promised this year to bring hybrids to the North American market, reversing its full-EV strategy in the region, though the company provided few details about its Stateside hybrid plan.

As companies shuffle the deck, EV launches are expected to slow. S&P Global Mobility expects that about half of the 143 EV launches it's tracking between 2024 and 2026 could be delayed or canceled.

This upheaval is likely to continue after President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Trump has been tough on EVs, promising to gut Biden-era legislation designed to support the EV transition.

But it's unclear how much a new administration could undo the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes electric-vehicle tax credits, without Congress's help.

These EV tax credits, which can effectively lower the purchase price of a new car by up to $7,500, have been a specific target of Trump's. As affordability becomes a top barrier to EV adoption, the dissolution of these incentives could lower demand even further.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has become a close ally of Trump's, which initially gave industry executives and experts hope that the president-elect could soften his EV approach.

However, Musk's stances have largely aligned with Trump's so far, including opposing government subsidies for electric vehicles.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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