You’ve heard it before: Drive less, use public transportation, or bike to work. Although these are excellent tips for getting around in an environmentally friendly way, they lack convenience. What’s a viable solution that satisfies you, the consumer, while saving on climate change?
Electric vehicles are the answer. They drive 50% cleaner than gas-powered vehicles, which means fewer emissions. Electric cars emit one-third of emissions over their lifetimes than vehicles with internal combustion engines. And because they do not use as many liquids, they do not run the risk of leaking and causing further issues with expensive engine repairs. Despite these benefits, there is still a trace of public hesitancy over making the switch.
Are Electric Vehicles Affordable?
Most electric vehicles are still costly, with the average price being around $56,437 for a brand-new model. Roughly $10,000 greater than a brand-new gas-powered vehicle, and that’s a valid reason to feel hesitant.
However, there is a bit of good news. Electric vehicles have been out on the market for many years now. In fact, they’ve been around since 1996, when General Motors released the EV1. It was the first electric vehicle mass-produced with leasing requirements. Even before that release, it was speculated that talk regarding the technology development for the first EV had been heating up for several years. The creation of the electric vehicle was just a matter of setting everything in motion.
In addition to the savings from purchasing a used electric car, you can enjoy lowered fuel costs. Electric vehicle owners pay roughly 60% of what drivers of gas vehicles pay for fuel. And with fewer parts and maintenance fees, since there aren’t any spark plugs to replace or oil to change regularly, you will see savings on the upkeep of your vehicle as well.
More Recent Makes and Models
Even with substantial concerns, fascination regarding electric vehicles remains. Consumers are aware that these cars are the hallmark of climate sustainability. However, growing concerns remain. Can you be a part of the sustainable electric car movement for less money?
The surprising answer is yes. The trick lies in the timeless advice of going for a used EV make and model. Another solution is investing in a used hybrid, which can default to fuel when the charge gets low.
There are several used models that have been on the market in recent years. The key idea is to shop around, compare pricing, and consider the features you’d want in a used hybrid or electric vehicle. A car that has a good consumer rating is critical to making your money go far in the long run.
BMW i3
The BMW has a long history of being one of the top cars in its class. The 2017 i3 is purely electric and comes with a battery health system that informs you about the charge status of your electric battery. Plus, you have customized seating with adjustable heat and personal comfort. You also have the added advantage of an expansive infotainment system for those long road trips. Top this off with a colorful navigation system, and you’re all set to go anywhere for a price of $27,078.
Audi e-tron
Complete with rear air vents, brilliant navigation, and customized seat controls, the 2019 Audi e-tron is another used EV that’s worth its price of $67,990. Other special features include a backup camera and an infotainment system that’s Bluetooth accessible. Plus, you’ll have the added feature of seat memory that you can adjust for maximum comfort while driving. The Audi e-tron has a smooth engine that runs quietly and without fuss.
Tesla Model X
The 2017 Tesla Model X has several features similar to other used EVs, such as rear-seat air vents, a hands-free phone and infotainment system, and an easy-to-use navigation system. All of these features combine with a car that has a sleek, black interior and smooth black leather seats for an unforgettable luxury ride at $74,990. Hands-free calling allows you to make and receive calls through a voice command prompt, which makes driving much safer when you talk on the phone. A rear-view camera with 3D imagery allows you to see an accurate picture from behind as you’re preparing to back out of a parking space or a driveway.
Chevrolet Spark EV
This used electric vehicle has heated front seats, a hands-free infotainment system, and voice-activated hands-free calling. It is a small, compact car that has front-wheel drive and a quiet but fast acceleration feature that offers a ride that’s smooth and reliable. Add in Sirius XM satellite radio and a hill start assist that guard against roll back when you start your vehicle while on a hill. For only $15,990, the Chevrolet Spark demonstrates a stark price difference from its peers.
Volkswagen e-Golf
Another compact electric car with a rear-view camera, the 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf, has one of the latest features. It comes with a single-speed fixed gear, which means that it can move your car at any speed without a lot of effort. This eases the possibility of flaws in your transmission and can save you thousands in costly repairs.
Plus, your car has an intelligent response crash system that automatically activates the airbags and keeps everyone safe. An electronic tire pressure alert system tells you when your tires are getting low and are in need of attention. The 2016 e-Golf has an infotainment system with both Android and Apple CarPlay for your favorite tunes. What’s even better is the price, which is set at $17,990.
Smart Fortwo Electric Car
The Smart Fortwo has only two front seats, but this smart little electric vehicle boasts excellent seat controls and an interior front light that shuts off automatically. A battery range of 70 miles will provide hours of driving when needed. A rear-wheel-drive feature controls your vehicle by protecting your traction at sudden curves.
The interior is very different from that of most other cars. The black seats have a bright orange color in the center, which gives the Smart Fortwo a sharp, sporty vibe. But if you’d prefer something less bright, you may be able to opt for another interior color. And for a price of $17,990, you’d be saving a lot of money.
Final Thoughts
With these electric vehicles, you can do more than just save money. You can become part of the energy sustainability movement without the fees. Demand for used electric cars is limited, which means that prices continue to decrease, allowing you to lower your emissions and help the environment while also helping your pocketbook.
Take advantage of the higher inventory and lower prices, and get yourself into a used sustainable electric car.
