First Time EV Buyer’s Guide

December 17th, 2024 by

Congratulations on purchasing your first Electric Vehicle (EV)! Whether it’s one of Kia’s excellent EVs like the EV6, EV9, or the Niro, or a different brand altogether, there are several things you need to know. If you’re a first-time EV buyer, here’s a guide to help you get the most out of your new ride.

1. Get Familiar with Charging Options

One of the first things you’ll need to understand is how to charge your EV.  There are a few options:

  • Home Charging: If you have a garage or a dedicated parking spot, consider installing a Level 2 home charging station. These chargers are faster than the standard 120V outlet (Level 1) and can charge most EVs overnight.
  • Public Charging: Charleston has several public charging stations. We even have a local guide here to help you find them! Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to locate these stations, and ensure you’re familiar with the different types of connectors your car uses. If you’re hooking up to a Supercharger, you’ll need a NACS adapter. Certain Kia EV models coming in 2025 will ship with compatibility for Superchargers built in.
  • Workplace Charging: Many employers offer charging stations for their employees. Check with your workplace to see if they offer this perk.

2. Understand Battery Management

Your EV’s battery is the heart of the vehicle, and proper maintenance can prolong its life. Replacing an EV’s battery can be incredibly expensive, as they are significantly larger than traditional car batteries. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Charging Routine: Avoid letting your battery drop to 0% or charging it to 100% frequently, as this can wear down the battery over time. It’s best to charge between 20% and 80%.
  • Regenerative Braking: Most EVs feature regenerative braking, which recharges the battery while slowing the car down. The system captures the kinetic energy from braking and converts it into the electrical power that charges the vehicle’s battery. Since this also automatically slows the car down, it can help you increase the vehicle’s range and reduce wear on the brake pads.

3. Learn About the Range

Knowing the range that your specific EV can travel on a full charge will be crucial. In fact, anxiety over this is one of the most common hurdles for people deciding to buy an EV. Knowing your available range will be key to planning out longer trips. For local travel, start by monitoring your driving habits and estimating how often you’ll need to recharge.

  • Range Anxiety: It can be stressful wondering if you’ll run out of charge before you can reach the next public charging station. But with correct planning, this is nothing to be truly concerned about. Plan your trips ahead by mapping out charging stations and keeping an eye on the battery level. You’ll learn where the best stops are on your common travel paths, both locally and on long-distance trips.
  • Energy Efficiency: Keep an eye on the energy consumption of your vehicle. Driving habits like aggressive acceleration, high speeds, and heavy braking can drain the battery faster.

4. Maintain Regular Service Checks

While EVs generally require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Key areas to focus on include:

  • Tires: EVs are typically heavier than traditional cars due to the battery, so tire wear can be quicker. Make sure to check tire pressure and tread regularly.
  • Brake Fluid and Coolant: Even though regenerative braking reduces the need for traditional braking, it’s still important to check brake fluid and cooling systems as part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine.

5. Educate Yourself About EV Etiquette

Finally, be considerate of others when driving and charging your EV. This includes being mindful of parking at charging stations, using the charger only for the required amount of time, and following proper charging etiquette to ensure access for others who need it.

With these essential steps in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of your new EV!