With sustainability and carbon emissions on everyone’s minds, electric vehicles have seen a surge in popularity. More drivers are making the switch to EVs every day. But many still have questions about the ins and outs of EV ownership.

Whether you’re thinking about your first EV purchase or are already cruising in an electric car, we have a quick checklist of things to keep in mind. From charging basics to improving battery life, we’ll equip you with the info you need to make the most of your electric driving experience.

1. Choosing a BEV vs a PHEV

It’s important to understand the different types of EVs available before buying. Are you looking for a BEV (battery electric vehicle) or a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle)? Are you willing to consider either, or are you ready to go fully electric?

A BEV runs solely on electricity stored in the battery. This option provides zero emissions and typically offers longer driving ranges.

PHEVs combine an electric motor and a gas-powered engine, providing flexibility, particularly for longer roadtrips.

Regardless, you might experience range anxiety as a new EV owner (the fear that you won’t have access to a charging station when you need it). This is the #1 App for finding charging stations near you and your frequented locations.

2. Understanding Charging Basics

EV ownership comes with new lingo – what’s a level 3 charger, exactly? I need which kind of connector? Once you get the hang of it, though, it’s pretty simple.

When you’re looking for an EV charging station, you’ll encounter level 1, 2, and 3 chargers in addition to Tesla Superchargers. Here are the basics:

• Level 1 - This is a standard home outlet. If you’re in a bind, your EV can charge from a basic outlet, but it’s by far the slowest option. You can expect to add about 5 miles of range per hour to your EV with this charger.
• Level 2 - You will find level-2 charging stations in public locations like apartments and grocery stores. This is also the type of charger EV owners install in their homes. You can expect to add about 25 miles of range per hour to your EV with this charger.
• Level 3 - Also known as DC fast charging, this can add up to 250 miles of range per hour. This sounds great, but don’t use it for every charge; that can reduce your battery’s capacity over time. It’s an excellent solution for road trips and longer drives.
• Tesla Supercharger - As the name suggests, this branded charger is designed for Teslas. It functions the same as a level-3 charger. However, the hardwire required means these are solely for Tesla owners.

Want to learn more about these charging levels? We cover all this and more in this handy guide.

There are also various types of charging connectors used for EVs. You’ll need to know what they are in order to know which charging stations you can use. Let’s do a quick review:

• A CCS (SAE Combo) is compatible with most non-Teslas for the time being. These charging ports integrate both AC and DC charging capabilities. This allows EV owners to access a range of charging stations and benefit from faster charging speeds. Tesla requires an adapter to use this plug.
• A CHAdeMO is slowly being phased out of North American EVs, but you might still encounter it, particularly in EVs produced before 2023. Tesla requires an adapter to use a CHAdeMO connector.
• A Tesla connector or Tesla Supercharger connector is specifically designed for Tesla EVs. Its proprietary design allows for rapid charging at Tesla’s network of Supercharger stations.

In addition to utilizing public charging stations, you might consider installing a home EV charging station. Want to learn more about home charging? We’ve got the EV home charging guide for you.

It’s easy to find the right charging station every time with You.Car. Download the app today to make your EV life a breeze.

3. Maximizing Battery Life

Maximizing the lifespan of your electric vehicle is crucial for long-term performance and cost savings. By adopting good charging habits, you can extend your battery’s life.

Avoid deep discharging and overcharging. That means you don’t allow your battery to drop below 20% and you don't charge it above 80%. Additionally, extreme heat or extreme cold can degrade battery capacity, so you should keep your EV in a garage if possible. By implementing these best practices, you can keep your EV’s battery safe for years to come.

Got questions? We’ve got a blog for that. Read Top Ways to Extend Your Electric Car Battery’s Life.

4. Navigating EV Incentives and Tax Credits

You’ll want to research tax incentives at both the local and federal level. These credits can significantly reduce the cost of buying or leasing an EV. Additionally, check out incentives and rebates offered by utility companies and EV manufacturers.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled basic information about local and federal tax breaks for EV owners.

5. Understanding Maintenance and Servicing

Maintenance of an electric vehicle is simpler and less costly than maintaining a gas-powered vehicle. You won’t need an oil change or to replace as many fluids with an EV. However, there are still maintenance tasks to check off to ensure your EV operates efficiently and safely. Regular maintenance items include:

• Brakes
• Tires
• Windshield wiper blades
• Wiper fluid
• Software updates

As your EV gets older, you might need to repair or replace:

• Power steering
• Cabin air filters
• Suspension systems

6. Planning for Long Trips

Worried that you’ll say goodbye to roadtrips if you switch to an electric vehicle? That’s not the case. With some basic planning and the right app on your phone, it’s very possible to take a roadtrip in an EV.

EV chargers aren’t quite as easy to find as gas stations yet, so it will take a bit more planning to take a road trip in your EV than it would in a gas-powered vehicle. But with an app like You.Car, road trips in an EV are simplified, as it allows EV drivers to easily find and navigate to charging stations and other amenities. What sets our app apart is its amenity filtering feature, enabling you to locate charging stations near preferred places like supermarkets or coffee shops. It makes traveling convenient and accessible.

Looking for EV road trip ideas? We’ve got you covered:

• A Texas BBQ Road Trip Itinerary for EVs
• An Itinerary for a Pacific Northwest Road Trip
• 3 Destinations for an Eco-Conscious New England Road Trip

Become Part of the EV Community

The EV community is small but mighty and growing every day. Stay connected to EV owners in your community – and remember that You.Car is here to help. Come back often for tips and guidance as you navigate life as an EV owner. And don’t forget to download the all-in-one app you need to make EV ownership truly simple. With us, finding charging stations and planning road trips is effortless.

Whether you’re embarking on your first EV journey or already cruising in style, remember to stay informed, spread the word, and enjoy the greener future we’re building together.