When I got my first EV, it honestly felt like a step into the future. No more fuel stops, fewer maintenance worries — it all seemed like a win. Nothing major, but little things that affect the everyday driving experience in ways I didn’t expect. If you’re thinking about buying an EV, these are a few things that are definitely worth keeping in mind.
Charging Takes Time
Unlike filling up at the pump, charging an EV isn’t instant. At home with a standard charger, it can take 6 to 8 hours. Even fast chargers aren’t exactly “fast” when you’re on the go—they still take about 30 minutes or more. It works fine if you’re used to plugging in overnight, but I’ve had to plan my days around charging stops more than once.
Limited http://5 Unexpected Challenges for EV Owners Worth ConsideringCharging Stations
In big cities, public chargers are growing in number, but in smaller towns or highways, they can be hard to find—or occupied. I once had to wait at a mall charger for almost an hour just to plug in. It reminded me of waiting for my turn at a water cooler in college!
Weather Impacts Range
Cold weather really hits EV performance. Heating the cabin or just driving in low temps can drop your range by 20–30%. It’s something I never had to think about with my old petrol car.
Battery Degrades Over Time
EV batteries don’t stay at 100% forever. After a few years, you’ll notice the range isn’t quite what it used to be. It’s slow, but it happens—kind of like your phone not lasting all day after a year or two.
Extra Load Means Less Range
Carrying extra passengers or luggage? Be ready to see the range drop quicker than usual. I learned this the hard way on a road trip with friends.