Buying Your First EV? Here Are Some Helpful Tips and Tricks

When purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) for the first time, you might be confused about which direction to turn. Owning an EV can be frustrating if you are not familiar with the technology. As with anything else, it's good to do your research. If you have been considering a Hyundai Kona Electric for sale, River City Hyundai is here with some helpful tips and tricks that will flatten the EV learning curve and help keep frustration at bay.

Why Choose the Hyundai Kona Electric?

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is a great entry point to the world of EVs. The integrated charging port is accessed at the front grill, making charging easy no matter where you are. The battery can be recharged up to 80% of its capacity in less than an hour with a Level 3 DC Fast Charger, or you can use Level 1 or Level 2 charging for added convenience. Hyundai uses the CCS and J1772 charging standards, which are the most common types of public chargers in Canada.

The standard 150 kW electric motor offers 201 hp, and the 64 kWh battery pack provides 415 km of all-electric driving range. In addition, you get a Battery Temperature Management System that is perfect for Canadian winters. The system pre-warms the battery while your EV is connected to the charger, helping reduce battery loss due to colder temperatures. The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric also has a standard heat pump system. A heat pump absorbs heat from the outside air in temperatures as low as -20º C and converts it to cabin heating, meaning your HVAC system uses less energy from the battery.

4 Things to Do When Purchasing Your First Electric Vehicle

When choosing an electric vehicle, it's important to determine a few things before heading to our dealership. Having a plan and understanding the basics of EVs will help you make the best decision.

#1 - Determine Your Requirements

The first thing you should do before buying an electric vehicle is to determine your requirements. Consider the length of your average commute, the typical distances you travel, and the number of charging stations available in your area. This can help you evaluate the range and charging capabilities you require. The Kona Electric is a great all-around model, but if you need more range, Hyundai also offers the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.

#2 - Investigate Different Models

There are a lot of different EV models available on the market, and each one has its own set of benefits and features. The Hyundai Kona Electric is front-wheel drive and has room for five people. As a subcompact SUV, it also has a good amount of interior volume, with up to 1,296 L of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Do your research to identify the EV model that satisfies your requirements and financial constraints.

#3 - Go for a Test Drive

Come for a test drive at our dealership to understand Kona Electric's performance and handling. If you've never driven an electric vehicle before, you might be surprised at how enjoyable the experience is. The electric motor offers instant power without producing any noise, and there are no exhaust smells or vibrations as you drive. You will also get to try EV-specific features like regenerative braking and one-pedal driving. Don't worry; our team will explain all the ins and outs so that you aren't overwhelmed.

#4 - Calculate the Costs

Beyond the price listed on the window sticker, you need to consider the ongoing costs of owning an electric vehicle, such as maintenance and insurance. These costs are easily calculated using online tools, allowing you to compare them to the costs of owning a gas-powered vehicle.

Your first electric vehicle (EV) purchase needs research, but overall, it can be a very gratifying experience. After deciding this is the direction you want to go, the next thing you need to learn about is tips and tricks for charging, allowing you to enjoy your EV even more.

Charging Tips and Tricks For Your First EV

Just as you would research the closest gas stations and fuel prices, learning where charging stations are located and what your charging options are is key to successful electric vehicle ownership. These tips and tricks can help you make the most of your new purchase.

Prepare in Advance

When charging your electric vehicle, one of the most important things to do is prepare. Planning your route to include charging stations if needed and fully charging your Kona Electric before you go is key. Map out your destination using mapping tools or apps that display the charging station locations, cost, and when they can be accessed. Two such tools that are quick and easy to use are PlugShare and the built-in app in the Kona Electric.

Understand Charging Station Levels

Although Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120V household outlet, is the simplest way to charge your electric vehicle, Level 2 charging is much quicker. It takes a bit over nine hours to completely charge a Kona Electric with Level 2 charging, which is perfect for topping off overnight. Purchasing a Level 2 charger for your home is a smart investment if you intend to own an EV.

In Canada, you can easily find public Level 2 chargers, and in many cases, you can access them for free. However, when you are on the road, you will want to look for Level 3 DC Fast Chargers. One of these stations can charge your Kona Electric up to 80% in approximately 47 minutes, making them perfect when you're on a road trip. However, using a Level 3 station will generally cost around $15 to $20 an hour, so you won't want to rely on them all of the time.

Utilize a Smart Charger

Home Level 2 smart chargers are designed to talk with your electric vehicle to find the best method to charge it in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Smart chargers can also be set to begin and end at certain times. The other nice perk of smart chargers is that they can be accessed and monitored remotely using WiFi.

Pay Attention to the Level of Your Battery

It is essential to keep an eye on the level of your battery and charge your automobile before the battery gets too low. On average, Canadians drive about 55 km a day. Know your usage to ensure you have the power you need to go about the day with zero interruptions.

Do Not Charge Your Electric Vehicle's Battery to Max

This habit can cause damage to the battery and shorten its lifespan. Be sure to protect your vehicle from being overcharged by setting a charge limit on the charging station as well as the vehicle itself. Most experts suggest that you should only charge your EV up to 80% to protect the battery and allow the proper functioning of the regenerative braking system. However, it is okay to charge 100% occasionally, such as when preparing for a longer trip.

Multitask During Charging

Recharging an electric vehicle takes time, especially if you use a charger with a lower rating. Plan your charging locations so you can run errands, have a meal, or work remotely while the vehicle is being charged. This task is becoming easier as more and more Canadian businesses are installing charging stations as a way to increase their foot traffic. Take advantage of this and multitask while your EV charges.

Living With Your Electric Vehicle

Since electric motors have fewer moving parts, they need much less maintenance than other vehicles. However, they still need regular attention. Working with our knowledgeable service team can help you stay up-to-date no matter what issue comes your way. Our team can provide basic services like fluid fill-ups and tire rotations and take care of bigger issues that might arise. We are always here for you as you live with your Kona Electric. With the right information and the right team, you can find an EV that fits your needs and budget. We can't wait to help you join the electric revolution.