Is an EV Right for Me?

Jim Motavalli | Aug 07, 2014

All cars may be electric someday, but right now they’re a niche market and not for everybody. Donald Trump is likely to buy something else, and so is the guy who tows a boat 100 miles each way to his lake house on the weekends.

The best candidates for owning or leasing an EV will have some combination of these characteristics:

It’s important for you to feel like you’re helping out the environment.

"Tree Hugger" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by j0hncooke

You have decent disposable income.

Translation: There are plenty of cheaper cars you can buy, even when you factor in savings.

You have a relatively short commute.

Into the White by Corey Templeton, on Flickr

"Into the White" (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Corey Templeton

You like being an early adopter.

"Phonographs" (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by trp0

You’re not a worrier.

You’re a resident of a state that has already installed public chargers, or your workplace offers free EV charging.

Translation: If you’re running on empty, better hope those chargers are in service and not occupied by someone else. And do you really want to be walking around a strange neighborhood with a 100-foot extension cord? (Flickr/Oregon Department of Transportation)

Car Talk Answer Guide:

Four or more "yes" answers: Go for it! Then come back in a few months and tell us what you think of your new ride.
One to three "yes" answers: A Prius would be a nice compromise.
No "yes" answers: Better get that 2015 Lincoln Navigator.

How'd you score? Let us know in the comments!

EV Area Home

Get the Car Talk Newsletter