[Daily Knowledge] What should you pay attention to when picking an electric car?

Buying electric vehicles (EV) is becoming more and more popular in Hong Kong, but compared with traditional gasoline vehicles, there are many things to pay special attention to. The following is a detailed lazy package to help you clearly understand what to pay attention to when buying an electric vehicle:

1. Charging facilities and charging methods

  • Is there a parking space at home for a private charging station?
    Can charging piles be installed in housing estates/carparks? Have you communicated with the owners’ corporation?
  • Are there any public charging stations nearby?
    Is it convenient? Are there many fast charging/slow charging stations? Is it easy to find charging stations through apps/maps?
  • Charging speed <br>How many kW does it support? What is the difference between fast charging (DC) and slow charging (AC)?
    Generally, household slow charging is about 6-7kW, while fast charging can reach up to 50kW or even higher.

2. Actual battery life

  • Official numbers vs. real usage <br>The official range (NEDC/WLTP) is for reference only. The actual driving range will be lower, especially in summer when turning on the air conditioner, driving in traffic jams, or driving on highways.
  • Daily travel distance <br>To meet your needs for daily commuting and occasional long-distance travel.

3. Repair and maintenance and after-sales service

  • Are there many approved repair networks?
    Are there sufficient parts supplies and maintenance technicians?
  • Factory warranty terms <br>How many years/miles does the battery require maintenance? For example, 8 years/160,000 kilometers is common.
  • Maintenance costs <br>Although lower than traditional gasoline vehicles, battery or high-voltage components are more expensive to repair.

4.Battery condition and life

  • What is the battery capacity?
    Directly affects battery life.
  • Battery Health (SOH)
    Used cars should be especially careful to check the battery degradation.
  • How much does it cost to replace the battery after the warranty period?
    Batteries are of high value and long-term maintenance costs need to be considered.

5. Government policies and benefits

  • First registration tax reduction <br>Green vehicles have tax benefits, remember to check the latest government policies.
  • "One-for-One" Scheme <br>There are additional tax exemptions when you trade in your old car for a new electric car.
  • Parking, tunnel and other discounts <br>Some public parking lots have special spaces for electric vehicles or charging discounts.

6. Model selection

  • Brand and after-sales service
    Tesla, BMW, BYD, Nissan, MG, Hyundai, etc. each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
  • Is the cabin space and riding comfort suitable for your family or personal needs?
  • Technological equipment : autonomous driving, intelligent navigation, vehicle networking functions, etc.

7. Insurance Arrangements

  • Electric cars can sometimes cost more to insure than gasoline cars, especially if they are newer models or parts are harder to find.
  • Check your insurance company's special terms for electric vehicles.

8. Other Tips

  • Budget <br>In addition to the car price, you need to consider charging facilities, insurance, daily maintenance, etc.
  • Second-hand value <br>Electric vehicles depreciate quickly, so keep an eye on future resale prices.
  • Software Update <br>Some brands (such as Tesla) often have OTA updates, and their functions are constantly improved.

Summarize

The most important things to consider when buying an electric car are: charging facilities , actual range , after-sales maintenance , and government discounts . If you use the car frequently or commute long distances on a daily basis, you need to plan more carefully; if you only use the car occasionally, you can consider low-priced models.

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