Georgia dealerships are charging ahead with electric choices for buyers.
If you’re feeling out of your depth in buying an electric vehicle (EV), you’re not alone. For the first time in the 100-year history of car buying in America, the lay of the land has utterly changed. Buying an EV can prompt many new questions and considerations since it’s a relatively new market. For the best guidance, talk to a local dealer—who will be a knowledgeable partner in your buying experience, as well as your advocate.
If you’re looking to buy an EV and be a part of this forward-thinking, money-saving, environmentally-friendly ride into the future, here are six steps to turn your green dream into reality:
Step 1: Set a Budget. Research Incentives and Tax Credits.
Much like buying any new car, creating a budget for your electric vehicle is key. Consider factors like the amount of your down payment, the potential trade-in value of a current vehicle, your desired monthly payment, and what kind of interest rates are available. Then, make sure to team up with a trusted advisor at your local dealership, who can help you understand the additional factors that might affect your payment. For instance, the federal tax credit for an EV-owner can be up to $7,500, and Georgia rebates for at-home chargers can offset the cost of your purchase price. Your dealership will ensure you know everything that is available to you and help you claim every dollar on the table.
Step 2: Get the Big Picture: New vs Used, Buying vs Leasing.
There are pros and cons for each choice, and that certainly applies to electric vehicles. Though leasing can reduce up-front costs, it might also negate some of the tax credits and rebates you would be eligible for as a buyer. Also, buying a new car brings you the latest technology and green engineering, which may lead to more cost-efficiency. Again, it’s best to talk to someone who can speak to all of these factors so you’re sure.
Step 3: List Your Wants and Needs.
Take a moment to think about how you live your day-to-day life. What size car works for your lifestyle? How far do you travel on a daily basis? How often will you need to charge your car, knowing that the average range for a fully charged EV is around 200 miles? Are you interested in a fast charge or a longer battery life? Does a hybrid model, one that is only partially electric and does not need to be plugged in, make more sense for you? A dealer can help you understand all of the options and features, and will help you connect you to the perfect vehicle, from a two-door coupe to a crossover.
Step 4: Consider Getting Behind the Wheel and Taking a Test Drive.
The best part about shopping with your local Georgia dealer? If you want, you can test drive your top EV contenders and get a feel for the car of your dreams—before you buy it. Talk with your dealer about how your top choices compare, and take advantage of their willingness to talk through every factor, from the interior to the exterior. Pop the trunk, get a feel for the dashboard, test the climate controls and ask any question that comes to mind.
Step 5: Let’s Make a Deal.
Now is the time to work with your dealer to make sure the price is right. Your dealer can assist with your financing and trade-in and will handle all of the title and registration details for you—getting you into the EV of your dreams in no time at all. All you have to do is sign on the dotted line, then you’ll be driving home in your brand new EV.
