The charm of electric cars (EVs) has never been this stronger, as it is these days. These green vehicles have a positive impact on the environment and protect owners from the hike in fuel prices. If you are thinking about when to buy an electric car then this is the right time.
The UAE government is offering incentives to EV owners and encouraging the rest to make a switch to electric cars. If you are willing to buy one, then you should consider these tips on buying an electric car.
6 Factors to Consider Before You Switch to an Electric Car in the UAE
It is a bit tricky to buy an electric car in the UAE since there are tons of factors that impact your choice. Below are some key factors that you must consider before you switch to an electric car:
1. Price
Though electric cars aren’t pocket-friendly, they are a one-time investment. Their high price is due to the expensive battery and complex drivetrain. Nonetheless, if you are low on budget, then you can still get your hands on any of these used electric cars in the UAE:
- Used Tesla Model S cars in the UAE
- Second-hand BMW i3 cars in the UAE
- Second-hand Tesla Model X cars for sale
- Used Chevrolet Bolt cars for sale in the UAE
2. Range
The driving range is one of the crucial factors to consider before you switch to an electric car. Since it often builds up range anxiety that is the driver’s fear of insufficient car energy. The mileage of electric cars’ predecessors was not quite impressive, but EVs today offer a driving range of over 400+ km/charge. A battery’s capacity accounts for its driving range, so the better it is the better will be the range.
Charging an electric car might seem like a difficult task but it’s certainly not. An EV’s battery can be charged using an electric car charger at home.
For ease in electric car charging in Dubai, DEWA has established over 325 charger stations across the city through the EV Green Charger Initiative. This program has helped minimise the range anxiety that builds up when roaming around with an EV.
3. Variants
If you wish to go completely eco-friendly, you can easily switch to an electric car. However, if the range anxiety is still high, then you can go for a hybrid car. A hybrid car comprises both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, meaning it can run on both fuel and electricity. Moreover, the benefits of a hybrid car in the UAE include free car charging, Green Auto Loan, and many more.
You may want to check out this guide on hybrid vs electric cars to have a detailed overview of both.
4. Maintenance
It is a renowned fact that electrical equipment is difficult to maintain. The same fact applies to an EV, but only if it ever undergoes a major breakdown. Otherwise, the advantage of an electric car is that it rarely requires part repair or replacement.
So once you switch to an electric car, you can cut down the maintenance cost by practising these electric car maintenance tips proactively.
5. Battery Life and Warranty
The battery of an electric car is undeniably the most expensive component among the rest. Replacing a battery pack of an electric vehicle can cost you dearly, but it is most definitely worth it.
Remember! The greater the battery life and capacity, the lesser the maintenance cost.
Similarly, manufacturers provide a warranty on the battery in terms of driving distance or time. Therefore, it is crucial to check the battery life and warranty before investing in a green car, be it used or new
6. Tax Benefits and Incentives
The UAE government is offering some smart incentives and tax benefits that help reduce the overall cost of an electric car. You must check the exact percentage of tax benefits you might get before you switch to an electric car.
In the UAE, an EV registered under DEWA’s EV Green Charger Initiative can get other incentives from the RTA too. Such incentives include free assigned parking and Salik’s tag, special number plate arrangements with exemption from renewal fees and electric car registration by RTA.
If you opt for a hybrid car in the UAE, you can avail the Green Auto Loan which offers 50% cash back on the loan processing fee.
If you are interested in buying an EV, go through this list of popular electric cars in 2022.
With EVs, the automobile industry has made an impressive technological leap. Electric cars have allowed us to embrace the future, rather than worrying over some common myths about electric vehicles.
The UAE government is encouraging its citizens to switch to an electric car that is a cheaper fuel alternative by offering incentives. If you intend to buy an electric car yourself, then you can consider buying a used electric car in the UAE.
We hope that our EV buying guide sums up why should you switch to electric cars. That said, going over these answers to some FAQs about electric cars in the UAE will help you gain more insights into EVs.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top automotive blog for more information on electric cars.
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