Things to note when you are looking for a EV
The world is now enamored with going green and buying an EV is part of this song and dance. However it can be a minefield with so many models and the extremely high price we have.
Now before you even hit the showrooms or motor show, do some homework, and some maths.
Questions you need to answer:
- What’s your mileage? A super high mileage person may find a hybrid better as the time on the road may be so high that charging is logistically hard
- What’s the tax incentive? Note that these rebates are also clawed back at the end partially so when you calculate the depreciation, use the net PARF and check what you get back, some cars have zero net value after ten years
- What’s the charging system available to you and where can you park or how much time do you have to charge?
Now when you examine the cars, some important things to look at, apart from the price tag.
1. Price
Yeah, that’s the sticker tag which pretty much attracts you or makes you walk away, however, what does it include or exclude matters. So read the terms.
2. Bidding
Is it guaranteed or not? If not, how many bids? And will they bid each time. Some less than scrupulous dealers will tell you they have control over when they bid, eg they may begin bidding months later and hold your money ransom, even if they have no intention of getting the car for you at the agreed price.
3. Financing
Some companies will make you take a loan and also at very high interest rates. Others give you the liberty of paying full cash. Do read up about the “rule of 78” (https://www.sgcarmart.com/articles/advice/rule-of-78-for-car-loans-everything-you-need-to-know-30847 ), which basically penalizes you severely for redeeming the loan early. So weigh up the discounts given, the freebies before you agree to the loan and check the loan quantum plus, any penalties for early redemption, on top of the rule of 78. Generally speaking the discounts are pretty good, to entice you but do your maths and homework. Remember a car is a depreciating asset and it is possible that your loan is bigger than what the car is worth if you have to sell or scrap it.
4. Service package - what’s included
Things to look out for – free service? What’s exactly included? Any consumables, or fluids eg oil or just wiper fluid? The EV requires much less maintenance but you need to clear what you will get when they say it’s free.
An Electric Vehicle (EV) maintenance appointment focuses on different areas than a traditional gas car, primarily involving inspections of the battery and electrical systems, and standard maintenance for components like tires, brakes, and fluids. There are no oil changes, spark plug replacements, or exhaust system checks.
Here is what typically happens during an EV maintenance appointment:
System Diagnostics and Software
• Battery Health Check: Technicians use specialized diagnostic tools to check the overall health, capacity, and performance of the high-voltage battery pack and individual cells.
• Software Updates: The car's software, which manages the battery, powertrain, and other features, will be updated to the latest manufacturer firmware, which can often enhance performance or fix bugs.
• High-Voltage System Inspection: All high-voltage cables, connectors, charging ports, and sealing caps are inspected for any signs of wear or damage to ensure safety.
Mechanical and Safety Checks
• Tire Maintenance: EVs have instant torque and are generally heavier, which can lead to faster or uneven tire wear. Maintenance includes:
o Inspecting for wear and proper tread depth.
o Checking and adjusting tire pressure.
o Rotating or balancing the tires.
• Brake System Inspection: Due to regenerative braking, which uses the motor to slow the car, the physical brake pads and rotors wear out much less frequently. The appointment will still involve:
o Visual inspection of the pads and rotors for wear or rust.
o Checking and potentially replacing the brake fluid (typically every few years, as it can absorb moisture over time).
• Suspension and Steering: The added weight of the battery can put more strain on suspension components. These systems, along with ball joints and linkages, are inspected for wear or damage.
Fluid and Filter Management
• Fluid Level Checks: Although EVs don't use engine oil, other essential fluids need monitoring:
o Battery/Motor Coolant: The cooling system for the battery pack and inverter is checked and topped up. This fluid may need to be flushed and replaced at specific, long intervals (e.g., every 5–10 years).
o Windshield Washer Fluid: Topped up as needed.
• Filter Replacement: The cabin air filter (or climate control filter) is typically replaced at recommended intervals to ensure good air quality inside the vehicle
5. Warranty
Many companies give some form of warranty. For the car, the warranty covers damage but usually wear and tear isn’t included. Take note of the mileage too as you may drive more. As for the battery warranty, check what it means and the length. Eg replacement at 70% depleted or up to 200 000km is different from replacement at 50% depleted. Also some companies require you to service with them if you want to keep this warranty valid, and usually service at an authorized agent is more expensive if it is not free.
6. Specs
No, not the glasses, but what’s included with the price tag. Often cars come with a few versions, and the list of equipment is not the same. Even the type of paint, tyres, and size of rims can differ so do check so you don’t feel disappointed if a certain feature you desire isn’t included.
7. Battery and charging
Does it include the charger and it’s installation? What’s the size, and how fast is the charging. Some cars use a lower rated charger for their cheaper models.
8. Range
Now there are usually two or three methods of measuring, and even then the figures are usually very optimistic. So check and also on the real range from users.
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure)
• Modern Standard: Became mandatory in Europe in 2017, replacing NEDC.
• Realistic Test: Longer distance, higher speeds, steeper accelerations, and varied driving conditions (urban, suburban, highway).
• More Accurate: Provides figures closer to actual customer experience, as it factors in optional equipment (AC, bigger wheels).
• Specific Values: Each vehicle configuration gets a specific emissions/consumption value.
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) (U.S.)
o Focus: U.S. standard, known for being rigorous and realistic, incorporating HVAC use.
o Method: Uses a five-cycle test combining urban and highway driving with a correction factor, making it conservative.
o Result: Generally provides the most accurate, real-world range estimates, often lower than WLTP.
Check on your own needs, and ideally a good range will be in the 400km and up so you don’t feel range anxiety all the time. But check your own usage, as some people barely drive a 100km in a week, others may do that in a day.
9. Tax and insurance
One more thing about power. There is an artificially created boundary for the COE, the tax bracket and also insurance, so do check so you don’t get a nasty surprise.
Eg if the power goes up a lot, you end up paying a lot more in tax and insurance.
10. Interior
So the specs and price are nice? The new Chinese EVs are filled with soft touch materials, touchscreens and haptic controls. Now after the initial awe has died down, ask yourself – will these nice materials withstand ten years of abuse? Is it possible to fix it if it’s damaged and can replacement parts be found?
11. Brand longevity
My good friend in the car industry figures that of the brands in Singapore, about half or more will disappear before the decade is up, so if you buy their cars, can you get updates and spares, service and support etc? What happens if you need a software fix? These days, EVs are part PC on wheels, so choose wisely.
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