If it hasn’t happened already, a car with a plug will show up on your lot sooner rather than later. And, while it’s true that most customers who purchase an EV or plug-in hybrid EV come in knowing they want one, there are some customers who are curious and maybe tempted to consider a purchase. Don’t lose that opportunity! Ask a customer about his or her level of interest and be prepared to give an “elevator speech” on the value of these cars.
Customer’s Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will it cover my daily driving?
A: The average American has a total commute of 30 miles a day and covers an extra five miles on non-commute related driving. Shorter range EVs more than cover those daily averages.
Q: What will charging an EV do to my electric bill?
A: Charging a car based on an average commute typically costs less than a dollar a charge. Many electricity providers offer special rates for EV drivers that bring the cost down even further.
Q: What if I run short on battery charge?
A: There are many public chargers in place already, such as ChargePoint and EVGo, and more are coming. Smartphone apps like PlugShare make it easy to find a charger.
Q: What about the battery? How much will it cost to replace?
A: Many manufacturers offer warranties on the batteries up to 8 years. Replacement battery packs are dropping in price. Also, EVs don’t have complex transmissions that break so that eventual expense is eliminated.
Q: How much does a 240v charger cost and how much does it cost to install it at my home?
A: 240v chargers can be bought on Amazon for as little as $350-$400 and installation costs another couple hundred dollars. Many electricity providers offer rebates for installation. See if there are any federal or state incentives and/or tax credits.
Q: What about maintenance?
A: There are no oil changes, no oil filters or air filters. On occasion, there’s a need to inspect the brakes and battery pack. But, other than that, EVs require very little in the way of regular maintenance.
Q: Why do these cars cost more than comparable gasoline models?
A: They cost more because the battery technology is still more expensive than traditional internal combustion engines. But, the price is narrowing and tax credits help offset the cost.
Read this article (April 2017, p. 22-24) and more from CarBizToday Magazine
