The Cost of Owning an Electric Vehicle

If you're a Seattle area motorist who's interested in owning an electric vehicle (EV), you must surely have plenty of questions.

Does an electric vehicle cost more? What are the charging options for an EV? How do EVs compare to hybrids and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles?

Here at Honda Auto Center of Bellevue, we're eager to assist you in finding answers to your EV ownership questions! Take a look at our review of the EV ownership experience to learn about the costs of owning an electric vehicle, EV trends and more.

Does An Electric Vehicle Cost More?

If you're wondering about the true cost of ownership for an electric vehicle, you're not alone. Many drivers are curious about making the switch to an EV but are unsure what that would mean for their transportation costs.

The cost structure of owning an electric vehicle is a bit different than a conventional car, truck or SUV. That's in part because a new EV may have a slightly higher price than a comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle.

However, thanks to federal and state incentives and increased EV manufacturing and competition, electric cars are increasingly affordable.

But the running costs of an electric vehicle differ, too. When you switch to an EV, you'll no longer be concerned with the cost of gasoline or when your car will need its next oil change.

So maybe your upfront costs or monthly financing or lease payment will be higher with an EV, but you'll likely see savings on fuel and maintenance costs over the ownership period.

EV Ownership Tips

A top tip for new EV owners is to plan ahead for trips and charging. Even in cities like Bellevue, WA, where the public EV charging infrastructure continues to grow, charging stations aren't nearly as prevalent as gas pumps. That means EV motorists should plan out their trips a bit more than with a gasoline-powered automobile.

If you're able to install a charging point at your home, you'll be in a great position to take advantage of the full benefits of owning an electric vehicle. That's because you'll have a reliable home base for charging your EV overnight.

Then, during the day, when you're commuting or running errands, you can rely on public fast-charging stations around Redmond, WA, or wherever your daily driving takes you.

Now that we've covered some EV ownership tips, let's consider the current EV trends and where the automotive industry is headed.

EV Trends

The automotive industry is continuing the push toward electrification with a range of new and upcoming electrified vehicles. For instance, Honda has announced the upcoming fully electric 2024 Honda Prologue, its first-ever electric SUV that will offer versatility and driving range on par with its current lineup of rugged SUVs.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models remain a popular and affordable alternative to EVs, and Honda has a strong lineup of these types of electrified vehicles for sale right now.

From the Honda Accord Hybrid and Insight sedans to the new CR-V Hybrid crossover SUV, Honda offers a gasoline-electric hybrid model for just about every lifestyle and budget.

Honda is a leader in plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, too. The Clarity Plug-In Hybrid blends the best of electric vehicles and hybrids, thanks to its convenient charging options and extended driving range.

Whether you're shopping for a fully electric vehicle or an electrified SUV or sedan, there are plenty of options today, with more arriving soon. Head to your local Bellevue Honda auto dealership near Sammamish, WA, and discover the complete lineup of Honda electrified vehicles for yourself!