Buying an EV? Here is my approach. Part 2
In the first installment of this series, I delved into the various incentives available for EV buyers. If you missed Part 1, be sure to catch up here.
Today, I'll continue my journey toward finding the ultimate EV within a budget of $80,000, focusing on SUVs and trucks.
Vehicle Availability. Living in a fast-paced world driven by next-day deliveries from Amazon, instant gratification plays a significant role in my decision-making process. I want an EV today! Knowing that and knowing that some EVs are hard to come by, I want to check on availability.
To begin my search, I'll visit reputable platforms like CarGurus or even the manufacturer's website directly, such as Tesla. Utilizing CarGurus' advanced filters, I can quickly sort by:
- Vehicle type
- Fuel source (electric in this case)
- Proximity
- Price
- Color and more
I kept this search simple and started with an electric truck within 25 miles of my house which is less than $80,000. My search yields a single result – a Ford F-150 Lightning with a stock photo marked as sold. To ensure its availability, I'd probably contact the dealership directly. We encountered a similar tactic looking for our current Lightning and oftentimes, these trucks were not actually available.
Given the scarcity of electric trucks, I could then expand my search to include SUVs, specifically the Tesla Model Y. Instead of using CarGurus this time, I will turn to Tesla’s site directly. I found a solitary Model Y within 25 miles by entering my preferences on Tesla's website. I talked to Tesla and this Model Y is available for immediate pickup-up.
For this scenario, let’s just assume both options are readily available. I now face a critical decision: the brand-new Ford F-150 Lightning or the equally enticing Tesla Model Y?
Stay tuned for Part 3 of my comprehensive EV buying guide, arriving in next Tuesday's newsletter. I'll delve into the nitty-gritty and reveal the criteria that will ultimately determine my ideal EV selection.
