No matter your budget or specific needs, there's an electric car out there that's the right fit for you. Not only are electric cars an eco-friendly option, but they can save you significantly on gas and other upkeep costs of gas-powered vehicles. This article will give you a few tips for what to look for and how to go about buying your first electric car.

1. Consider Unique Costs

While owning an electric car can save you money in the long run, there are some unique costs associated with buying electric. It's important to do your homework and research on things like insurance quotes and average electric bills to see if this is truly the right move for you. Electricity will be cheaper than gas in the long run, so by making sure you have the right charging equipment and setup, you should be set financially.

It's important to consider what kind of charger you'll need for the model of car you're looking at. Generally, a car will only require a slow, one-level charger that can be plugged directly into an outlet, but you may need to upgrade to a two-level charger, which requires more of a financial commitment, as well as taking up space in a garage.

You might be prepared for driving only short distances in your new vehicle, but in the event that you have to drive farther away, you'll have to be prepared to foot the bill for a rental car. Electric cars are frequently more expensive than the alternative, so the investment can become quite costly if the right measures aren't taken to avoid unexpected costs down the road.

2. Calculate Your Range

An electric car can only handle relatively short distances, because it has to be charged rather than filled with gas periodically. This means you're committed to whatever range your new electric car has, and if you haven't calculated your needed range before buying, you could end up in some trouble. Most electric cars made today can handle the average American commute, so you shouldn't be in any trouble as long as you're tracking your travel time accurately.

Adding on little after-work errands can quickly add up and drain your car, leaving nothing left in the "tank" for emergencies. Be realistic about your needs and calculate your range accordingly. If you're someone who has to travel out of town frequently, or likes the freedom to hop in the car and go anywhere at a moment's notice, an electric car might not be the best choice for you.

3. Understand Charging Infrastructure

Where you live will affect your life as an electric car owner as much as the car itself. Living in an area with poor to no charging infrastructure means it'll be up to you, 100% of the time, to make sure your car is fully charged. Some areas of the country have a great charging infrastructure, with charging stations as common as gas stations, meaning you can take your car out for longer trips without worrying about wearing down the battery. If you have to rely on your own charger, longer trips won't be an option for you, so this is something to consider when looking for an electric car.

4. Consider Going Hybrid

While going green is always something you should feel confident doing, it's important that your new, expensive car fits your lifestyle without forcing you to change. You'll still have to live your normal life after getting your new car, so don't fall into the trap of believing that your electric car will come along with a change in lifestyle. A good alternative, if you've weighed the pros and cons and can't decide, is to go hybrid.

A hybrid car combines electric and gas, running the car on electricity first and foremost, then kicking in the gas once the battery runs out. This means for daily commutes and errands, you can generally run on electricity, only relying on gas for longer trips. Hybrids also have the benefit of a large range of options, meaning you can find a car that suits a variety of needs. If you want the eco-friendliness of an electric car without the anxiety, hybrid is the way to go.

Going electric can mean a big change in the way you're used to functioning as a car owner, so take your time to consider every possibility and look into every option before settling. Then you can have the peace of mind that you can save money, while still having your peace of mind.