There is no question that electric cars release fewer toxic impurities into our water, soil and air than does gas vehicles. Smaller amounts of oil consumption greatly reduce the chance of oil spills, safeguarding wildlife and coastal regions for generations to come. However, aside from the obvious environmental reasons you may have for wanting to invest in an electric car, let’s get down to the real nuts and bolts of the matter-money matters, that is.

Fuel costs are rising; it isn’t likely they will be heading south anytime soon. Imagine all the thousands of dollars you will save each year by driving an electric car, rather than your diesel or conventional petrol vehicle. Electric motors have a lesser amount of moving parts, resulting in fewer visits to the mechanic. New car dealerships are beginning to realise the infinite potential they offer consumers, and countless more are underway for the future.

It is vital that you test drive it as you would other new cars. When doing so, first consider two things: its charging time and your personal range of use. Unfortunately, fuel consumption for gas-powered vehicles does not always jibe with the manufacturer’s official figures, meaning more refuels. Conversely, if an electric cars battery range does not meet your expectations, you may end up hoofing it. However, if your home and work are in close proximity to each other, an electric car is an excellent, practical alternative. You would be wise to find out where the public charging points are, as well as discussing it with your employer to make sure he will be agreeable about recharging your electric car while at work.

You need to test drive it longer than just around the block. Most new car dealers have no problem with letting you borrow it for a day or two. When test driving it, it’s a good idea to:

• Turn on anything electrical, such as the heaters and lights

• Check it’s handling on curvy roads, as well as the brake’s traction in inclement weather conditions and heavily trafficked roads

• Bring along the family if they are typically be in the car with you, thereby ensuring their comfort and overcoming any objections from the onset

Additionally, you need to determine if it fits your lifestyle. Once fully charged, will it stay charged while not in use, as well as long enough to make the return trek? Will it have to be recharged before taking it for evening jaunts, such as shopping, sports or children’s activities? According to Nissan, most are designed to stay charged for approximately 65 to 135 miles. This depends, of course, upon air conditioner or heating settings and usage, acceleration, deceleration, driving conditions and loads.

Who knows what the future holds. Most of us hope that the world continues to enjoy technological bliss, but we cannot truly ever predict if we will even exist if we run out of oil. However, a test drive to see if an electric car is right for you and your family will go a long way in controlling what kind of world our children will inherit-before our planet’s treasures are forever lost to everyone.