If the current gas prices have you down at the gas pump, you might be thinking about buying an electric vehicle. You wouldn’t be alone – the number of people turning to electric SUVs, trucks, and cars is steadily rising as more and more car manufacturers put out excellent alternatives to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. So what should you look for if you’re buying an electric SUV? Here are some of the top things you should consider.

There are different types of electric SUVs

It’s not as simple as just choosing an electric SUV and being done with it. There are different kinds of electric SUVs, which may seem overwhelming at first, but is ultimately a good thing because it means you have lots of options. Electric cars that run on a battery need to be charged, while hybrid SUVs run on a battery and gas. There are two kinds of hybrid SUVs: those that need to be plugged in, and those that don’t. You should decide which one of these best suits your needs before you begin shopping.

There are available tax credits for people who buy hybrid and electric vehicles

Perhaps you already know about the electric vehicle tax credit. It’s an incentive to get people to buy an electric vehicle, and there are federal, state, and local tax credits available. Federal tax credits generally range from $2,500 to $7,500, according to Drive Clean. You should also look for direct rebates as well as local rebates for buying or leasing electric SUVs, and installing home charging stations. There are different restrictions and guidelines surrounding the tax credits available, so it’s a good idea to search the particular electric SUV you’re considering as well as the area that you live in to see what may be an option for you.

What is the best electric SUV to buy?

According to Consumer Reports, there are two electric SUVs at the top of the list of vehicles you should consider. Those are the 2022 Kia Niro Electric Vehicle (EV) and the 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime. Both electric vehicles have overall scores of 88/100, putting them well ahead of other electric SUVs. To determine this score, Consumer Reports looks at a variety of factors, such as the predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, road-test score, and things like ride and noise.

Of course, there are plenty of other options out there too. Obviously, you’ll want to choose an electric vehicle within your budget, but you should also consider things like charging time and ease, range, and comfort. Style is, of course, important as well.

Obviously, these are just a few of the (major) considerations that go into deciding whether to buy an electric SUV. While beginning the process can feel overwhelming, it may be worthwhile. Once you are familiar with the different types of electric and hybrid SUVs out there, and how much it will cost you after tax credits and rebates, you’ll be able to decide which electric SUV is the perfect fit for you.