If you are an older driver and you want to transition towards an electric car for your next car, you need to make sure that the car in question has all the necessary features needed for a senior-friendly vehicle. This means that the car needs to be safe, easily accessible, practical, offer lots of adjustments, and be intuitive.
As such, you ought to check out the Kia Niro EV, the VW ID.4, and the Tesla Model 3 if you are interested in smaller EVs. If you want an electric SUV, be sure to check out the Tesla Model Y. If you want the most comfortable and most luxurious features available, be sure to check out the Mercedes EQS.
Electric cars are growing in popularity in recent times which means that buying an EV now might be a good idea. If you are unsure about buying an EV, it may be better to opt for a plug-in hybrid which could theoretically serve you as a testbed for a full EV transition in the future.
Either way, there are a few electric cars out there that should serve you well, but only if you have the means to exploit them in a reasonable manner. This means that you will have to install a wall charger at your home or rely on a decently developed charging infrastructure in the area you reside in.
Kia Niro EV
For around $40k you can get the Kia Niro EV which is a fairly good option for both younger and older drivers alike. It offers a compliant ride with a roomy interior that can be adjusted to your heart’s desire. The car is easily accessible because it offers a slightly raised-up driving position which also boosts visibility.
It comes with a rather decent 240 miles of range which should be more than plenty for a few days worth of daily commuting. The infotainment system is easy to understand and all the controls are at the tip of your fingers at all times. Safety is a big selling point of the Niro EV because it comes with loads of safety kit as standard.
VW ID.4
For pretty much the same amount of money as the Niro EV, you can the VW ID.4 EV which arguably offers more excitement in comparison. The range on offer is around 250 miles on a full charge which makes this VW EV fairly competitive with the Niro EV. It also comes with lots of safety kit as standard which make it safe and confident-inducing while on the road.
It is even more spacious than the Niro EV which makes it better if you often want to haul multiple passengers. However, it might not be the most intuitive of all the cars listed here because it comes with lots of touch-screen buttons which can be difficult to understand and to use while driving.
Tesla Model 3
With a starting price of around $44k, the base trim Model 3 is arguably a better EV when compared to both the Niro and the ID.4 because it offers the availability to use the Tesla supercharger network which is still a lot better when compared to most 3rd party chargers on the market.
However, the Model 3 does offer a lower ride height when compared to all cars on this list which is not exactly something you want from a senior-friendly EV. Either way, the Model 3 offers 220 miles of range on a full charge and is arguably the best all-around EV on the market right now as far as value is concerned.
Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y is basically a raised-up Model 3 which makes it far more beneficial for older drivers. The Model Y also comes with a lot more space for all the passengers which makes it a step above the Model 3 as far as practicality and accessibility are concerned.
The Model Y does cost a few grand more than the Model 3 but that is well worth it because of all the advantages it carries over the Model 3. The infotainment system might be a bit of a hassle to understand at first but when you do, it’s smooth sailing from there.
Mercedes EQS
If you want the very top echelon of luxury in an EV you should take a closer look at the brand-new Mercedes EQS. This $120k EV is an electric version of the S-Class which means that it offers all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Mercedes flagship.
Even though it’s not nearly as spacious as the S-Class, especially for the rear passengers, the EQS is the current champ when it comes to the range because it managed to travel 441 miles on a single charge. This comes as no surprise as the EQS is the most aerodynamic EV on the market right now.
FAQ Section
Does it make sense to buy an EV in 2021?
More than 54% of Americans are fond of the idea of buying either a hybrid or an EV as their next car which means that we are slowly moving towards a mass transition to decarbonized transportation. However, the logic behind it is not all that is simple.
If you want to transition towards an EV you need to make sure that you got the right access to a well-developed charging infrastructure network in order to even benefit from an EV. If you cant do that you need to install a wall charger in your garage.
Which type of EV is the best for older drivers?
Electric SUVs/crossovers are arguably the best types of EVs to go for if you want a senior-friendly experience. This means you are benefiting from a raised-up driving position, easy accessibility, great all-around visibility, and great practicality.
Large sedans like the EQS are also a great option for older drivers who seek luxury and comfort above everything else.
Should I first buy a hybrid or an EV?
If you don’t have any experience owning and using an EV on a daily basis, it’s better to opt for a hybrid beforehand to test the waters and see how well you cope with all the compromises a re-chargeable car offers.
This means that you should not jump the gun and go and buy an EV without making sure your life is fit for all the adjustments necessary for you to enjoy an EV at all.