Electric Cars: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying Your First EV

Switching to electric power feels like a big step into the unknown for many people. The questions come one after another: what is the range, where is the vehicle charged, how long does the battery last and is it worth it at all? Electric cars today offer more convincing answers than ever, but the first purchase still requires a little preparation.

We have already written about why switching to electric power is becoming less a matter of trend and more a matter of logical calculation. Now we are going one step further and focusing on the specific decision: how to buy your first electric car without doubts. More and more drivers in Montenegro are choosing electricity instead of fuel, while technology and the network of charging stations for electric vehicles are improving year after year.

In this article, you will learn how electric powered vehicles work, what their advantages and disadvantages are, how much they cost, where they are charged and what to pay attention to when choosing your first model.

What Are Electric Cars and How Do They Work?

To clear up any doubts, let’s start with the basics. Instead of an internal combustion engine, electric cars use an electric motor powered by energy from a battery. The principle is simpler than with petrol cars, and that brings a range of practical benefits for the driver.

How Is an Electric Car Different from a Conventional One?

The biggest difference is in the drivetrain, and almost everything else follows from that. This type of vehicle has no gearbox, clutch or exhaust system, so it also has fewer moving parts that can fail. Driving is quiet, acceleration is instant and maintenance is significantly simpler.

The difference can also be felt in everyday use. Instead of going to a petrol station, you charge the vehicle at home or at a public station, most often while you sleep or work.

What Types of Electric Vehicles Are There?

They are mainly divided into three groups: fully electric vehicles (BEV), plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and conventional hybrids. Fully electric models run exclusively on electricity and do not have a fuel powered engine. Hybrids, on the other hand, combine two drivetrains, so they still depend on fuel.

Fully electric models are most often the first choice for those switching to electric driving. Good examples of such electric cars are the Dongfeng Box, Voyah Free and Voyah Courage, which run exclusively on electric power. If you want a clear transition without relying on fuel, this category is an excellent starting point.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles?

Like any technology, electric cars have their strengths and weaknesses. The advantages are more numerous today than before, but the disadvantages still exist and should be known in advance. An honest overview of both sides helps you make a decision without later regrets.

Electric Vehicles and Their Biggest Advantages in Everyday Driving

They are felt the most through lower costs and greater comfort. Here is what you specifically get in everyday use:

Lower charging costs compared to fuel
Cheaper maintenance, with fewer service interventions
Quiet and calm driving, without engine vibrations
Instant acceleration and easy handling in the city
Zero exhaust emissions

For most drivers, lower monthly costs are exactly what ultimately tips the decision in favor of electric driving.

Disadvantages and Limitations You Should Know

It is fair to say what the current disadvantages are as well, because there are no perfect solutions. The main limitations are the following:

Higher initial price compared to similar petrol cars
Range that depends on the model and driving conditions
The need for access to a charger, especially without home charging
Longer charging compared to traditional refueling

Still, most of these disadvantages are decreasing year after year, so today’s electric cars solve problems that were a serious obstacle just a few years ago.

How Much Does an Electric Car Cost in Montenegro?

For most buyers, price is the deciding factor, so it should be approached realistically. These cars cost slightly more at the start than similar petrol models, but the story does not end there. To get the full picture, you need to look at both the purchase price and the costs that follow.

Purchase Price and What It Depends On

The price of electric cars depends on the battery size, range and equipment level. Compact city models are in the lower range, while premium electric SUV vehicles naturally cost more. The Dongfeng Box, for example, starts at around 25,000 euros, which places it among the more affordable options on the market.

For exact and up-to-date amounts, it is best to ask directly at the A-Drive showroom. There, you can get prices for the Dongfeng Box, as well as for the Voyah Free and Voyah Courage, which belong to the higher and premium levels. In addition, prices themselves change through promotions and financing terms, so checking on site always gives the most precise calculation.

How Much Can You Save on Driving and Maintenance?

This is where electric cars return part of the money invested. Charging is generally cheaper than fuel, and maintenance is lower because part of the costs related to a conventional engine are eliminated. On an annual level, these differences can be significant, especially if you cover more kilometers.

That is why the initial price should not be viewed in isolation. We suggest adding up how much you spend annually on fuel and servicing, and then comparing that with an electric model. Only then can you see the real cost effectiveness over several years of driving.

Where and How Do You Charge an Electric Car?

Charging is the topic that raises the most doubts, but in practice, it is simpler than it sounds. You can charge an electric car at home or on the public network, depending on your habits and daily routine. The charging station network in Montenegro is covered in more detail in a separate article on the A-Drive website, and here we will highlight the most important points.

Electric Car Chargers: Home or Public Network

For most drivers, a combination of home and public charging covers all needs. At home, you charge overnight and wake up in the morning with a full battery, while public chargers are used for top ups on the go. What you should know is that electric car chargers are divided into slower AC and fast DC stations.

As stated in the article about charging stations on the A-Drive website, there are around 40 public chargers available in Montenegro, mostly in larger cities and along busy roads. AC chargers are suitable for longer stops, while fast DC chargers can significantly recharge the battery in just 20 to 40 minutes. This means even longer trips with electric cars can easily fit into short breaks.

How Much Does a Charger and Charging Itself Cost?

The cost has two parts: the price of a home charger and the price of the energy itself. A home wall charger is a one time investment, while public charging is paid per kilowatt hour used. As stated in the same article, the current charging price is around 0.35 euros per kilowatt hour, with possible seasonal adjustments.

Did you know that one app covers almost all of Europe? The EVC Charge app gives an overview of chargers, starts charging from your phone and works beyond the borders of Montenegro, with access to more than 800,000 charging stations across Europe. With tools like these, charging electric vehicles becomes a predictable and simple part of everyday life, while range anxiety, or fear of running out of range, becomes a thing of the past.

How to Choose Your First Electric Car?

Choosing your first model does not have to be complicated if you start from your own habits. Ask yourself where you drive the most, how many kilometers you cover and how much space you need. Only after that does it make sense to compare specific cars and their features.

Electric SUV or Compact City Model?

The answer depends on what your typical day behind the wheel looks like. An electric SUV offers more space, greater range and safety on longer routes, so it suits families and frequent travelers. A compact city model, on the other hand, is more agile, easier to park and more affordable.

If you mostly move around the city, a smaller model covers all your needs without unnecessary costs. For those who regularly drive outside the city, an electric SUV quickly proves to be a more cost effective choice.

Which Electric Cars Are Best for Beginners?

For a first electric vehicle, the best models are those that are easy to drive and charge in everyday life. Good examples from this category are the Dongfeng Box, Voyah Free and Voyah Courage. The Box is ideal for the city and frequent charging, while the Voyah Free offers a balance of range and comfort for longer trips.

The Voyah Courage is there for those who need more space and comfort, both in the city and on the open road. All in all, we suggest trying at least two models before making a decision, because the real difference is only felt once you are behind the wheel.

Ready for Your First Electric Car?

Switching to electric driving is no longer a leap into the unknown, but a well considered decision with clear advantages. Now you know how these cars work, how much they cost, where they are charged and which models are best suited for beginners. All that remains is to turn that knowledge into a choice that truly suits you.

Najbolji način da provjerite da li vam neki model leži jeste da sjednete za volan i osjetite ga uživo. Zato svratite u prodajni salon A-Drive u Podgorici, gdje vas čeka stručan tim i probna vožnja. Tu ćete iz prve ruke vidjeti zašto su električni automobili postali pametan izbor za svakodnevnu vožnju.