5 On Your Side: Is it time to go electric?

If you're over the ups of gas prices, an electric vehicle, or EV, may be the way to go.

5 On Your Side's Monica Laliberte says there are more options to choose from.

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Last year, five automakers introduced EVs that can drive more than 200 miles.

By the end of 2020, we'll see eight more.

Before you decide to plug in, weigh the pros and cons. The cars take some getting used to.

Another note, they shut off when you stop, say, at a light. Many non-electric cars now do that, too, in their gas-saving mode.

Helen Harrison never thought she'd want an EV.

“Electric cars were for wacky enthusiasts who are looking for the latest, greatest new technology to adopt, or super wealthy people who don’t care if they get an $80,000 toy,” she said.

But she said she now sees things differently, and she's among the 36% of prospective car buyers who say they'd consider a plug-in vehicle for their next new car.

“A lot has to do with pricing," says Jon Linkov, Consumer Reports' Auto Expert. "The price points are much lower, with some of them starting as low as $29,000 before the federal tax credits that are available.”

Most EVs qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit.

Consumer Reports says overall, an electric car will save on maintenance and fuel over a comparable gas-powered car.

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Two electric vehicles recommended by Consumer Reports for safety, affordability and cruising range are the Kia Niro and the Chevrolet Bolt.

As for going the distance: “Many of these newer models have batteries that allow them to travel 200 miles or more on a single charge,” Linkov said.

Examples include the new Tesla Model 3 or the Nissan Leaf.

But keep in mind, battery range decreases when you run the heater.

To maximize mileage, cars have to be recharged overnight.

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