What to consider if getting an EV for your teen driver

The benefits & drawbacks of EVs for teen drivers

Benefits

• More recent safety tech: Newer EV models focus heavily on technology with aids like blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alerts, and other advanced driver assistance systems.
  
  Even the oldest and most affordable EVs on the road only date to the early 2010s, with most offering safety features like back-up cameras and electronic stability control. Tech isn’t a substitute for safe driving, but it can be a difference-maker for drivers still gaining experience.
• Lower costs: AAA’s 2023 Your Driving Costs study found that, on average, charging an EV costs less than half of putting gas in a small sedan ($47 compared with $111 per 1,000 miles). Most teens will charge at home, where electricity is cheapest—especially if their parents are paying the utility bill.
  
  EVs also need less maintenance since they have fewer moving parts and fluids. Teens won’t need to pay for regular oil changes or replacements of things like timing belts and spark plugs. 
• Just enough range: Many older EVs have small batteries and ranges under 200 miles, with the oldest ones frequently having less than 100 miles of range. These shorter-ranged EVs can be perfect for teens who just need to get from home to school or a friend’s house, and their short range keeps the price low.
  
  Parents may also appreciate how limited range encourages kids not to get too far from home or drive too aggressively, lest they drain their battery that much faster.

• A head start on EV education: EVs are expected to make up an ever-larger share of the car market each year. Getting your teen familiar with how they drive and function, especially things like how EV charging works, could give them a leg up in the future.  
• Eco-friendly: Many teens are concerned about climate change and would prefer a vehicle with a lower carbon impact.

Drawbacks

• Instant torque: Unlike gas cars, EVs can deliver nearly maximum torque from a standstill. Inexperienced teen drivers may struggle to control that power, and some may find it tempting to show off.
• Charging: Home charging requires patience, especially if using a slower Level 1 charger. Charging in public requires planning ahead in addition to patience. Less patient teens may get frustrated; less responsible ones may get stranded.  
  
  If your kid is planning to take the car with them to college or when moving out, they may need to rely on public chargers if they can't charge their vehicle at dorms or apartments. 
• Battery degradation: As with any used car, a used EV needs to be inspected carefully before buying, with an eye on how worn the battery is. A moderately worn battery can be a good deal for a teen's first car, but a dying one could quickly need an expensive replacement.
  
  Nearly all new EV batteries are warrantied for at least 8 years or 100,000 miles. Buyers of used EVs should look for a transferrable battery warranty and find out how much time and mileage are left if there is one. 
• Size: Some older EVs, like the Fiat 500e and the BMW i3, are small and may not be as safe in a crash with a larger car or truck. 
• Limited selection: Depending on where you are, used EV inventory may be limited to the few models that were on the road until recently. Newer EVs may also be hard to get if your region hasn't yet received much inventory. 

What to look at when comparing EV models

These are key questions you'll want to answer about the models you're considering before deciding.

Is one-pedal driving optional?

One-pedal driving is a drive mode in which the driver can accelerate and brake with the accelerator pedal alone. Releasing the accelerator in this mode engages regenerative braking strong enough to bring the vehicle to a stop, eliminating the need to use the actual brake pedal. Drivers can still use the brake pedal in one-pedal driving, but in routine driving there’s usually no need. 

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