The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has begun.

That’s according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, a survey of Americans’ driving habits and attitudes. The survey found that 46 percent of Americans expect to acquire an EV within the next five years. Whether the motivation is down to environmental concerns, high gas prices or an interest in new automotive technology, drivers are increasingly shifting to EVs.

So what do they need to know before they get behind the wheel of their first plug-in vehicle?

Gas savings are in the future—but be mindful of the power bill

The price of gas is undoubtedly the biggest pain point for drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles today: 76 percent of drivers say fuel prices have a major to moderate impact on their daily driving habits. 

Switching to electric is the obvious solution—and for most drivers (58 percent), saving on gas is the biggest motivation behind the move.

To maximize those savings, new EV drivers should turn their attention to their power bill: look for opportunities to save money by charging during off-peak hours or by signing up for community electric programs.

Reconsider driving habits

For many, that first EV might not be the primary vehicle. Many drivers might still use an ICE vehicle for longer journeys or while waiting for the charging infrastructure in their community to improve. 

As drivers come to grips with that first EV, their habits may change—including choosing a different grocery store because it offers charging stations, or combining errands in a single outing instead of making multiple trips.

They wouldn’t be alone. While 66 percent of drivers surveyed in the Gauge Index said they would use an EV, only 45 percent said it would be the vehicle they drive every day.

Adjust your driving style

EVs are known for their instantaneous power delivery, thanks to the absence of gear rations and torque values that eclipse their ICE counterparts. 

They’re also quieter, thanks to the absence of an ICE powertrain, which means road noise increases—especially on highways. 

And range is everything: the more and harder the cars are driven, the sooner they’ll need to be plugged in.

As a result, new EV drivers may find themselves adjusting how they handle the vehicle. They might use a lighter right foot and develop a greater appreciation for smoother driving.

Different maintenance needs 

Nearly half of Americans (48 percent) said they would conduct their own vehicle maintenance at home to save money. But EVs might not offer that option, as they could require specialist mechanical care from the dealers’ own service locations.

EVs require different kinds of maintenance and at different intervals than do traditional ICE vehicles. To adjust, new EV owners should stay up to speed on when and where they should take their vehicle for regular maintenance, which will keep the vehicle in top shape.

The benefits of specific EV tires

Another difference between gas-powered vehicles and EVs is the demand on tires. EVs perform best when equipped with tires that are specially developed to withstand added weight from battery packs, provide traction for faster power delivery, reduce rolling resistance for maximum range, and minimize road noise for a more enjoyable driving experience.

Yet a Gauge Index survey earlier in 2022 found only a quarter of Americans (26 percent) believed that EVs require custom-made tires, and more than three quarters (78 percent) believed that EVs could use the same tires as ICE vehicles.