Electric vehicles and cars are a key part of the global shift away from fossil fuels. They are cleaner, quieter and faster than gasoline-powered cars, and they can run for longer on a single charge. But there are a lot of things to consider before you make the switch.

The most important number for an EV driver is its efficiency, which measures how far it can travel on one charge. It’s measured in kilowatt-hours per 100 miles, similar to a car’s gas mileage. The 2023 Kia EV9, our sister site Parkers’ Large EV of the Year, has a big 100kWh battery that allows for an impressive claimed 349-mile range. It has plenty of space for passengers and luggage, too.

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Another thing to look for in an EV is its charging infrastructure. While many of these cars require a regular wall outlet, some can be charged in under 30 minutes at a dedicated high-voltage charging point, like those at motorway services. There are also a growing number of fast-charge points at workplaces, apartments and shopping centers.

Some of the biggest concerns with EVs are their environmental impacts. The batteries used in EVs require intensive mining and the electricity grids juicing them up are often powered by fossil fuels. In addition, the production of EVs can create job losses in factories that produce internal-combustion engines. But even with these downsides, there is no denying that EVs are here to stay. As demand grows, manufacturers will add more and more electric models to their lineups.