Electric vehicles are continuing to gain traction in the automotive market, and for good reason. From eliminating pain at the pump to helping protect the environment, going electric can bring many benefits. However, there are also a number of things to consider before you make that purchase. To help you decide if an electric vehicle is the right choice for you, keep these few things in mind.

1. Range

Electric vehicles can only travel so far before they need to be recharged. And while the average range of electric cars has been steadily increasing as battery technology continues to improve, it's still important to make sure the vehicle you're considering has enough range to get you where you need to go.

Today, most electric vehicles are capable of traveling several hundred miles on a single charge. This is more than enough to accommodate the needs of most drivers, but keep in mind that you may end up spending a lot of time at charging stations if you routinely drive long distances.

2. Charging Infrastructure in Your Area

Speaking of charging stations, checking out the charging infrastructure in your area is definitely something that you'll want to do before buying an electric vehicle. While home charging works great for energizing your vehicle overnight, access to public charging stations is still important for longer trips or unexpected situations.

3. Incentives and Rebates

There are a lot of government incentives that are designed to encourage people to purchase electric vehicles, and these incentives can include things like tax credits, rebates, or discounts on the car's purchase price. Before you buy an electric vehicle, be sure to research the incentives that are offered in your area.

4. Total Cost of Ownership

The final key factor to consider when shopping for an electric car is how much it's going to cost compared to its gas-burning counterparts. Since electric vehicles tend to have lower maintenance expenses (as well as lower energy costs), they can save drivers in the long run. However, the upfront cost of an electric vehicle is usually higher. To make sure you're going to come out ahead, you can use an EV savings calculator to figure out how much money an electric car is estimated to save.

Electric vehicles offer numerous benefits—and as long as you do your due diligence beforehand, going electric is a great choice to make. If you've decided to purchase an electric car, make sure to contact your local independent insurance agent to learn more.