The next car I purchase will be an all-electric one. Many people assume I made the switch a long time ago considering the numerous EVs I've tested and reviewed in recent years. But that's not the case. I've held off for several reasons, mainly due to their high cost, my significant range anxiety, and the fact that the car I currently drive is paid off.

Why the Wait?

My "free and clear" 2012 Audi, with its 150,000 miles, has been quite a challenge lately. It constantly requires the attention of my local mechanic for issues like a troublesome timing chain and faulty electronics. Meanwhile, my husband's 2007 Mercedes isn't faring much better. With repair bills soaring, it's time to seriously consider the all-electric future.

Now is the Time to Buy an EV

Carmakers are going all out to sell this year's models before the new year. For example, Subaru is offering 0% financing for six years on its 2024 Solterra until December 2. Toyota has a similar financing deal for "up to six years" on its sporty 2024 bZ4X, along with a $2,500 "bonus cash" rebate. Similar tempting offers are coming from Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and others.My favorite so far is from Ford. I recently spent three weeks reviewing the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT ($40K). The automaker just launched year-end promotions for the 2024 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E models, including 0% financing for 72 months and a $5,000 cash rebate. They also include a Level-2 EV charger and cover the cost of standard installation.

Switching from Gas to Electric

During my time with the Mach-E and testing out the 80-amp charger Ford now includes, I couldn't understand why I didn't make the switch earlier. The Mach-E travels nearly 300 miles on a full charge, accelerates from 0 to 60 in about three seconds, and is incredibly quiet. It's a monumental upgrade from my current ride. I could spend the rest of this article raving about how wonderful it is to drive a vehicle from this decade.But the best part is not having to worry about going to the gas station anymore. I charge it up 100% at home, which is what most EV owners do these days. It's a game-changer in terms of convenience.

Charging at Home: A Game Changer

For me, convenience is of utmost importance, and getting more time in my day is a top priority. Charging my electric vehicle at home is as simple as plugging in my phone overnight. I can charge during off-peak hours when most utilities offer discounts, usually at night, and the savings add up quickly.The best part is that I can set the EV to charge when it's the cheapest with just a few taps on the touchscreen controls. Plus, there are no more oil changes or costly engine repairs. EVs clearly win in the cost department.

Leasing vs. Buying an Electric Vehicle

Leases, monthly payment options, and even straight-out pay-up-front prices are also reaching new lows. Just a few years ago, a new EV cost $10,000 more than a similarly specced gas-powered car. Today, that gap has shrunk to just $2,800, less than the cost of upgrading to a higher trim level in many models.We're even hearing that the price of new EVs will drop below $30,000 - and that's before considering federal tax credits and local incentives. According to a recent report from J.D. Power, leasing an electric vehicle is even better than buying one outright.If you're in the market for a used car, the study shows that nearly 280,000 EV leases will end in the next two years in the United States. It's a good idea to wait until 2026 to buy a used EV rather than a brand-new one. But if you need a vehicle right away, it's better to buy it as soon as possible.

Will EV Incentives Disappear?

According to Reuters, President-elect Donald Trump's transition team plans to eliminate the $7,500 consumer tax credit for electric vehicle purchases. That's another reason to get an EV now while President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is still in place with those federal tax credits.Some states offer additional perks like rebates and reduced registration fees, making it even more attractive to buy an electric vehicle sooner rather than later. Auto journalist Ivan Drury, Edmonds director of insights, agrees.

Driving a 100K EV

I also spent three weeks exploring the superpremium Rivian R1S dual-performance model (around $100K). If I won the lottery, I would buy this vehicle in a heartbeat. It felt like an extension of my body and brain, more than any other vehicle I've tried.After an overnight plug-in on the 80-amp charger, my average range was an astonishing 410 miles. It also has a lot of power. You step on the gas, and the speedometer hits 60 in about the same time it takes you to blink. But the R1S feels like you're taking off in a rocket, especially for an SUV and when going uphill.I also put it to the test in my somewhat rugged lifestyle. I hauled four 100 bales of hay inside and stacked another four bags of grain in the frunk. I drove it up a steep, muddy dirt road to take care of horses. It was incredibly smooth, quiet both inside and out, and much roomier than expected.The hardest part to get used to was not having a key. It powers on with a fob-type card or by pairing it with an app on your smartphone. The doors unlock when you get close with either of these things in your pocket, and it turns itself off and locks itself when you walk away. It's a bit strange at first, but the pros far outweigh the cons.

Final Thoughts

Would-be EV buyers, including those in largely rural areas or apartment dwellers without overnight charging options, have legitimate concerns. However, today's EVs are light-years ahead of their first-generation predecessors. With charging at home, the fear of getting stranded with no charge is a thing of the past.Prices are dropping, charging infrastructure is improving, and the savings over time are hard to ignore. Plus, with automakers offering perks like the free Level 2 charger Ford offers buyers, the transition is less of a headache than it used to be.Still undecided? Take a test drive. The experience might just convince you that your next car should be an EV.Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Award-winning consumer tech columnist and on-air contributor for "The Today Show." The views and opinions expressed in this column are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Contact her at JJ@Techish.com