Electric Vehicles | Amigo Insurance

Technology is always improving in modern vehicles. So much so that it can be hard to keep up with all the lights, symbols and buttons in a new car. Some are designed to protect you and your vehicle – and some are just plain fun.

You may not want all the latest technology in your next vehicle. But it doesn’t hurt to find out what’s available. Modern inventions can be cool or simply beautiful to look at, and some of them also provide convenience, safety, and solutions to people’s driving needs.

Check out the latest technologies that are commonly found in vehicles today:

Ambient Lighting Throughout Your Vehicle’s Interior

Nothing says you love hanging out in your car like cool ambient lights that change colors. Motor Trend explains that these interior (sometimes LED) lights have been mounted around the cabin to enhance different design features. Subtle illumination inside of the car can even be soothing for the driver and passengers. Where might you find these attractive enhancements?

In the foot wells
Near the door and dash trim
Cupholders
Climate control vents
Speaker surrounds

Some options allow you to customize the color of the lighting and even set it to pulsate in time with your audio system. At the very least, it might make it easier to find your cup holder and dashboard controls when driving at night.

Zoned Climate Control Features

Don’t you hate driving with someone who is always cold or hot? Perhaps what you need is a multi-zone climate control feature that addresses the needs of individuals in different parts of the car. They provide different temperature settings for the left and right sides of the car, and possibly also for the front and rear.

The latest climate control features might be just what you need to survive in the unforgiving summer heat.

Blind Spot and Cross Traffic Alerts

More technology is being designed to alert drivers who may be straying out of their lanes and into danger. Here are four crucial things to know about these capabilities:

In newer vehicles, sensors can detect if there is a car or motorcycle in your blind spot and will alert the driver on the side mirrors.
Others will make a noise to let you know you may be out of your lane.
A rear cross-traffic alert uses radar units and noise alerts to let drivers know if someone is approaching.
Meanwhile, a front cross-traffic alert can be helpful if you’re moving out of a blind spot like an alley by alerting you that someone is in your path.

Mobile Apps for Your Car

There’s an app for everything these days, and the same goes for your vehicle. Some of the most popular smartphone apps that drivers use can display key maintenance features and handle a whole range of needs:

Remotely lock and unlock car doors
Check the status of fuel level
Check your tire pressure
Remotely start the vehicle
Tell you how much gas you have left
Alert the remaining range in an EV

Speaking of phones, your next vehicle may offer both wireless connectivity as well as charging for all of your family’s devices.

360-Degree Camera

Want something that could help your teen driver reduce damage to your car?

Some cars today come with cameras on each side of the vehicle. This feature enables the driver to see a near-complete virtual image of their surroundings while driving. This technology can be helpful in any environment where it’s difficult to see what is coming from the right or the left behind you and is particularly helpful when parking a large vehicle. According to Kelley Blue Book, it may also reduce insurance claims from low-speed crashes.

Cool Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology

Your next electric vehicle (EV) may contain yet more cool new features. Some systems enable you to preheat (or pre-cool) your car while it is plugged in and charging. And you might even be able to use some of that battery power to connect to appliances using an adapter.

Be Sure to Protect Your Vehicle with the Best Car Insurance Around

When it comes to insuring your car, there are many options. An agent at AMIGO can help ensure that you have the best plan to protect your whole family. By taking the time to care for your car and get the proper insurance coverage, you can experience a safe and enjoyable driving experience all year long.

Want to find out more about protecting and insuring your vehicle? Call AMIGO Insurance for a FREE quote today!

Myth 1: EVs Are Too Expensive to Buy and Maintain.

There is no denying that buying an EV can be a hefty investment up front. But they are often cheaper to maintain than traditional gas-powered cars over time. This is because electric cars:

Don’t require oil changes

Won’t need exhaust system work

Lack a need for other repairs associated with gas-powered cars

Are immune to rises in gas prices

The battery may need to be replaced eventually, but this cost should be far less than what you would pay for regular maintenance on a gas-powered vehicle over the years.

Best of all, many states offer tax incentives and discounts when it comes to purchasing an EV. Take a look at the Qualified Plug-In Electric-Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit to see how much you can save. Also, find out what aid is available in your area to see if it will bring down the price of a car enough for it to be affordable for you.

Myth 2: Charging Takes Too Long and Is Inconvenient.

When it comes to charging your EV, you can choose between plugging it into a home charger or using public charging stations. Home chargers usually provide power faster than public charging stations, which can take 30 minutes or more depending on the needs of your particular vehicle.

However, most people don’t need to charge their cars all the way before taking off – just enough for their daily commute. So if you’re only going out for errands or small trips throughout the day, then charging won’t be as big of an issue as you think! This is one area where developments are continuously making the situation easier and more accessible for EV drivers.

Myth 3: EVs Aren’t as Powerful as Gas-Powered Engines.

Ever heard of Formula E, an all-electric auto race? Times are changing. This myth has been somewhat debunked, since electric sports cars began outperforming some of their competitors in terms of speed and acceleration.

If you’re looking for power, you may still end up with a traditional gas guzzler. But many electric cars now come with just as much torque as their gasoline counterparts.

True: Electric and Hybrid Cars Are Getting Easier to Purchase and Own

The good news is that EVs are becoming more affordable each year. For example, according to Car and Driver, a 2022 all-electric Nissan Leaf costs $28,495, well below what a similar car would have cost a decade ago. It’s one reason more drivers than ever are seriously considering buying or leasing a hybrid or electric vehicle. They are particularly popular among people who want better performance without sacrificing power or efficiency.

Talk to an AMIGO Insurance Agent About Getting Low-Cost Coverage for Your Car

Advancements in technology are making EVs increasingly powerful, even when compared to traditional gas-powered engines. As more folks demand solutions that are better for our environment, they are turning toward a growing list of efficient yet reliable EVs.

If there have been any changes in your family’s driving circumstances, contact an auto insurance agent as soon as possible to ensure you have all the protection you need.

At Amigo, our agents are ready to help you compare quotes and find the best deal available! They will help you find an excellent insurance plan that covers all your auto needs.