According to InsideEVs, over 360,000 electric vehicles ─ or EVs─ were sold in the United States in 2018. That's an increase of more than 80 percent compared to the prior year. Clearly, more and more consumers are opting to replace their traditional combustion-engine vehicles with these ultra-clean, ultra-green alternatives. If you're considering purchasing an electric car, what do you need to think about?

Mileage is always critical when you're looking to buy a new car. U.S. News reports that, depending on the make and model, a single battery charge can last for a range of anywhere between 124 miles and 335 miles, with the Hyundai Ioniq Electric at the lower end and the Tesla Model S 100D at the higher end.

According to MyEV.com, there are two charging options. Level 1 charges through a regular 120-volt wall socket, and level 2 charges through a dedicated 240-volt socket. There are a couple of options on where you can charge your vehicle:

• At home: If you charge your car at home via a regular wall socket, it will take approximately eight hours before you have a full charge. You can also have an electrician install a 240-volt wall socket that allows you to charge your vehicle's battery in half the time. It is advisable to contact your utility provider to find out if it offers a discounted rate or rebate for EV charging. At the same time, you can also use a smartphone app to find out when power rates are lowest and charge your vehicle during those times.
• At a public charging station: Although charging stations aren't yet as prevalent as gas stations, they're becoming more commonplace ─ not only at gas stations, but also at car dealerships, apartment complexes, parking garages and even on city street corners. Some office parks and industrial parks also have them installed. Your utility provider may be able to help locate public charging stations near you or leverage platforms like PlugShare or ChargeHub to find charging stations in your vicinity.

Another factor to consider is the maintenance required to keep an electric car in good condition. CNet advises that you should pay attention to:

• Battery care: Since your car's battery is just as important as a regular vehicle's engine in terms of value and cost, it requires a lot of care. Don't charge it too often or let it run completely empty, and avoid extreme temperatures, which can affect its life.
• Brake pads and discs: : Depending on how and where you drive, you'll need to have your brake pads and discs replaced. Try to anticipate traffic to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
• Brake fluid: Just like a regular vehicle, you need to have the brake fluid flushed regularly to prevent it from corroding the brake system.
• Coolant: Coolant is what keeps the vehicle's battery from overheating. Depending on the EV's make and model, it will require coolant service anywhere between every 50,000 miles to every 4 years.
• Tire rotation: These vehicles have large batteries, which exert a lot of pressure on the wheels and tires. To keep your vehicle running efficiently, have its tires rotated regularly.

An electric vehicle does provide an alternative more green option but it's always important to do your research and get as much information before making your purchase