Electric Vehicles: Should Investigators Use Them?

Electric vehicles were once seemingly available to only the individuals that had plenty of money to spend. To see a Tesla car in 2008 or 2009 was rare.  Most people were priced out of the first Tesla vehicle as it was priced at over $100,000.

Elon Musk’s plan was pretty ingenious.  He took the profits from that first Tesla vehicle to create a less expensive version of an electric vehicle.  And he has continued to do that over and over again. Currently, a two-wheel-drive Tesla 3 is priced at about $49,000.

Tesla’s success in the electric vehicle market has given confidence to other car makers to get involved in the electric car market.

Now that electric vehicles are more common than ever, it begs the question; should private investigators be using electric vehicles.

The Current Reality for Investigators and Gas Prices

In 2022 the average cost of gas in the United States is over $4.00 a gallon.  In some places, it has been reported as being over $7.00 a gallon.  For a private investigator, this can be devastating depending on the type of investigative work one might be conducting.

To fill up a typical surveillance vehicle like a Toyota Highland or Toyota Sienna, the cost can range between $60 and $70.  If a private investigator has extensive travel to assignments, this cost can add up quickly throughout the week.  Surveillance investigators are encouraged to make sure their gas tanks are filled up before departing for a surveillance assignment.

A private investigator can attempt to charge more for services or mileage to compensate for the increased expense of gas but the investigator also takes the chance of pricing themselves out of work if another competitor chooses not to raise rates.  

Some companies are locked into rates with their clients and no adjustments are made to the employee’s pay. So the employees inevitably are left to absorb the cost of the increase in fuel prices.  

With the environment being a concern and the government looking to incentivize electric vehicles and disincentivize gas vehicles, it seems almost inevitable that gas vehicles will become more expensive to own.  But the question is, however, are electric vehicles practical.  We will get into that.  Let’s discuss the entry-level price for an electric vehicle.

How much does a new electric vehicle cost?

My first new vehicle was a Honda Civic in 1999.  I spent roughly $15,000 on that new vehicle while I was in the Army.  That vehicle later came to be my surveillance vehicle for many years. I think my car payment at the time was less than $200, and thank goodness because being a new private investigator didn’t pay well. 

While that was my first vehicle for investigations, you may wonder what the entry-level prices for electric vehicles currently are. I have sourced some information for you if you were in the market for an electric vehicle for investigation work. My main concerns for investigators are whether it would fit into a neighborhood if used on surveillance, what is the mileage range of the vehicle, and how long it takes to recharge.

• 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV (2WD) $35,000 
• 2022 Tesla Model 3 (2WD)– $48,490
• 2022 Kia EV6 – $40,900
• 2022 IONIQ 5 – $39,500
• 2022 Ford Mach E – $43,895

Electric Vehicle Comparisions

2022 Chevy Bolt EUV

The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV is a compact vehicle even though it is longer than its predecessor and is being sold at $33,500 for the most affordable version of this model.  

This vehicle actually looks like a regular vehicle and not space-age like some electric vehicles.  I could see this vehicle fitting into neighborhoods if used for surveillance.

Estimated Range (247 Miles)

The estimated range for this vehicle is 247 miles on a full charge.  The common knowledge with electric vehicles is not to charge vehicles to their fullest capacity each time.  So it would be safe to say that someone might not get the full range available for this vehicle.  

Speed

The Bolt EUV can go from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. It is not the fastest vehicle in the electric car market but it will be enough speed for most investigators to follow someone on surveillance assignments. 

Comfortability

This is a compact vehicle however it does seat 5 people.  Depending on the amount of tint on this vehicle, an investigator could remain in the front seat of the vehicle for surveillance cases. If someone is conducting surveillance from the rear seat, it should still be comfortable for an investigator.  With vehicles of this size, many investigators might try to jump from the back seat to the front seat.  However behind a 4 door vehicle, depending on the situation, an investigator could exit the vehicle from the rear passenger position and jump in the front seat.

Maneuvering

While I can’t speak to actually driving this vehicle, a smaller vehicle does provide an advantage for maneuvering in neighborhoods, making U-turns and for exiting and parking spots, and finding parking for that matter.  A small vehicle has a better opportunity to fit in snug spots. 

With a smaller vehicle, you will likely not see over vehicles like driving a larger vehicle like a truck or van. This can sometimes be a disadvantage during surveillance assignments. 

2022 Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 and other models are becoming more and more common a vehicle. When you see one on the road there is less “Specialness” about it. And for a private investigator who wants to blend in on a surveillance case, this is a good thing.   So how else does it stack up? Let’s take a look.

Estimated Range (267 miles)

The estimated range for the rear wheel-only version of this vehicle is 267 miles on a full charge.  If you purchase the all-wheel version of this vehicle the range jumps to 334 miles on a full charge but so does the price.

I spoke with a salesperson at Tesla about the idle time of Tesla’s vehicles.  if an owner was to use features in the vehicle while sitting “idle”, how much would energy would it consume.  He indicated from personal experience while sitting idle and using the heater, he used approximately 2% to 4% of the battery’s power for approximately 35 to 45 minutes. 

Speed

The rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 can reach 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.8 seconds. The all-wheel-drive long-range version can reach it in 4.2 seconds and the performance version can reach it in 3.1 seconds.  If you choose the performance version, you gain the crazy speed but give up range.

The all-wheel version of this vehicle has an incredible speed as I have test-driven this vehicle.  

Comfortability 

This vehicle is incredibly comfortable in the front seat area with plenty of legroom.  Whether you are driving to an investigation location or surveillance, the driver position is a place you could sit in for extended periods of time.

Now the back seats in this vehicle are not that roomy.  And while an investigator could sit in the back seat for extended periods of time, there is limited legroom and it is not that easy to exit from the rear doors.

Maneuvering

The Model 3 handles great and corners well too.  This car is more of a midsize vehicle and can navigate turns and U-turns well. 

2022 Kia EV6 (Light Version)

Estimated Range (232 miles)

232 miles is not as much as I would have hoped for with this entry-level version.  The very next level (Wind Version RWD) gets you to that 300 range however that gets you to the $47,000 range. You almost have to ask yourself if the extra $7,000 is worth it to you based on the type of driving you may have. 

The version gives you 167 hp which is not a lot.  However, how much do you really need unless you are racing someone.  

Speed

Not much has been said about the lesser version of this vehicle however the upgraded versions state it can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Given that this is the GT version they speak of.  I don’t suspect the Light version will have the same punch that the GT has however, do you really need that much speed?  I suspect you won’t in the majority of situations. 

Comfortability 

Many reviewers of this vehicle have indicated it is quite comfortable. The back seat in particular has been noted to be comfortable and easy to get in and out of.  There is plenty of head and leg room in the back seat area for guests or for sitting in the back seat for an investigator trying to remain covert. 

Maneuvering

It has been noted from a variety of sources that the maneuvering is good and nothing negative has been noted. The Light version is not noted to be the performance version of the vehicle so a higher-end version of this vehicle may perform more like a sports car.

2022 IONIQ 5 (SE Standard Range)

This vehicle has received many awards for best electric vehicle in 2022 including:

• World Car of the Year (2022)
• World Car Design of the Year (2022)
• World Electric Vehicle of the Year (2022)

This vehicle competes with the Ford Mustang Mach E and the Tesla Model 3 and is comparable in many specs which you will find as you read on.

Spoiler alert, the vehicle’s design is a little too space-age and might not be a good surveillance vehicle but you can be the ultimate decider of that. 

Estimated Range

Keeping in line with entry-level electric models the estimated range for this vehicle (this model) is 220 miles.  This is one of the lowest ranges for electric vehicles.  Depending on how you use it for work, this might not be an issue for you.

Speed

From stop to start, it has great speed. Some people were disappointed with acceleration after at high speeds.  There was no significant experience noted. 

Comfortability 

A very room vehicle is how this is described by many folks.  The rear seat, which is always something to be concerned about, is incredibly room for passengers or conducting surveillance.  

Maneuvering

There is nothing special about the performance of this vehicle. You should find this to drive like a regular vehicle.  

2022 Ford Mach E (Select Version)

Not that this matters for the purposes of this article but I was a little surprised that Ford decided to take the Mustang name and attach it to an electric vehicle.  And while I don’t care for the look of the Mach E, it does fit it like any other vehicle in my opinion. And fitting in, generally speaking, is what is most important for a private investigator’s vehicle.

Estimated Range (247 Miles)

The Select Version of this vehicle has a disappointing 247-mile range.   I would assume with vehicles that were less performance-based have a range advantage but that is not the case.  It may be a marketing decision within car makers to prompt a buyer to purchase a more expensive version to get the range in the 300s. Nevertheless, it is still in line with the least expensive vehicle from all makers.

Speed

Ford indicates with all-wheel-drive versions of this vehicle it can reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds but I would assume the basic version with rear-wheel drive may reach those speeds at a slower time. 

Comfortability 

Folks I have spoken to and reviewers I have watched that speak about the comfortability of this vehicle have no complaints.  The back seat leg room is good but I wouldn’t call it overly spacious. 

Maneuvering

This vehicle maneuvers well and drives like a sporty vehicle and has good handling.  Many reviewers feel it drives better than the Tesla vehicles and Tesla has been the benchmark for electric vehicles as it relates to driving.  This vehicle is considered an SUV but looks more like a midsize vehicle. 

How much does it cost to charge electric vehicles?

The answer to this depends on how much you drive or charge your vehicle.  It also depends on what time or what location you are charging at.

For individuals who drive normally (for whatever that is worth), I have been told on more than one occasion they have added about $50 to their home energy bill.  Many people don’t use the charging stations away from their homes unless they are on a road trip somewhere. 

For a private investigator, depending on the assignment, a charging station may be needed. Many hotels offer charging stations so that may help your decision as to where are staying the night on traveling investigation assignments.

Business insider states based on their calculations, an owner who drives 1000 miles a month, could expect to pay anywhere from $34 dollars to $46 dollars to charge from home. 

For an investigator that travels a great deal but comes home at the end of the day, your electric bill might be $150 more, however, an investigator will still be saving money overall. 

Charging times at your home may play a part in the price of electricity. Many areas charge less for electricity at night versus during the day. This will be fine for most people in general and the investigation world. 

Kelley Blue Book also has a detailed article regarding electric vehicle charging costs which is worth exploring.

How far can electric vehicles travel?

Most of the inexpensive (figuratively speaking) electric vehicles have a mid-200 mile range.  Of course, if you pay for an upgraded model, you can get an extended range.  And why might an extended range be important; idle time?

How long can an electric vehicle idle?

Depending on what you are doing in your vehicle, idle time might be important to you. Maybe you are charging devices or running your air conditioning or heater during surveillance. This will affect the range you have remaining.  

While the Tesla associate gave anecdotal evidence that sitting idle with his heater on for approximately 45 minutes and his percentage of battery went down a few percent. That may be applicable to other electric vehicles as well.

Is an Electric Vehicle Suitable for a Private Investigator?

The short answer to this is yes.  Not all private investigators conduct surveillance. Many investigators work behind a desk, make trips to courthouses, interview individuals, photograph locations, and process service.  These sorts of things are typically planned by the investigator and they have a general idea of how far they are going to drive and how long they are going to work in a given day.

Surveillance cases on the other hand can be way more unpredictable.  There are situations where some leave their home and heads out on a road trip.  And while the following someone for 3 hours or so is still within the range of an electric vehicle, charging stations on the other hand might not be where the subject you are following ends up.  Following someone with a gas, vehicle allows for an investigator to fill up with the subject they are following fills up.  

There may be surveillance assignments an investigator feels confident they will not be heading out on a road trip, however, I don’t know that there is enough evidence for most investigators to feel comfortable using an electric vehicle, especially an entry-level electric vehicle with a mid-200 range. 

Many users indicate that electric car owners should not let their vehicles get below 20 percent or charge above 80 percent too often. This could further limit the range of these vehicles and should be considered.

As the range of these vehicles increases, so will the confidence of private investigators to use these vehicles for surveillance. Until then, it might be safer to use them for everything except surveillance assignments. If you are looking to see other surveillance vehicle comparisons it can be found through the link.