Electric vehicles, also known as EVs, are steadily gaining in popularity, perhaps due to the major technological strides that have been made recently that have made them cheaper and easier to charge. At the same time, many drivers aren’t sure whether switching from a gasoline-powered car to an electric car is the right move for them to make. This is often the result of knowledge about the shortcomings of early EVs as well as misconceptions about what these vehicles are capable of.
As with any other purchase you make, there are both advantages and disadvantages to choosing an electric car. What’s important is that you are aware of the pros and cons and consider how they would apply to your life. We’ll share a few things to consider so you can determine whether an electric vehicle is right for you.
If you are considering an electric car, the reality is that there are many positives. The first is how great these cars are for the environment when compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle. But before you decide to purchase a new car, let’s take a quick look at what you can expect.
There are a ton of people who choose to purchase an electric vehicle solely because these vehicles are better for the environment than the alternatives. These cars do not contain an exhaust system at all, which means they aren’t creating emissions like other cars. Vehicles that are powered by gas are major contributors to the build up of greenhouse gases, which stay in the earth’s atmosphere. As such, having an electric car helps keep air cleaner and the planet healthier.
When you break everything down, the average American pays about 15 cents a mile to drive a gas-powered vehicle. This might seem negligible but that changes when you look at the cost to drive an electric car. Rather than 15 cents a mile, many electric cars run on five cents a mile due to the fact that electricity is largely less expensive than gasoline. Most people will also be charging their cars in the garage, which means installing a few solar panels can cut that price even further while offering savings on powering your entire home.
With a gasoline-powered car, there’s a ton of maintenance. It starts with oil changes and only goes on from there. Electric cars don’t have oil and don’t require that maintenance task or others associated with a gas engine. Anything related to the combustion engine in a traditional car isn’t needed with an electric car. In addition, the brakes on electric vehicles tend to last longer. That only adds to the cost savings of choosing an electric car rather than one that uses gasoline. It all starts to add up when you begin to think about it.
Everyone who lives in an area with a busy street can attest to how loud cars can be during rush hour. Even smaller engines can make a racket. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, are nearly silent in nature. In fact, these cars can be so quiet that some United States legislators have suggested that these cars have noise-making devices installed to ensure that pedestrians know that a car is near them.
If you are thinking about purchasing a new electric vehicle, in many cases you will enjoy a tax credit for doing so. These credits are available because you are cutting down on your impact to the environment by choosing to buy a car that creates zero emissions. The credit varies based on the make and model of the car, but it can reach up to $7,500. You can speak with a tax specialist to learn more about any tax credits that might be available to you on the state or federal level.
As you can see, there are tons of reasons to consider purchasing an electric vehicle. However, it’s important to be aware that there are also drawbacks to choosing an electric car. Make sure you read about and understand the cons before you choose to sign a contract and get insurance for your new car. Here are some things to know before you choose an electric car.
The range you can get with an electric vehicle is something that is constantly improving, but it is still something that needs to be considered and may not be appropriate for those with longer commutes. It’s also one of the major issues that consumers have to think about when deciding between a conventional and electric car. Once your car is fully charged, many electric models can drive only 60 to 100 miles. However, some models offer somewhere between 200 and 300 miles after a full charge.
When you pull into a gas station and fill up the tank, it takes only a few minutes before you pay and drive off on your next adventure. An electric vehicle takes much longer to recharge, and the time investment and necessary planning does put some people off. Many electric cars can be full in around four hours, but some can take nearly a day to fully recharge. The good news is that there are some kits that can cut the charging time down. However, that is going to be an additional investment so consider that, too.
If you haven’t spent any time shopping for EVs, you may be surprised when you take a look at the sticker price. There is a range of pricing for electric cars, but even the more affordable brands can be around $30,000 to $40,000. If you’re looking for a luxury option, you may be paying $80,000 or even more. Technology is always advancing and the price to produce electric cars continues to drop, but you may end up paying $10,000 to $50,000 more for an EV than for a gas-powered car.
If you happen to live in a large city where many people use electric vehicles, you may find that there are charging stations all over the place. However, when you take off on a road trip or decide to visit family in a rural or suburban area, it may be harder to find a charging station. Thankfully, this problem is slowly being phased out as electric cars become more popular. However, it’s still worth considering until charging stations are more widespread. Be sure to take a look at charging station maps where you live and where you frequently go so you can make sure that you'll be able to charge your new EV when you need to.
The market today has way more electric cars than it ever has before, with no signs of slowing down. However, the truth of the matter is that there are fewer ways to customize and choose the aesthetics of your EV. This is especially true when you consider the huge amount of customization available with traditional cars. This is likely to change as time goes on but for many people, it is going to be a disadvantage.
There are many factors to take into account when choosing whether to purchase an electric vehicle. However, it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming decision. Consider your needs, the availability of charging stations near you, and do some research on the different models and makes of electric cars out there today. This will push you toward making the right decision for yourself and your family.