Electric vehicles or EVs are a newer type of automobiles that run on electricity rather than gasoline. Reasons to consider an EV include lower maintenance costs and very low fuel costs. However, EVs take hours to recharge which can be inconvenient. There are other things you should know about EVs, so read on to learn more.
Advantages of Electric Vehicles
They Are Better for the Environment
If you’re trying to save the planet and do your part to give back, then electric vehicles are the way to go. Electric vehicles are nearly emission-free, which means, they produce considerably fewer pollutants as compared to traditional vehicles. Whether you’re driving or the vehicle’s engine is turned off, EVs don’t emit any tailpipe pollution.
They are Cheap to Maintain
Easily one of the biggest advantages of electric vehicles is that they are so cheap to maintain. With a traditional petrol or diesel engine, you need to monitor oil levels every time you fill up and you should always use high-quality oil.
They Are Quieter Than Gas Vehicles
Electric vehicles are not as noisy. You do not have to worry about other people getting upset if you are driving your electric car underneath their windows. Engineers at SmartBalanceShops.com say the only noise an electric vehicle will generate is from the tire noises and wind resistance that will occur at moderate to high speeds. Noise pollution from driving will be a thing of the past in your EV.
Electricity Can Be a Renewable Resource, Gasoline Cannot
Electric vehicles can run on clean energy, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. In fact, these types of energy are available in many parts of the country. The electricity you use for your electric vehicle can actually be cleaner than that used in your home and potentially even cleaner than gasoline.
Improved Driving Experience
You will instantly notice three benefits to driving an electric car over forcing ICE vehicles (Internal Combustion Engine). The first is instantaneous torque from the electric motor that gives high and responsive acceleration. The next is regenerative braking when easing off the accelerator, which feeds energy back into the battery adding to their efficacy. Ultimately the burden and distribution of these batteries and low center of gravity rewards handling, comfort, and security. When driving an electric car, you are less likely to be severely injured
Increased Resale Value
The resale value of an electric car is sure to be higher than that of a gas-powered car. Just as petrol-operated vehicles depreciate in value over time (particularly if they are used on a regular basis), electric vehicles have the added advantage that they depreciate much slower. This means that they will retain their resale value themselves much better than a petrol vehicle.
Convenient Charging
Charging your electric vehicle is not a hassle. You can simply plug it into your garage outlet to be fully charged. It takes about 20 hours for a full battery charge. However, with some technological advancements in recent times, it will only take 4 hours. This convenience makes it easy for you to charge your vehicle at night so that it is fully charged by morning when you are leaving for work. Unlike gasoline vehicles that require you to check fuel level regularly and where fuel may run out unexpectedly, charging is super convenient and easy for electric vehicles.
Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
There Aren’t as Many Model Options
Perhaps one of the most significant concerns about electric cars is that they just aren’t available in as many varieties as gasoline cars are. Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles that have been around for hundreds of years, there are not just enough just yet.
Recharging the Battery Takes Time
Filling up a gas tank may require around three minutes at the gas station when recharging the battery of an electric automobile takes considerably longer. Based upon the version, an electric car can occasionally take up to 20 hours to completely charge. Newer and more expensive models can charge in as fast as four hours. However, obtaining a charging station in your garage helps make this more manageable and kits are available to help reduce the charging time.
Electric Cars Have a Shorter-Range than Gas-Powered Cars
One potential reason for the lack of electric car popularity is that they don’t have as great a range. They will typically only run for 60 t0 100 miles on a full recharge. Gas-powered cars can usually run hundreds of miles depending on the size of their gas tank, and the fuel efficiency of the car. Some gas-powered cars can make it up to 400 miles on a single tank of gas.
Finding a Charging Station Can Be Difficult
It’s important to understand that electric vehicles are nowhere near as common as conventional cars yet. While this is changing, you will still find a limited number of charging stations – plus it can be hard to find an outlet, and even when you do there is the issue of not having time to charge your vehicle.
They Are Usually More Expensive Than Gas-Powered Cars
The main hesitation is the cost that comes with electric vehicles. They are more expensive than their gas-powered counterparts. But, their running cost is lower in the long run.
Are Electric Vehicles Worth Your Investment?
The electric car industry is growing rapidly. It seems like we are closer to a petroleum-free future than ever before. Electric cars are starting to gather more attention from the general public. Whether it’s due to the various technological advancements, or just a mindset shift in how we perceive vehicles, people seem to now be more receptive to electric-powered automobiles.
The truth is, electric vehicles are the future. Sooner or later, they will be more available. But in the end, deciding on whether to invest in EVs or not will come down to what you need at the particular moment.