Electric cars are one of the many technological innovations designed to create more comfort and convenience. While EVs come with many benefits, they also have disadvantages that require serious consideration.
We have put together some of the most significant pros and cons of electric car ownership. Join us as we explore each of them.
Pros Of Owning An Electric Car
Electric cars are cheaper than fuel
Based on the current state of the economy, and how high the price of gas keeps getting, it is safe to say that using an electric car is cheaper. The price of electricity may not be cheap, but it is less expensive, compared to paying for gasoline. Charging your vehicle at home is way cheaper than going to a station.
Environment friendly
Electric cars do not create greenhouse gas emissions, which is good for the environment. While electric cars are not completely innocent in the aspect of causing harm to the environment through air pollution, they are way better, compared to gas-burning vehicles.
Cheaper to maintain
This may sound unreal, especially considering the price of electric cars, but it is, indeed, a fact. EVs have Fewer moving parts to maintain. The belts, oil filters, air filters and other significant components of a fuel-powered car, are not the same as those in an electric car. The many moving parts in gasoline-powered vehicles lead to frequent and expensive maintenance. Maintaining significant parts of a car is often very expensive.
Electricity is renewable
The process or source for generating electricity is renewable and highly reliable. Petroleum, on the other hand, is not going to run out anytime soon, but the scarcity of it may pop out every now and then. This is mostly due to limited supplies of fossil fuels. When fossil fuel scarcity occurs, the price of gasoline often increases, affecting gasoline-powered car users.
Electric vehicles tax incentives
EV drivers have the opportunity to benefit from tax credits. This, however, does not apply to everyone and is, in fact, difficult to get, mostly due to the tough rules surrounding it.
The EV tax incentives may not be for everyone but it still is one of the pros of electric cars.
Electric cars are less noisy
For those who do not enjoy the rumbling sounds of gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs are a better alternative for you. You can glide through your streets or highways quietly and peacefully. While driving without causing noise pollution is great, it involves a few risks. A common issue with noiseless driving is pedestrian accidents. Pedestrians may not easily detect that there is an incoming vehicle. The best way to avoid this kind of MVA (Motor Vehicle Accident) cases is to maintain full alertness when driving. You may also need MVA leads to stay prepared in case the need arises.
Cons Of Owning An Electric Car
Electric cars are expensive
This is the biggest disadvantage of electric cars, their prices are usually too high, especially for premium models. However, the price is cost-effective, as it saves you money that would have been spent on gasoline.
Long charging time
The charging time for electric cars can take between 30 minutes and 12 hours for a full charge, which is too much. This is, however, based on the year and model of the car. The newer EVs can get fully charged in less than an hour, and some premium models support fast charging.
Difficulty in finding charging stations
Electric cars are gradually becoming a sensation, but there are still some significant limitations, like finding charging stations. Gas-powered car owners are at more advantage in this aspect. You can find gas stations anywhere, but the same can not be said for EVs. Due to this disadvantage, EVs are rarely used for long-distance driving.
Few trusted electric car mechanics
One of the most dreaded situations for electric car users is repair and maintenance. EVs are known to require less maintenance but whenever the need arises, it is often expensive. This high maintenance cost is mostly due to the small number of specialized mechanics for EVs.
Lower ranges
EV cars, especially the older and lower models have very low ranges. Their ranges are limited to 100 miles when fully charged. Most EVs are built for short-distance driving, so if you usually have long commutes, it is best to go for gasoline-powered cars. Some premium models can travel for up to 350 miles when fully charged but this is good news for only those that can afford their high prices
Conclusion
The popularity of EVs has increased over the years, not just in a particular country region but across the globe. Some of the cons of electric cars are likely to diminish over the years. An increased general acceptance will help solve issues like finding charging stations, fewer specialized mechanics, and some others.