The electric vehicle revolution is taking place across the globe with traditional auto makers adapting to an all-electric future. If you are among those considering buying an electric car, there are many factors to consider as they differ significantly from traditional gas cars.
Table of Contents
1. Differences of Electric Vs. Gas Cars
In simple words, traditional cars run on gasoline and electric vehicles run on electricity. Electric vehicles come in three forms. Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) are solely powered by electricity. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) run on both electricity and gas and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) rely primarily on gas but also have electric components, such as regenerative braking.
In terms of selection, traditional internal combustion engines are far ahead for now, as there are only about thirty EV models on the market. Although Tesla is the leader on this front, China is the greatest EV market and Detroit’s Big Three auto makers as well as the German giant Volkswagen are catching up, so expect that many new electric models will be coming to the market in the near-future.
2. Pros and Cons of Going Electric
Just like everything in this world, even electric vehicles have their pros and cons.
The purchase price
One of the biggest downfalls of electric vehicles is their hefty price tag considering that a Tesla’s price begins at $36,000. But although they are quite an investment now, even Tesla is on a mission to make its vehicles more affordable, aiming to make a $25,000 car.
Short range
The range of EVs is improving but for now, most electric models are limited to a range of 60 to 100 miles, with only a few like Tesla’s Model S going up to 335 miles per charge.
Maintenance
Moving on to the pros, unlike traditional cars, electric vehicles are much easier to maintain and therefore, they result in less expensive maintenance cost. Maintenance is less frequent and less expensive as there is no transmission fluid, coolant, engine oil etc, that all add up to the cost. Meanwhile, electric vehicles are updated through hardware and software, saving you a trip to the mechanic.
CO2 emissions
Electric vehicles are friendlier to the environment because they don’t have an exhaust system. This equates to zero emissions and this makes them our best shot at having a cleaner and healthier air.
Noise
Electric vehicles are the solution to noise pollution. They are so quiet that many legislators in the U.S. have proposed the installation of noise-making devices to alert pedestrians that they’re nearby.
3. Things to Consider Before Going Electric
Although electric vehicles are easier to maintain, you will need to replace the battery at some point and this will cost you $5,000. Long story short, EVs still have issues that need to be resolved.
Charging
One thing to consider when switching to an electric car is the charging infrastructure that still needs to be developed in order for EVs to be widely adopted. If you will be charging your car at home, this will have quite an impact on your Columbia Gas utility bill.
Practicality
Besides the battery and limited driving range, EVs still need pass the test of bad weather like snow and sub-zero temperatures. Without a charging station, an EV driver could be left stranded.
If you are keen on going electric, a potential solution could be a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid is much more efficient and greener than traditional vehicles, yet they are more reliable than existing traditional vehicles considering that it is much less likely for the battery to die and to run out of gas.
Takeaway
As EVs become more prevalent, manufacturers will make sure they overcome their limitations. There will be surely be more all-electric models with increased range and greater customization. It appears that the future is electric as by 2030, sales of electric vehicles are expected to exceed those of traditional cars.