There is a revolution coming! Yeah! It is the electric car revolution! But do you know the pros and cons of electric cars?
The electric car or electric vehicle (EV) has been in the limelight for quite some time. It is because of the many benefits it brings to many car enthusiasts.
We will discuss electric cars' pros and cons and explain them one by one. This way, you will know the advantages and disadvantages of owning one.What are the foremost Pros and Cons of Electric Cars?
Car lovers are learning to appreciate the beauty of electric cars. The innovations of EVs in recent years provide drivers with better options when owning a car. Most electric vehicles have automatic transmission that makes driving easier. If you wonder what electric vehicles can and cannot do, we will disclose more about them. Here are four of the top pros and cons of electric automobiles and the explanation surrounding each argument.
Pros
Cons
Pros
Low maintenance
Electric cars have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, so they do not need a lot of maintenance. EVs do not even need regular oil changes because their drivetrains are different. Conventional cars have pistons, valves, and other moving parts: need periodic maintenance, but EVs do not need oil for lubrication.
Since electric cars do not have as many components as internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles: you do not have to spend much on replacement parts. Electric vehicle parts last longer than their gas-powered counterparts because of lesser tear & wear.
Low operational cost
Researchers from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) [2]: conclude EVs cost less than half as much as gas-engine cars. The study was on 2018 in the United States.
The study observed that the annual average cost to operate an EV is $485 against $1117 for gas-powered cars. You can also recharge an electric car at home and enjoy tax benefits. The tax benefits offered in some states are for those who install solar-powered garages or carports.
In the U. K., if you buy an electric car for less than £40,000, you are exempted from paying the annual road tax.
Low emission
Electric vehicles are more environment-friendly than gas-fueled cars because the former has low emissions. Oil-fueled cars usually emit more carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas that is toxic to humans and the environment. Moreover, petrol-based engines also emit nitrous oxide and methane, the other greenhouse gasses that promote climate change.
More energy efficient
EVs perform well on the road than traditional gas engine cars. The absence of an exhaust system makes the vehicle operate quietly and smoothly. Electric motors react more quickly than mechanically operated engines, which lead to higher torque and agility.
Furthermore, electric cars make an almost negligible whirring sound, making passengers more comfortable inside the cabin. An electric vehicle also provides more space for more passengers because the batteries are not bulky compared to gas engines.
Cons
Travels short ranges
Electric cars have a shorter range in a single charge. It may be a problem if you travel long distances every day. You can charge your EV at night before going on a short trip and be at home before the batteries drain.
A unit is more expensive (upfront cost)
The upfront cost of an electric car is more expensive than its petrol-powered counterpart. The low maintenance cost, tax credits, and low fuel cost (or the low cost of electricity): may offset the price difference compared to ICE vehicles.
Recharging takes longer
When you are driving a gas-powered car, it only takes a couple of minutes to refuel in a gas station. However, in electric vehicles recharging takes more time if the batteries deplete. Depending on the size of the battery and type of outlets, recharging may take up to two days in some electric car models.
Few charging stations
Electric vehicles usually come with a three-pin domestic plug for charging on a recharging station or at home. There will be no problem when recharging at home. When you are in an isolated place with no charging station nearby: it could be your worst nightmare!
In buying an electric car, it is better to know the range of the vehicle in a single charge. This way, you can estimate the distance you travel in a day and recharge on your way home.
Conclusion
So, do you want to own an electric car? The electric cars pros and cons discussed will enlighten you on the advantages and disadvantages of owning an EV. Nowadays, more car manufacturers (like GM and Volvo) are shifting slowly to all-electric cars. The practice is going to be the norm in the future.
