When buying a new car you have to make your decision whether to go for the tradition gas-powered vehicle or for an electric vehicle. This article lists the pros and cons of an electric car to help you make informed decisions before buying the car.
Pros:
1. Reduce gas bill: When you buy an electric car, the cost incurred in fueling the vehicle is reduced. The cost of electricity is cheaper compared to gasoline.
2. Maintenance cost: Electric vehicles require less maintenance compared to gas vehicles. The car no longer needs oil to lubricate the engine thus you won’t need a mechanic to clean your engine or oil changes.
3. Quiet: Compared to the conventional gasoline-powered vehicle, electric vehicle rides are very quiet and smooth.
4. Tax benefits: Electric vehicles are subjected to tax benefits and government subsidies making you pay less when buying. The vehicles can give returns and value for your money before their expected lifespan.
5. Home recharging: You don’t need to go to the gas station to fuel the car. You can plug the vehicle into your electricity while at home to recharge the battery. Depending on your car type, driving conditions, and battery age, you can travel up to 100 miles before recharging your battery.
6. Zero tailpipe emissions: Electric vehicles don’t have an exhaust pipe emissions thus making them environmentally friendly since they don’t pollute the environment or release green gases.
7. Fast: Battery-powered vehicle improves the ride quality compared to petroleum or gasoline-powered vehicle. This makes them faster on the road.
8. Solar panels: Currently, you can pair your home charging electric station with a solar panel which helps you to achieve a zero-carbon driving. Electricity and solar panels are renewable sources of energy.
9. Safer: The vehicles are much safer compared to those which have an internal combustion engine. They have low Centre of gravity thus not easy to roll over.
10. Ease of use: Modern electric vehicles have the battery fixed below the passenger seat thus making them easier to steer.
Cons:
1. Expensive: Electric vehicles are very expensive compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Incentives offered on the tax lower the price of buying the vehicle.
2. Range anxiety: The current electric vehicle can travel an approximate of 80 to 100 miles with a single fully charged battery and if you need to travel extra miles, you need few hours to fully recharge the battery. Therefore, you need to plan your route carefully.
3. Charging station: You need to have a charging station at home which can cost you an extra $1000. If you’re staying in a flat or block, it is difficult to set up the charging station. Not all offices have a charging station.
4. Long recharging time: To fully charge the battery, it needs an overnight charge otherwise you will not have enough time to research when you want to be in the workplace on time. It will also take some time to recharge at a public charging station for a couple of miles.
5. Limited choices: Currently there are few models of electric powered vehicles in the market to choose from.
6. Battery replacement: The estimated life of the battery is around a decade and replacing the battery can be very costly.
7. Increase utility bills: Electricity is not free and when you charge the vehicle during the peak hours it will increase your utility bills.
8. Lack of power: Compared to gasoline-powered cars, EV have less ability to accelerate and climb on tough terrain.
9. Heavy: The batteries that are fitted in the vehicles are very heavy. The weight puts more pressure on the battery thus draining fast.
10. Battery pollution: Although the EV is clean, the few toxic elements from the battery pollutes the environment. Electricity generation can also lead to the emission of green gases resulting in environmental pollution.
