Image Credits: Volkswagen
When weighing the benefits and drawbacks of electric vehicles, it is critical to remember that they are constantly changing and that their technology is still growing. Electric vehicles are being offered by an increasing number of automakers. Electric vehicles draw power from a rechargeable battery-powered engine instead of a traditional gas engine.
Following are the Advantages of having an Electric Car:
Low ongoing costs
In the long term, charging an electric automobile is substantially less expensive than refuelling a gas-powered car. This is especially true when you consider that you may charge your electric car at home and receive tax incentives for establishing a solar powered carport or installing solar panels for your electricity.
Reduced carbon footprint.
According to the EPA, one standard gas-powered passenger vehicle with a range of 22 miles per gallon emits an average of 4.6 metric tonnes of CO2 each year. Non-hybrid electric vehicles release no CO2 or other greenhouse gases, making them far more environmentally favourable. Charging electric vehicles with renewable energy, such as solar, means that no CO2 is emitted during any stage of vehicle operation.
Low maintenance requirements.
Mechanical engines have numerousmoving parts, such as pumps and valves, as well as fluids that must be changed.
Consider frequent oil changes, which electric vehicles do not have. Because electric vehicles have fewer components that need to be replaced, they require less maintenance. Electric automobiles also have a longer lifespan than gas-powered equivalents due to reduced wear and tear.
Image Credits: Mercedes Benz
Excellent performance.
Electric automobiles are noted for running smoothly and silently due to the lack of an exhaust system. Electric crossover and SUV models are significantly quieter than standard gas engines, resulting in less noise pollution and a more peaceful ride. Electric motors also respond considerably faster than mechanical engines, resulting in higher torque and agility when driving. Furthermore, in stop-and-go city traffic, electric vehicles typically work more effectively and consume less
energy.
Convenient
Many people wrongly believe that electric automobiles are more inconvenient because charging facilities are
harder to come by than gas outlets. However, the ability to charge electric vehicles at home is a significant advantage, and more charging stations for Tesla and other brands are opening up around the country every week. Some newer
electric vehicles even have voice-enabled systems, so you can simply ask the car where a charging station is and it will direct you there.
They are more Environment friendly.
Many car customers are persuaded to choose an electric vehicle because they are better for the environment. Because fully electric vehicles (not hybrids) do not have an exhaust system, they emit no pollutants. Electric cars, which do not emit any fumes into the atmosphere like gas engines, can contribute to cleaner air and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Image Credits: Volkswagen
Electricity is a renewable resource, whereas gasoline is not.
Electric vehicles can be powered by renewable resources such as solar, wind, and water. However, gasoline is made from oil, which is a natural resource but not renewable. Having solar panels put in your home will power your electric car in your garage, allowing you to keep the renewable energy flowing even more. Electricity is also less expensive than gas. Electric automobiles are typically one-third the price of gas-powered vehicles to operate. Many electric vehicles also employ regenerative braking to supplement the energy required to drive the vehicle, which is absolutely free.
Lucrative Incentives
Original owners of electric vehicles can claim a tax credit solely for driving a more environmentally friendly vehicle. You should read the tiny print that always comes with tax situations like this, but you can get a great amount in credit in some jurisdictions for certain cars. Credit amounts vary depending on the manufacturer and model. There are various online sites available if you want to learn more about the types of credit you might be eligible for.
Following are the cons of having an Electric Car:
Limited Charging station accessibility
Even if an electric vehicle may be charged at home, locating a charging station when travelling through rural areas or on a long-distance road trip might be difficult. As previously said, more regions are adopting EV charging stations, and several hotel chains have begun to integrate EV chargers in their parking lots. This trend is expected to continue as the demand for charging stations rises.
Charging time
Adding gas to a tank takes less than five minutes, however charging an electric car can take some time, especially if the battery is completely drained. Depending on the automobile and battery size, it can take up to two days to fully charge a battery pack using standard outlets. Even the fastest charging stations will take 30 minutes to reach near-full capacity.
Image Credits: Mercedes Benz
Limited driving range
A gas-powered car has a far longer driving range than an electric car, which can range from 100 to 400 miles depending on the type of car. This can be an issue if you're planning a long-distance vacation, but if you charge your car at night, it should be good for regular commutes.
Higher initial costs
Although the cost of an electric automobile can be mitigated by fuel savings and tax credits, the initial cost of most electric vehicles is higher than that of equivalent gas-powered vehicles.
Replacing the battery can be an expensive deal
Although most electric vehicles require little maintenance, don't be shocked if you need to replace the battery pack at least once throughout their lifetime. It can be costly, but it's worth mentioning that the price has reduced dramatically in recent years, and it now costs less than $6,000.