The Top Pros & Cons of Electric Cars
When it comes to getting around, cars can be an indispensable part of your daily life. And with so many options, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer variety of cars available to you.
But in terms of fuel type, your primary choices are electric cars and gas (or diesel) powered vehicles. And what are the advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles, or EVs, you might ask? Well, let’s discover their pros and cons together.
The Pros Of Electric Cars
Electric cars have become more and more popular in recent years, with many new brands and models appearing on the vehicle market. But what makes them more beneficial to drive than a gas or diesel car? Let’s look at the advantages.
1. Comfortable
One great thing about electric vehicles is the comfort of driving them. Cars that run on electricity instead of fuel are much quieter than their gas and diesel counterparts, making the experience more comfortable for you.
Instead of battling against a noisy engine, your electric vehicle is virtually silent, and road rumble or sounds from the tires are the only things you’ll likely hear.
2. Energy Efficient
Due to their reliance on energy usage alone, electric cars need to be very efficient so that drivers do not run out of juice midway through their travels. The conversion rates of electricity to power in EVs are much better than a typical gas vehicle.
3. No Gas Required
Simply put, you don’t need to worry about gas with an electric vehicle. Not only does this mean that you can skip the lines for gas or diesel pumps, but you don’t have to worry about having extra fuel in the trunk for longer journeys.
In addition, with rising fuel costs every year, avoiding the price of gas is undoubtedly a bonus that comes with driving an electric car.
4. Great for Urban Driving
One of the main differences between urban and country driving is the frequency of stops and time spent in traffic.
And electric vehicles are incredibly efficient when it comes to the stop-and-go driving of inner-city commuting— instead of wasting fuel by idling at a stoplight, electric cars are able to save their energy without draining your reserves considerably.
5. High-Performance Vehicles
By relying on electricity to power the entire car, electric vehicles are a much higher performance mode of transportation. Not only are they less likely to need routine maintenance, but they also handle incredibly well in a variety of road situations.
6. Fun to Drive
Because these vehicles do not rely on fuel combustion to power their engines, electric cars tend to pack a far larger punch than other types of transportation.
EVs are incredibly fun to drive, as you have access to instantaneous torque power that gives a great acceleration rate. And while driving at top speeds is not always sustainable, the dynamics of piloting an electric car are undeniably enjoyable.
7. Less Wear & Tear
Gas motors are notorious for breaking down over time and consistent use, which is expensive and a hassle for someone with a busy schedule.
However, electric vehicles tend to have less wear and tear, making them more reliable and last longer. This is because electric engines don’t have as many complex moving parts to function and thus experience less daily damage.
8. Low Maintenance
Along with being free from a good amount of normal wear and tear, electric vehicles are prone to fewer repairs than their fuel-using counterparts.
Electric cars are a reliable, low-maintenance option that does not require engine fluids or parts to be changed.
9. Fuel Savings
Fuel is expensive— and with costs continuing to rise as oil and gas companies try to stretch the planet’s resources even further. But with electrical charging for your vehicle, you can avoid these pricey considerations altogether!
Plus, by opting to charge your vehicle overnight, you can even take advantage of lowered nighttime energy costs that many providers offer.
10. Innovative Space Solutions
Not only can electric cars function well while still taking up less space for a hefty gas engine, but they commonly also feature innovative solutions for storage and passengers. There is typically more room within EVs, thanks to smaller engines.
11. Tax Benefits & Purchase Incentives
Why not take the leap when you can get benefits and incentives just for purchasing a certain type of vehicle?
There are several buying incentives and benefits offered by municipal and federal governments when you get an electric car, including federal tax credits that are based on your income, the size of your EV’s battery, and your method of recharging it.
12. Zero Emissions
Electric cars do not release emissions in order to run, making them a very environmentally-friendly option for transportation. Without leaking CO2, gas, or oil, you don’t have to worry about your vehicle impacting the world negatively.
The Cons Of Electric Cars
There are many benefits to owning and driving an electric car, but there are also some disadvantages like everything else in life. Let’s take a moment to talk about the cons of electric vehicles.
1. A Different Driving Experience
While many people find the driving experience within an electric car to be just fine, others might not enjoy it. EVs don’t have the same feeling of handling gas vehicles.
If you are a driver who thrives on the noise and hands-on interaction with your vehicle, switching to an electric car might take some time to get used to.
2. Longer Charging Times
Recharging your electric car’s battery can take a surprising amount of time, particularly if your vehicle is nearly out of power.
Instead of simply adding fuel to the tank over the course of a few minutes, you need a prolonged period for the battery to charge. This is not necessarily an issue with EVs, but it does require a change in mindset and driving habits to accommodate.
3. Diminished Driving Range
The ability to drive is completely dependent on the amount of charge your electric car’s battery contains at any given time, so considering the battery range is key. This can be quite stressful for drivers who are used to just hopping into the car and setting out.
While electric vehicle manufacturers are making strides toward longer driving distances for EV batteries and places are installing outlets for electric cars to charge, you do need to make sure your car has enough charge to get to your destination.
4. Higher Electrical Costs
While you might not be paying for fuel, it still costs money to recharge your electric vehicle. This is particularly true if you charge your battery at home during the day when electricity costs are higher than the nighttime hours.
Unfortunately, just because you have an electric car does not mean your transportation will be completely free to charge and run.
5. Costly EV Charging Station Installation
Many electric car owners opt for getting an EV charging station put onto their property. This is easier in terms of convenience and removes some of the planning required to stop at EV charging stations while out and about.
But it’s also quite expensive to install a private charging station, and you might even need special zoning for your area to do so.
6. Expensive Battery Replacement
Though the wear and tear on electric vehicles and general maintenance requirements are significantly lessened, these cars can still experience difficulties. And one of the most common repairs for EVs is replacing the engine battery.
This is a surprisingly pricey process as you need to take your car to an EV mechanic and pay for the replacement product, setting your budget back quite significantly.
7. Infrastructure Limitations for EV Charging Stations
EV charging stations are becoming more common across the country, but they are still not as common as gas stations. And for anyone relying on their EV for transport, this can be a frustrating problem to encounter.
The infrastructure limitations are likely to continue lessening. Still, if you live in the country or do not have immediate access to a convenient EV charging station, it can be a real hassle to plan to leave your house on a full battery.
8. Pricey Initial Vehicle Cost
In general, cars are a costly investment. People commonly save up for a vehicle purchase for months or years, and it’s a big decision. But electric cars are one of the more expensive options when it comes to buying a set of wheels.
Just think of a Tesla and its high price tag. And while not all EVs are quite as costly, these types of vehicles do tend to be priced higher than comparable models in the gas or diesel range.
Car Insurance For Electric, Gas, Or Diesel Vehicles
But no matter the type of fuel or energy your car runs on, it’s essential to protect it with an insurance plan!
Call us today at (877)962-4776 to get a free, no-obligation auto insurance quote!
