Five Reasons to Own an EV
So you’ve finally made the decision to get yourself a new ride but the thought of an electric car is raising doubts in your mind. Not to worry, we are here to convince you that an electric car is something you should seriously consider owning—here are five reasons why:
- Low maintenance costs
Photo Credit: Technology Review
Over time, EVs can be cheaper to maintain because there are fewer things that can go wrong with it (check out KBB’s 5-year Cost-to-Own calculations or Edmunds True Cost to Own). Compared to gas-powered cars, electric vehicles do not have to worry about timing belt replacements, oil leaks, spark plugs, or gasket replacements. The simplicity of an EV’s drive system boils down to just the electric motor and a battery pack that powers it.
However, battery packs do deteriorate and have to be replaced, which can be quite costly in some instances. With developments in battery technology, the battery packs in modern EVs have improved reliability and longevity as well. So check out some of those who have run the long-term numbers to get a better handle on your costs down the road.
- They are now more affordable
Photo credit: Chevrolet
In the past, electric vehicles were deemed too expensive for many, but this is no longer the case. With the influx of new EVs from major manufacturers like Chevrolet, Nissan, BMW and many more, these is no shortage of variety to choose from.
Also, EVs qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, further reinforcing the financing standpoint for an electric car. Local and state incentives can reduce the up-front costs even more.
- No gas is used
With electric vehicles, no gasoline is used at all, which forms one of the largest monthly expenses for households in the United States. The ‘fuel’ cost for an electric vehicle comes in when being
recharged but even then, it is still relatively cheaper. The EPA’s calculations show a 2015 Nissan Leaf saving its owner $3,750 in fuel costs over five year, compared to the average new vehicle. When you consider that a gasoline-powered car’s fuel cost is nearly double or more than that of an EV, the savings really are that significant.
Some would argue that you constantly need to ensure you have a charged battery before setting off because recharging takes quite a while, compared to gasoline cars that refuel in minutes. However, quick charging technology today allows electric cars to be charged to up to 80 percent in a span of 20 minutes.
- Instant performance
Photo Credit: Tesla Motors
Tesla’s updated Model S not only showcased how far the EV has come; it also exemplified the performance capabilities of an electric vehicle. Unlike a conventional gasoline-powered car, 100 percent of an EV’s torque is available the moment you step on the accelerator pedal. This allows for quick accelerations that are perfect for the freeway on-ramp.
However, an EV’s range is severely diminished if you are a lead-footed driver. Sustaining high speeds on a motorway can drain the battery quickly. Therefore, if you’re looking for a car to take on long trips, an electric vehicle might not be for you.
- Infrastructure
Photo Credit: Nissan
With hybrid and electric vehicles becoming more mainstream, the number of charging stations across the country has also increased substantially. According to the federal Alternative Fuels Data Center, the country now has 6,169 public charging stations, the lion’s share of which are located in California. With some private plug-sharing locations, the number is even higher.
Typically, charging your electric vehicle can be done conveniently at your home and when you reach the office. This reduces the worry of looking for a charging station.
Charging stations are mostly found in major cities at the moment which make it unfortunate for those living in rural states that might not even have started building an infrastructure. Depending on your location, check the availability of charging stations at the places you frequent during your daily travels.
With an electric car, you should first consider several factors. The important thing to note is how an electric car can integrate itself seamlessly into your lifestyle. If you live in a place where you can do home-charging, it works best. If you’re going to be using it around town where there is no scarcity of charging stations, it’s a perfect fit. But if you’re getting one for long distance driving, you’d be well-served to look elsewhere. What more and more people are finding is that electric cars do work well in their lives.
