Consider the pros and cons before making the switch to an EV.
As gas prices go up and the auto industry steers toward full electrification, more and more people are considering buying an electric vehicle as their next car. But what is owning and driving an electric car like? The following are some of the pros and cons of electric car ownership, which may help you decide whether to jump on the EV ship.
Reduced carbon footprint and fuel
Electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly than gas-powered cars. Even factoring in the energy cost of manufacturing and their reliance on the electric grid, which may not necessarily derive its power from renewable sources, EVs are still expected to generate fewer harmful emissions over their life cycle than gas-powered cars. One life-cycle emissions model suggests that the emissions of a small gas car can surpass those of a small EV after roughly 27,000 miles of driving. Buying a used EV is an especially good way to help offset its carbon debt.
Charging stations and times
Most EVs have enough range to cover your daily commute, meaning you can charge one overnight at home and repeat the next day. With this lifestyle, it may be a long time before you ever need to find a charging station or worry about charging times. However, if you are running low on battery and are not in a major metropolitan area, it can be difficult to find a charging station without using a specialized app. Additionally, charging an EV is still far more time-consuming than refueling with gasoline, making EVs less ideal than gas-powered cars for long road trips. The most commonly found Level 2 chargers can provide up to about 20 miles of range for every hour spent charging. That said, charging times vary depending on several factors, including charging technology and temperature.
Ownership costs
From fuel to maintenance, electric vehicles have lower running costs than gas-powered cars. EV owners who do most of their charging at home can often save hundreds of dollars a year on fueling costs compared with drivers of equivalent gasoline-powered cars. EVs also tend to cost less to maintain over the life of the vehicle because they are less mechanically complex and do not require regular engine oil changes. Finally, EVs can hold their value as well as, or better than, their gas-powered counterparts, making them valuable to owners intending to sell their car.
Driving comfort and enjoyment
Electric vehicles deliver a different kind of driving experience. Because there is no engine noise, they are much quieter than gas-powered cars, leading to a more serene ride. In many models, regenerative braking technology may even enable you to slow down to a stop without using the brake pedal, further enhancing comfort. In addition, EVs are typically much more responsive than gas-powered cars because electric motors can deliver strong torque immediately from a stop. That said, drivers who enjoy the sound of an engine revving through its gears may find the driving experience of an EV subjectively less engaging.
Overall, there are more advantages to owning and driving an EV than disadvantages. As manufacturers make increasingly attractive, fast-charging EVs and the amount of electricity from renewable sources goes up, their appeal should continue to rise.
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