An electric vehicle or (EV) is a motor vehicle that runs on either one or multiple electric motors. These motors are fed by a large lithium-ion battery pack instead of a fuel tank. The lithium-ion battery pack drives the EV in the same way a regular engine uses gas or diesel from the fuel tank.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common batteries used in an EV and stores electricity drawn from the grid by charging through a cable. You can plug the cable into the grid through either a public charging unit or a home wall box.
How Do You Know If an EV is Right for You?
Evaluating the pros and cons of an EV will help you decide whether an EV is the right choice for your lifestyle. Once you understand what you are getting into, you can make the decision to take the leap and buy an EV or not. There are important insights into buying an EV to take into account before deciding to purchase.
If you already own a standard gas-powered vehicle, you know the ins and outs of your car’s maintenance. You know low oil pressure is a bad sign, and you know a check engine light could mean a number of different issues. When the needle on your fuel approaches “E,” it is time to visit a gas station, of which many are available.
Most of these factors are going to be similar, but also different when you own an EV. Some of the similarities, including VIN number lookup, are going to be standard for you. But knowing how to read battery heat, miles remaining, and knowing where to find charging stations may be new experiences.
Let’s Look at the Pros
Lower Recurring cost (No Gas Cost)
Recharging your EV is much more affordable as opposed to refueling a gas-fueled vehicle. This is even cheaper if you are living in a home where you can install a solar-powered carport or you have a home that generates electricity from solar panels. Imagine, no more frustrating refueling at a gas station. Simply plug your EV into your power box at home and charge your batteries.
Environmentally Friendly
Emission reduction means you are aware of the effects of harmful gas emissions on the environment and to you and your family. Driving an EV doesn’t create any tailpipe emissions which are one of the major sources of pollution globally.
Electric vehicles rely on a rechargeable battery which means you spend no money on gas. The electric source for the energy can be sourced domestically, often through solar panel systems. When vehicle emissions are reduced it helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gasses, thus improving the air quality we breathe.
Technological advancements are continuous in the focus to improve batteries used to power an EV. Investors are pouring billions into developing solid-state cells to replace the current liquid electrolyte – the solution of ions that travel through as batteries discharge. Solid-state cells will provide greater energy density and reduce costs.
Less Maintenance
The EV costs you less to run and the maintenance is cheaper because they don’t use oil. Mechanical engines have a lot of moving parts including valves, pumps, and fluids that constantly have to be topped up or changed.
Frequent oil changes are a memory of the past. EV’s are also more cost-effective in the long run as they don’t have so many components that need replacing, and there’s less maintenance needed. Yet another bonus is that they generally last longer than gas-powered engines.
Financial Incentives (Tax Credits)
EV’s decrease the drain on natural resources. This is something recognized by governments, so they offer certain tax incentives. The amount of tax relief differs by state and also depends on the state in which the car is purchased. Be sure to look at what tax incentive you qualify for should you decide to purchase an electric vehicle. Also, ensure that you request a free VIN number lookup when purchasing your new EV.
High Performance
Electric vehicles offer seamless agility, optimal responsiveness, and high-quality performance that contribute towards a phenomenal driving experience. There is no exhaust system, and your EV runs quietly and smoothly while providing more torque and agility when driving.
Electric vehicles operate more efficiently when driving in the city and use less energy in the stop-and-go city traffic. Electric vehicles convert around 60% of the energy into powering up the engine when compared to gasoline cars, The latter convert around 20% of energy into vehicle movement. This contributes to a smooth, high-performance drive.
An additional feature of an EV is that it can be digitally connected to charging stations. This provides drivers the option to control charging from an app. Some newer electric vehicles even have voice-enabled systems. So all you have to do is ask where a charging station is, and the car will direct you. How futuristic is that for a motor vehicle?
Now, Let’s Evaluate The Cons
High Initial Costs
Electric vehicles have come a long way and are more frequently seen than a decade ago, but the biggest deterrent is the initial purchase price. Prices for budget-friendly EV’s range from $30,000- $50,000. This can be a daunting amount for a vehicle purchase.
Luxury models start at $80,000 and escalate depending on the make and model of the vehicle. When considering purchasing an electric vehicle at this price it is important to check the VIN number prior to purchase.
An EV is initially more expensive than a gas-powered vehicle. However, once you calculate the savings on fuel costs, maintenance, tax credits, and state incentives; the price may become significantly more appealing to the first-time EV owner.
When buying a new vehicle, always remember to request a free VIN number lookup and ensure all your documents are in accordance with the government regulations as this will ensure you get all the incentives for your new electric vehicle. Also, do your research for a better perspective on make and model prices.
Low Range
Electric vehicles have a shorter range than gas-powered cars. Most EVs have a range of 60 to 120 miles per charge and the luxury models can have a range of 300 to 400 miles. In comparison, gas vehicles have a range of around 300 miles on a full tank of gas.
An electric car is perfect for your daily commute as you can charge your car every night. You may have to rethink purchasing an EV if you frequently take longer trips, as the availability of charging stations is not yet widespread.
Charging the Battery Takes Time
Pumping gas into a fuel tank only takes a couple of minutes. Recharging an electric car can take a lot longer, especially if the battery power is totally depleted. Fully recharging a depleted battery can take over two days when using a battery pack or a normal outlet.
Charge time depends on the car type and the size of the battery. Charging stations are specifically geared to make charging faster. However, it will still take around 30 minutes to get to 80% capacity.
Replacing the Battery is Very Expensive
Electric vehicles require little maintenance, but you will probably have to replace the vehicle’s battery pack at least once during the car’s lifetime.
The battery packs in an electric vehicle are expensive, although the price has dropped substantially in the past couple of years. You are still looking at a cost of around $6,000 depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
As an EV owner, you need to consider whether the probable cost of replacing the battery will outweigh the pros of owning an efficient, eco-friendly, state-of-the-art vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Technology has crept into every sphere of our lives. We now have smart homes and smart hotels. It is only natural that the automobile industry advances in technology too. In fact, the biggest technological advancement in the automobile industry is the EV.
Despite the huge strides made by the EV, drivers remain skeptical about the performance, efficiency, and longevity. This makes people hesitant to invest in them.
If you want to leave the world in a better state for future generations, an emissions-free EV is a great option. Of course, that’s if you can afford to make the switch. It’s something to think about when making your next vehicle purchase.
BIO: Emily Andrews is the marketing communications specialist at RecordsFinder, an online public records search company. Communications specialist by day and community volunteer at night, she believes in compassion and defending the defenceless.