The world is going green, and as it changes, electric cars are at the center of the transformation. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, personal cars were found to emit 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year. The emissions have greatly contributed to global warming and climate change, leading to aggressive weather patterns and unpredictable damage to our ecosystems. That's why many governments are encouraging the use of electric vehicles through tax rebates and other measures to reduce CO2 emissions. Today, EVs have become popular and account for nearly 10% of the cars on our roads. So, whether you are planning to get your first electric car from a salvage bid auction or save up to buy a new one, here are five reasons why you should get an EV.
The Benefits of Driving an EV
EVs Are Better for the Environment
It goes without saying that electric cars greatly improve our environment. Fully electric cars have zero carbon emissions, dramatically lowering smog emissions and contributing to cleaner, healthier air. Additionally, EVs are more efficient because they maximize 70% of their power output compared to combustion engines, which use about 20% of the power they produce.
Cheaper to Maintain
Did you know EVs experience reduced wear and tear compared to petrol-powered cars? Combustion engines require a lot more maintenance, including oil changes and replacing components such as filters and spark plugs, among other things. In comparison, the battery of an EV does all the powering, and because there are fewer moving parts in powering the car, the car lasts longer without any need for major repairs.
They Are as Powerful as Petrol-Powered Cars
Ten years ago, there was a lot of talk about how electric cars were not as powerful as their petrol-powered counterparts. However, things have changed, and their technology has greatly improved. In addition to lowering your cost per mile, many electric cars are as fast and as powerful as those running on gasoline.
Nowadays, you will find models with more torque and a higher acceleration than the petrol or diesel-powered versions. Electric cars are designed to transfer power directly to the wheels instead of relying on manual transmissions. This has made them more efficient and faster, leading to the development of faster cars such as the Tesla Model S plaid that boasts an impressive acceleration of 0-60 mph in under three seconds.
EVs Are Quieter
Because EVs do not undergo any combustion process, they are generally quieter and have reduced vibrations. Did you know that most electric cars are so quiet that their sounds are artificially placed to remind you that the car is still running and alert people around it? An EV is your best choice if you enjoy quiet evening drives along beautiful sceneries.
Electric Cars Are Simply Futureproof
As more EVs are gracing our roads, more infrastructure will be built with them in mind, and you can expect to see more EV charging stations in the future. Because of their technology, most electric cars can receive updates remotely to improve their functionality and ensure they have the latest technology releases.
Considerations When Buying an Electric Car
Here are some of the things you should factor in when shortlisting your list of potential EVs to buy.
Electric or Hybrid?
Choosing between these two is mostly influenced by your environment and driving terrain. A fully electric car is an excellent choice if you live somewhere with infrastructure for charging it. However, if you need a car to cover long distances in areas with few charging stations, then a hybrid car is a greener option than the conventional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles.
Charging
Most electric cars come with standard charging cables that can charge your car in about 8-10 hours. However, you can always buy fast chargers that will charge your EV in 4-6 hours, significantly cutting your charging time. It's important to mention that most of these chargers are expensive. Fortunately, you can easily find these chargers in many public charging stations.
Driving Range
This is one of the top priorities that should probably be number one or two on your list. Most manufacturers give estimated driving ranges that are usually accomplished in very controlled environments. So, instead of relying on their figures, look at what people are saying online about their experiences driving the car. Reviews will help you make an informed decision as they provide a more accurate and practical picture of the car's performance.
Battery
The battery is the heart of every electric car, and it's no surprise that it is also the most expensive part. So before you buy an EV, do your homework and look at things like the battery range, how long it's expected to last, and the cost of replacing it. You may also want to consider the length of the warranty that comes with the battery.
Conclusion
Electric cars are the future of the transport sector and also the future of our planet. Since EVs usually have a lower center of gravity, they are safer, more stable, and more comfortable to drive than ICE vehicles. In addition to the practicality and comfort, you will contribute to a greener, more sustainable environment.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of sciencetimes.com
