If you’re considering buying an electric car, you may have some questions about the advantages and disadvantages of going electric. Just like any major car purchase, there are some key pros and cons to weigh before buying an electric car.
But given the pros of an electric car—like fuel savings, ease of maintenance, and reduced carbon footprint—we believe buying an EV is worth it. Plus, with EVs quickly turning into the new normal, now is a great time to purchase one.
If you’re considering buying a car and want to know some of the top reasons to go electric, we can help. We put together nine of the most significant reasons to buy an electric car.
1. Fuel Cost Savings
One of the biggest reasons that consumers are choosing electric vehicles is their fuel cost-saving advantages. With the price of gas drastically increasing, an all-electric car can save you a lot in the long run. How much, you might ask? The answer to that question depends on the cost of electricity. But on average, it costs around $6 to fully charge an electric car. This is significant cost savings when compared to the price of a gas car which costs around $50 to fill up on average,
In addition, many electric utilities offer special time-of-use rates based on the time of day when energy is used. This means if you charge your car during low-rate times, you can save even more when recharging your car.
2. Zero Tailpipe Emissions
Not only do electric cars help you save money, but they also help save the environment too. This is because electric cars help reduce smog pollution and cut greenhouse gasses to protect people and the planet.
An all-electric car produces zero tailpipe emissions, dramatically lowering smog and greenhouse gas emissions even when considering electricity generation. This means cleaner air and better health for everyone.
It’s also helpful to weigh how an EV works and the life of an electric car vs. a gas car. The lifecycle emissions of an electric vehicle depend on the source of the electricity used to charge it, which varies by region. But, in locations that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity production, electric vehicles typically have a lifecycle emissions advantage over conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel.
3. Less Maintenance
With an electric car, you don’t just save on fuel costs but you also save on maintenance expenses. The cost of electric car maintenance depends on a number of aspects including the type of car, year, manufacturer warranty, and how well you upkeep it.
But in general, electric cars allow owners to save money on gas and the cost of repairs because they don’t contain as many mechanical parts as traditional cars. This means you’ll save money on maintenance with an electric car vs. a conventional vehicle.
While an electric car doesn’t require as much maintenance, it still needs to be serviced regularly. EVs require a twice-a-year service check to examine the vehicle system and fluid levels and to perform tire rotations. This helps maintain optimal battery performance and the car’s longevity.
4. Federal Tax Credits
Since the need for reduced carbon emissions is on the rise, there are many tax incentives for EV owners. All-electric and plug-in hybrid cars purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to power the vehicle.
Along with tax credits, you may also be eligible for local rebates and incentives. Local air districts and electric utilities often provide rebates for the purchase of an electric car, and incentives for installing a home charging station.
5. Better Fuel Economy
Electric cars get better fuel economy than conventional gas-powered cars. More specifically, EVs convert over 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
What does this mean for you? Compared to a conventional car, you’re getting more bang for your buck when charging an EV. This is on top of the cost savings of charging an electric car vs. a conventional car.
6. Infrastructure Availability
Many consumers worry about where to charge their electric car and how far an EV can go before it needs to be charged, also known as range anxiety. But given that electric cars are the future of the automotive industry, public charging stations are increasing. In fact, The number of publicly accessible charging stations reached more than 41,000 in 2021, offering more than 100,000 places to charge.
In addition to the increase in infrastructure availability, electric cars have the benefit of flexible charging because the electric grid is near most locations where people park. Drivers can also charge overnight at home, as well as at multi-family housing, the workplace, or a public charging station.
7. Simple Charging
Many consumers don’t have visibility into how to charge electric cars, which can result in confusion and even resistance. In reality, though, charging an electric car is extremely simple! To charge an EV, you simply plug it into a power source known as a charging station. Once connected to the charging station, electric cars use their charging port to convert the external power into battery charge. So, all you have to do is plug it in.
Charging options include both at home and public stations. And with charging infrastructure set to drastically increase by 2030, public charging will be more readily available than ever before. Not to mention, with each passing year electric cars are being built with longer ranges and quicker charging. This makes the decision to go electric a simple one.
8. Enhanced Performance
Auto manufacturers are continuing to enhance the performance of electric vehicles, including functionality, range, and speed. More specifically, electric vehicles feature a few key performance benefits in addition to their fuel cost and efficiency.
Because electric cars weigh less than conventional cars, they accelerate faster. This weight difference also makes the drive feel smoother and quieter than in traditional gas cars. All of these benefits translate to better vehicle performance—not to mention a car that’s fun to drive!
9. EVs Are the Future
Put simply, electric cars are the future of the automotive industry. EVs are expected to occupy 25 percent of the market by 2025, compared to the current 8 percent. But what does this mean exactly for you? It means that electric cars will soon be the new normal.
More and more consumers will be switching to electric vehicles in the coming years. So why not get ahead of the curve? Learn more about EVs today at Diepholz Auto.
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