Moving from a petrol car to an electric vehicle (EV) may seem like a big step. There is so much talk about gas prices, climate change and new car tech; it can be confusing to decide where to begin. But more and more people are figuring out that this is the way to go, and they’re right. Electric cars are here to stay. Here are 10 reasons why you should just give in and get yourself that electric car.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Save on Gas Costs
EVs work on electricity, which is much cheaper than petrol. It can cost about $10 to fully charge an EV. But filling a fuel tank takes a lot more money. Over a year, this can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if gas prices keep rising.
Lower Maintenance Bills
Well, there are no oil filters or spark plugs or exhaust systems in EVs. This means fewer parts can break down or need replacement. For petrol cars, an oil change is a the bare minimum maintenance routine that costs around $40-$75. And guess what: with electric cars, you can forget about it completely.
Better for the Environment
Because EVs have no tailpipe emissions, they don’t produce CO2 like gas cars do. On average, EVs produce fewer emissions over their lifetime, even when you consider the electricity used to charge them. That means cleaner air and a healthier environment every time you drive.
Smooth and Quiet Ride
Without a traditional engine, electric cars are very quiet. Driving becomes more peaceful without the noise of a combustion engine. You may also notice reduced vibration and smoother acceleration. Many drivers love how an EV provides instant torque, which gives you quick and responsive power when you need it.
Tax Incentives and Rebates
Many governments give away tax credits to help make EVs affordable. This includes up to $7,500 tax credits offered by the federal government in the U.S. on certain models. There are additional rebates available from some states as well. These can lower the overall cost of your car.
Charging Stations Are Growing
There are now over 240,000 public charging ports in the U.S. And this number is growing fast. More and more shops or workplaces now offer charging stations. This helps you to top up your car on the go. It is even cheap to get them installed at home; about $500 for chargers.
Increased Range on New Models
In the beginning, EVs were flying with just a 100-mile-range. But today’s models have much more capacity. The Tesla Model S can do over 400 miles on one charge, for instance. This means fewer stops on long trips and less worry about running out of power. The charging technology has also improved.
Resale Value is Rising
The demand for used electric vehicles is growing as more people are interested in switching to electric. For example, the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Model 3 has much higher resale values than their early editions. Tesla cars in general retain more of their value after three years than most traditional cars.
Cutting-Edge Technology
EVs have features like regenerative braking, which captures energy when you slow down. Most EVs also come with the latest safety tech, like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and over-the-air software updates. These features make your drive safer and keep your vehicle updated with the latest improvements.
Future-Proofing Your Car
The whole automotive industry is moving towards electric vehicles. Many major car manufacturers, like GM, Volvo, and Ford, plan to stop producing gas-powered cars within the next 10 to 15 years. The change will upset today’s consumers, but by buying an electric vehicle now, you’re already ahead of that change.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
