As consumers become more aware of environmental issues, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Thinking of making the switch to an electric vehicle? Make sure you read the pros and cons first.
Vehicles are responsible for more than 16 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation as a whole is the biggest driver of emissions, accounting for nearly 30 percent.
And besides the savings and tax credits EVs offer, electric cars are also one of the best potential answers to the climate crisis. If you’re considering making the switch to electric vehicles, here are some things that you should consider.
Pros and cons
When making any large purchase, such as a new vehicle, you always have to do your research to make sure that it’s the right thing for you and your family. This is even more important when you’re making a lifestyle switch to electric vehicles.
Electric cars have plenty of benefits but, you need to weigh these benefits up with potential issues. Before you take the plunge into the world of electric cars, make sure that you look at the potential pros and cons and take the time to make the right decision.
Also keep in mind that electric vehicles still need to be inspected regularly. The good news is that these cars are far more reliable than the typical car that you would buy from a dealer. So, you don’t have to worry about issues with your car costing you a fortune in maintenance work each time you take it in for an inspection. You’ll also find that cars like this are more durable too. They are designed to stand the test of time and could serve you well on the road for years if not decades.
Types of EVs
As you research your options, you may find that there are so many different types of electric vehicles to choose from. As well as fully electric vehicles, you can also look at a hybrid vehicle. Hybrids use gas like ordinary cars to power the engine, but this also charges the electric motor in the car. Some hybrids can be charged by a plug-in point.
A hybrid vehicle has far better fuel economy than a combustion engine vehicle, but it does still need fuel. It can give you the best of both worlds, as you don’t need to accommodate the needs of a fully electric car.
Fully electric cars don’t require any gas but are run using electricity straight from a plug point. They also have no exhaust, which means that they have no emissions from burning fossil fuels.
When it comes to EVs, there are also options: hydrogen fuel cells (HFCV or FCEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The most common type currently is BEVs but HFCVs are growing in popularity. They use onboard fuel cells to react with hydrogen fuel and oxygen to produce electricity.
EV battery charging
One of the most prominent features of an electric car is that you have to charge it from a plug point. This usually means that you have to have a power system, which are installed at home.
Modern chargers can get your electric vehicle up and running well within an hour, allowing you to keep moving. An electric vehicle means that you need to plan long journeys with your battery in mind, as it’s not as easy to find plug-in chargers as it is to find a gas station.
However, plug-in stations are becoming more and more common on the road. This makes it far more viable to travel a long way without worrying about running out of juice. Not only that, but battery technology is improving, which means that a car can stay charged for longer.
Commuting
While most EVs can go hundreds of miles per single charge, the length of your daily commute can make charging needs more frequent. And if you aren’t set up to charge at home, this can mean allowing for trips to charging stations. Fortunately, a growing number of retail destinations including supermarkets and shopping centers, frequently offer on-site charging. But it’s important to ensure you can budget for the time to charge.
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