Electric cars offer many benefits that make them appealing to drivers who want to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But they’re not without their challenges.
Find out more about the advantages of an EV, then decide whether you should buy one. And if you do, learn about charging options and tax breaks.
Lower Fuel Costs
With record-high gas prices driving drivers to consider alternatives, many are now turning to electric vehicles. And while EVs cost more up front, they can save drivers thousands in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle. EVs can run on as little as 5 cents per mile to power them, saving owners significant 초보운전연수 money over their petrol-powered counterparts.
Because they don’t have a traditional engine, there’s much less to break or wear out over time, which further reduces the total cost of ownership. Additionally, a lithium-ion battery motor doesn’t require oil changes or other routine maintenance like spark plugs and timing belts.
Drivers can simply plug in at home to recharge when the battery is low – and avoid any trips to the gas station. Depending on the specific model, most electric cars can charge in about five hours.
The ability to refuel at home also saves EV owners the hassle of searching for the best gas station prices, and the need to plan ahead to ensure their car has enough range for long trips. And while the EV charging network is expanding rapidly, most people still need to refuel their cars when they travel long distances. But a longer wait while the vehicle charges isn’t as big of a deal if you plan to drive an EV with a max range that can cover your typical commute.
Reduced Emi 초보운전연수 ssions
EVs emit zero tailpipe emissions and can run on electricity generated by clean sources like wind and solar. This helps reduce harmful air pollutants like nitrous oxide and particulates while also helping cut greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
Even when taking into account the energy required to produce EV batteries and fuel, electric cars are still significantly better for the environment than gasoline-powered vehicles. They also have a smaller carbon footprint when driving, thanks to their lower fuel and maintenance costs and their superior energy efficiency.
A study from Argonne National Laboratory estimates that, across their life cycles, EVs generate significantly fewer GHGs than gas-powered vehicles, even when accounting for the energy used to power them during charging. That’s especially true if the electricity is produced by renewable sources.
Some EV owners report that the lack of noise while driving their electric car is an added bonus, as it allows them to focus on the road and take in more of the scenery. However, the silence of an EV may come as a disadvantage to other road users who depend on hearing approaching cars for safety.
Another way in which EVs can help reduce their carbon footprint is through the use of an onboard energy management system called an ERS. When implemented, a ERS can allow BEVs to operate with smaller battery capacities and thus reducing their associated life cycle emissions.
Near-Silent Operation
When driving an electric car, you can experience smooth, instant acceleration with a single push on the throttle. And because of the elimination of the gasoline engine, there’s no need to worry about engine noise or vibration.
At lower speeds, however, the electric motor produces a sound that is barely audible. While this may be an asset for city dwellers, pedestrians, bicyclists and others who are concerned about noise pollution may find the lack of noise a nuisance.
Some manufacturers are addressing this issue by programming electric cars to play sounds at slow speeds. Hyundai, for example, is using a sound system that plays a high-pitched buzz to remind drivers when it’s time to let off the accelerator. Dodge is going even further by letting owners choose from a variety of sounds that are played when the vehicle accelerates or shifts gears.
Other manufacturers have opted to use technology developed by German company THOR to make their electric cars emit a unique hum when traveling at low speeds. This is a legally mandated safety feature designed to alert pedestrians and cyclists to the presence of an electric vehicle nearby. In fact, the THOR technology has been tested in anechoic chambers and on public roads to determine how long it takes for people to hear the approach of an EV traveling at different speeds.
Fewer Maintenance Needs
Unlike traditional cars, electric vehicles do not have complex components such as spark plugs or a transmission. These systems are simpler and less expensive to maintain, resulting in lower overall maintenance costs. Many EVs can be driven up to 100,000 miles without ever needing an oil change or a tune-up. EV owners also do not need to get their gas pumped or have a smog check.
The only fluids that most EVs require are a coolant for regulating the temperature of the battery, as well as windshield wiper fluid and brake fluid. The coolant needs to be changed regularly according to the owner’s manual.
Most EVs use something called regenerative braking to slow down the car, which reduces wear and tear on mechanical brake rotors and pads. This can cut down on the need for frequent replacements, which makes EV ownership more cost-effective than owning a gasoline-powered car.
EVs are also often much easier to update than their counterparts, thanks to the way they are computer controlled. Over-the-air updates are commonplace and give EV owners a wealth of new features without ever having to go into a dealership. Some owners have even compared it to getting a new operating system on their smartphone. This can make owning an EV more convenient and enjoyable than ever. There are a growing number of charging stations across the country and around the world, making it possible to take an electric vehicle on most any road trip.