There are several benefits of electric cars, including lower CO2 emissions, less noise, and air pollution, and lower running costs. As we evolve and adapt to positive societal changes, more drivers choose electric cars to reduce their carbon footprint.
In the 1990s, electric cars had limited range and could only go up to 100 miles. However, the new and improved modern versions, such as the Kia Niro, Chevrolet Bolt, Tesla, and Hyundai Kona Electric, can go up to 200-400 miles on a single charge.
Since they came on the scene, electric cars have come a long way. Now, there are more charging stations making it easier to choose cleaner, more sustainable energy. There are also numerous benefits of electric cars that make them worth choosing.
Benefits of Electric Cars You Didn’t Know About
Aside from being easy to maintain, electric cars also have less wear and tear. There are fewer parts involved in running an electric engine and fewer complexities, making these cars cheaper than vehicles that run on fossil fuel.
For instance, the motor does up to 90% of the braking in an electric car. The regenerated kinetic energy is fed back to the battery, so you use your brake pads less. Some electric vehicles with up to 300,000 kilometers of mileage still run on their first brake pads.
Of course, this also translates to less harmful particles in the air resulting from brake pad friction.
Other benefits include:
Silent Operation
Electric vehicles are silent operators. Since there is no combustion engine, there is no exhaust either. The electric motor that powers that vehicle is muted, so you only hear wind and tire noises.
This allows passengers in the car to focus on other tasks, such as reading or even taking on calculations.
In addition, the lack of noise also provides a comfortable traveling experience. On the downside, an electric car would be too silent if you are a driver who likes a sporty car exhaust.
Low Running Costs
Fossil fuel-based petrol and diesel prices have skyrocketed in the past few years. For many drivers, switching to electric cars means spending less on running costs.
The amount of money spent on charging these vehicles is much less than you would spend on petrol and diesel, making them a superior choice.
Even premium electric cars such as the Hyundai Kona and MG ZS EV run on less per kilometer than conventional fuel vehicles.
Their lower running costs make them lighter on the pocket and make it easy to choose electric cars in an inflationary environment.
Less Maintenance
Electric cars require less maintenance compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. If you run an all-electric car, you never have to worry about oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, exhaust pipes, mufflers, fuel filters, or catalytic converters.
These cars also have simpler engines which mean fewer moving parts. Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles with hundreds of moving parts, there is less wear and tear. Even if some parts need replacement, it does not happen often.
For instance, the rechargeable battery loses its ability to hold a charge over time. While the batteries last well over the 100,000-mile mark, you must replace them at some point. The good news is that battery prices keep dropping, so you might only have to spend a little money.
Improved Tech Features
The electric car is just making its debut on the scene. Manufacturers must include more cutting-edge technology to appeal to drivers who are used to operating gasoline-powered vehicles.
Modern electric cars have advanced tech features and are highly connected even if you buy a standard one. These features play a critical role in helping you avoid being involved in car accidents.
For instance, the Chevrolet Bolt has a 230+ mile range when it is fully charged and comes with plenty of high-tech features such as:
- Xenon lights
- Android Auto
- Keyless ignition
- Apple CarPlay
- 2-inch touch screen
While its price seems high, the Chevrolet Bolt is surprisingly affordable if you factor in the tax rebates, incentives, and credits. It also costs less fuel and maintenance, making it more pocket-friendly to the average driver.
In addition, by owning and operating an electric car, you are helping the world move in the right direction by curbing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Cheaper in the Long Term
Suppose your electric vehicle uses up to 100kWh of electricity. The average cost of electricity in America is $0.16/kWh.
Charging your electric car until it is full will only cost you $16. Depending on where you live, there are free charging stations nationwide and off-peak charging at home, bringing these costs further down.
Most motorists drive up to 15,000 miles per year. If your electric car can go up to 200 miles per charge, you only need to charge it an average of 75 times per year, bringing your total cost to $1,200.
Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, which go up to 22 miles per gallon, drivers must use up to $2,800 or more annually.
Considering the time you use to drive to the gas station, you might even spend more annually. It is much more convenient to charge your car at home overnight.
For more conscious drivers, consider installing solar panels in your home to reduce energy costs.
Your investment in a solar energy system reduces your car and home energy costs. In addition, there are fewer maintenance costs which also helps you save money in the long term.
Performance Even in Freezing Temperatures
Low temperatures can lead to poor performance in gasoline-powered vehicles. Most batteries struggle to start up in extremely low temperatures. However, you never have to worry about ideal temperatures when operating an electric vehicle.
Your motor is ready to start anytime, and you do not have to wait for it to reach ideal temperatures to prevent damage.
In addition, gasoline-powered engines also require a change of oil when temperatures are lower to run more smoothly.
With electric vehicles, you never have to worry about such costs or impact on performance in lower temperatures.
Improved Aerodynamics
Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars require less cooling. Less air must be redirected to cool the engine, so manufacturers can take advantage of this to make more aerodynamically shaped vehicles. In addition, electric cars have flatter underbodies for better balance and performance.
Better Traction
Electric motors react faster, which significantly impacts situations where tire traction is essential. Combustion engines usually have to suck in air, induce gas to make explosions, and then use the rotary action to transmit energy to the wheels via the clutch.
Even the best gasoline-powered engines have less traction than basic electric cars, which react spontaneously.
Benefits Of Electric Cars – Final Verdict
The sun is the cleanest power source for the earth. More people are switching to electric cars, which cost less in maintenance and have fewer running costs. If you are still on the fence, we hope this list of the benefits of electric cars helps you do what’s right for the planet.
Now that you know the benefits of electric cars, check out What Are the Dangers of Electric Cars?