The Pros and Cons of Switching to an Electric Vehicle

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The Benefits of Switching to an Electric Vehicle

Let’s start with the pros of waving goodbye to your gas-loving truck and saying hello to your new electric

vehicle.

Electricity is Cheaper than Fuel

Electric vehicles don’t run on fuel; they rely on electricity. When comparing the battery recharging and

refueling costs of cars of the same size, electric vehicles generally end up being cheaper. They also don’t

need engine oil or transmission fluid.




Most people charge their electric vehicles overnight at their homes, which is more affordable than using

fast DC public chargers. However, even these higher-priced charging stations are cheaper than gas or

diesel.




Then there’s the time aspect. Plugging your car in at home takes a few seconds, while driving to a gas

station, refueling, and driving back home takes much longer.




Electric Vehicles Make a Speedy Start

Electric vehicles accelerate faster than their internal combustion counterparts, reaching optimum torque

the minute you step on the power pedal. In a gas-driven car, the power gradually builds as the engine

speeds up.




Despite this impressive acceleration, cars with internal combustion engines mostly outstrip the top speeds

of electric vehicles.




Electric Vehicles are Quiet Runners

Compared to traditional vehicles and their well-known roars, EVs run silently. There’s no engine noise,

but you may hear a soft electric “whine” as you drive faster. There’s also some tire noise, along with the

wind – especially if you’re driving with the windows down.




By law, electric vehicles must make artificial sounds to alert pedestrians that they are approaching.

Less (and Easier) Maintenance




Electric vehicles don’t need as much maintenance as fuel-powered engines. They have fewer moving

parts, which means less friction, not to mention fewer things that can break. For example, there is no

need to change the oil.




Less maintenance does not mean no maintenance, however. Your electric vehicle will need checkups

from time to time. Many electric vehicles can be “serviced” via over-the-air (OTA) software updates. You

must check your EV’s battery, but most come with a 100,000-mile warranty.




Zero Tailpipe Emissions

The absence of a tailpipe is the factor that defines electric vehicles as the transportation solution of the

future. They emit zero direct greenhouse gases, which is a big plus in the face of climate change.

However, keep in mind that the “cleanness” of the power used to recharge your vehicle depends on how

it’s generated. Coal-generated electricity leaves a significantly damaging footprint, whereas solar,

hydroelectric, and wind-produced options are generally considered eco-friendly.

It is also worth mentioning that manufacturing EVs comes with a hefty carbon price tag. Experts,

however, believe that long-run EV usage, with its notably reduced carbon footprint, will offset this.




The Drawbacks of Switching to an Electric Vehicle

Electric cars have a few disadvantages, too.




Limited Driving Ranges

Although this is a debatable con, it’s worth mentioning. Some electric vehicles cannot drive as far on a

single charge as a combustion vehicle on a full tank.




Nevertheless, it is important to note that many exceed the distance of a traditional car on a full tank.

When shopping around for an EV, consider how far you drive every day and whether there are charging

stations along the way for longer trips.




Another problem is that batteries don’t perform well in cold conditions, so you may see increased range

limitations in these conditions. Towing also impacts the performance of batteries and limits your driving

range.




Aging Batteries and Driving Ranges

No matter how old your internal combustion vehicle is, it drives the same distance with the same amount

of fuel. This cannot be said for electric vehicles.




As batteries age, they lose their “oomph” and, by extension, the distance you can travel without having to

recharge. This degradation depends on several factors, including the quality of your battery, your

charging habits, and your environment.




Charging Problems

Currently, the only reliable supercharger network is Tesla’s Superchargers. Other fast DC chargers can

be faulty, which may leave you stranded. It may take longer than expected to charge your car, or you

might not make it to the next charging station before your battery runs flat.




No matter how fast a charging station is, it’s still faster to fill up with fuel.