Are you shopping for a new car? One fundamental decision you have to make is whether to buy a traditional gasoline-powered car or a high-tech electric vehicle (EV). As the world looks for ways to curb the effects of climate change, EVs are becoming an increasingly popular option. But regardless of how you feel about your car’s environmental impact, you may lean toward an electric vehicle once you understand its many advantages.
Better for the Environment
The driving force behind EVs is their ability to reduce carbon emissions. Since they don’t burn fossil fuels, electric vehicles emit no tailpipe pollutants. Even accounting for the higher emissions associated with manufacturing EVs, they still generate less than half of the emissions of a comparable gas-powered car from cradle to grave. Plus, as the world shifts toward renewable electricity sources like solar, wind, and water, the environmental benefits of EVs are increasing even more.
Cheaper to Run
After paying the initial cost to buy an electric vehicle, you begin saving money right away. In fact, driving an electric vehicle costs about half as much as driving a comparable gas-powered car. Use the eGallon price tool from the Department of Energy (DOE) to find out how much you can save based on the current gasoline and electricity rates in your area. Then remember, you can save even more if you have solar panels or charge your EV at free public stations!
Performance Benefits
Many people are surprised to learn how powerful EVs are. It’s true—electric vehicles leave gas-powered cars in the dust! They accelerate more quickly, reach higher speeds, and offer better handling, all while operating quietly and requiring less maintenance.
Improving Infrastructure
One traditional argument against driving an EV is the limited infrastructure available to support electric vehicles. However, this is rapidly changing as more and more public charging stations are installed across the country every day. To date, there are over 54,000 EV charging stations in North America and hundreds of thousands of home charging stations. Indeed, the option to charge your EV at home overnight rather than deal with pumping gas is a huge benefit.
Lowering Purchase Prices
For now, electric vehicles come at a premium compared to gas-powered cars, but this could easily change in the near future. In fact, studies estimate that electric cars will cost the same to produce as their gas-powered counterparts by 2026. This means electric vehicle prices should come down as technology continues to improve.