Electric Cars Pros and Cons

Electric cars have their pros and cons. Fairly new to the automobile industry is the electric car (EV). Some car manufactures have dedicated their craft to producing only electric vehicles, while others offer hybrid cars that are powered by electricity and gas. Popular electric cars include the Tesla Model S, the Chevrolet Volt, the Ford Focus Electric or the Nissan Leaf. These cars can offer you less expenses on gases, and they are easy on the environment as well.

Cars that solely use gas are responsible for carbon emissions, that are released into the atmosphere and cause pollution and emit harmful greenhouse gases. Purchasing an electric vehicle can also save you a pretty penny in gas expenses, and you will even receive government subsidies for your environmental responsibility. Still, there are pros and cons to electric cars.

Electric Cars Pros and Cons

On the pro side, electric cars are quiet and provide a higher quality of ride. Electric cars don’t make much noise, they offer a smooth trip. Additionally, electric cars have high torque, which means that there is more axle-twisting power. As you step on the car’s accelerator, power shifts to the wheels quickly, delivering an invigorating driving experience.

Electric cars are charged at home. When you pull into your driveway, simply reach for a plug, and plug it in. A charged car can go for eighty to one hundred miles, or longer. Electric vehicles are also cheaper overall to use. Fueling an EV costs only 1/3 to ¼ as much as it would cost to fuel the same care with gasoline. Maintenance is cheaper and easier. Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes, and don’t have exhaust systems. “To maintain an electric car, just rotate your tires and keep them properly inflated.”

Electric cars have smaller negative consequences on our environment. Combined with a solar home, you can make a huge positive impact through the things you own. You are improving the quality of air and the health of all those around you – your family, your community and yourself. Finally, you are reducing noise pollution when you choose an electric vehicle.

The Cons of Electric Cars

While electric cars don’t have data security and e-waste recycling availability issues that some other forms of electronic recycling face, there are a few notable challenges with owning and operating an electronic vehicle.

While many advocates of electric cars will argue that 100 miles is enough distance for most driving, EV critics contest that eighty to one hundred miles is not a lot of range. While the cost of electric car batteries is improving, you still must plan ahead before leaving the house. Electric vehicles also can take a long time to charge. It will take about an hour of charging to add 20 to 25 miles of distance to an EV. This makes road trips a bit difficult, and for people that rely on their car for everything and do not walk anywhere, this makes electric cars an issue.

Purchasing an electric car from the dealer costs around $30,000 – $40,000. Buying a new electric car is more expensive than smaller gas-fueled cars. But, incentives for environmental responsibility can reach $10,000, and there are lower maintenance costs.

Finally, if you are choosing an electric car, your choices are more limited. At the moment they are compact and sub-compact, except for the Tesla Model S sedan and the Toyota RAV 4 EV smaller SUV. These two latter choices are much more expensive though, with the Tesla priced around $100,000 and the SUV priced at around $50,000. Electric cars have pros and cons, and to make a wise decision you must weigh them both.