Over the past decade or so, electric vehicles have become incredibly popular.
But are electric vehicles really that great?
Or are there downsides to this form of transport?
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of EVs to further understand whether they’re worth the purchase.
A typical combustion engine releases carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide via the exhaust.
But because electric vehicles do not require an internal combustion engine, they can function without releasing any emissions.
Image Credit:Lotus Cars
This is certainly good news for our environment, which has been heavily damaged by vehicle emissions.
However, this is only the case for direct vehicle emissions.
So, indirectly,electric cars are still negatively impacting the environment.
Of course, electric vehicles aren’t totally silent.
Low Maintenance
Traditional cars commonly malfunction in several ways, leading to steep mechanic bills for repairs and replacements.
Electric cars, on the other hand, generally have lower maintenance levels.
This is down to one basic factor: the number of moving parts within a vehicle.
Electric vehicles can run into their own problems, but the chance is far lower than conventional cars.
Cut Out Gas Expenses
As the years pass, petrol and diesel continue to become more and more expensive.
The great thing about electric vehicles is they can cut out gas expenses entirely.
At-Home Charging
Another perk of electric vehicles istheir ability to be charged at home.
But with an electric car, you have the luxury of charging it at home.
Many EV owners charge their vehicles overnight, meaning they’re good to go by morning.
Road tax changes from vehicle to vehicle but can sometimes be quite steep.
However, you’ve got the option to avoid this tax altogether if you own an EV.
But it’s important to note that this won’t always be the case.
From April 2025, EV drivers will need to pay road tax like everyone else.
It’s also worth noting that hybrid (fuel and electric) vehicles already have to pay road tax.
Let’s get into the downsides of EVs.
High Upfront Cost
Because electric vehicles are relatively new, the technology being used is still limited.
Long Charging Times
Filling a fuel-powered vehicle can take less than a minute.
But charging an EV to full power capacity can take a lot longer.
The Risk of Power Cuts
While power cuts may be very rare in your area, they can happen.
Sometimes a power cut will last a few minutes, but it can last hours or more.
Certain areas, like big cities, can have plenty of public charging stations to choose from.
So, keep this in mind if you’re looking to buy an EV.
Limited Driving Range
Different EV models have different ranges.
It’s always best to check the maximum range of your desired EV before purchasing.
Charging Costs Can Be High
Electricity rates vary across the globe but can be very high in certain nations.
For example, the price per kWh in the US state of California was $0.210/kWh in November 2022.
So, take note of the pros and cons listed here before buying your first EV.
