Why Buy An Electric Car?
Electric cars (often referred to as electric vehicles, or EVs) are cars that are powered entirely by an electric motor supplied by a large battery. Unlike hybrids, electric cars do not have a gasoline engine; they are “fueled” by plugging in and charging up. VroomGirls answers: why buy an electric car?
By Aaron Gold
Why Buy an Electric Car?
Electric cars (often referred to as electric vehicles, or EVs) are cars that are powered entirely by an electric motor supplied by a large battery. Unlike hybrids, electric cars do not have a gasoline engine; they are “fueled” by plugging in and charging up.
The chief answer to ‘why buy an electric car?’ is their environmental friendliness: They produce no tailpipe emissions. Technically, electric cars are not pollution-free; the amount of pollution they produce depends on how the electricity used to charge them is generated. Even so, electric cars are responsible for significantly less pollution than fuel-powered cars. Because electricity can be produced in so many different ways, they are not reliant on a non-renewable energy source like oil. And since most houses are wired for electricity, electric car owners can refuel at home.
Smooth And Quick Power
The upsides of electric cars go beyond ecology, however. Electric motors produce a smooth, even, and near-silent flow of power, and they accelerate with surprising swiftness. And electric cars are virtually maintenance-free: There is no oil to change, no radiator to flush, no transmission to service, no spark plugs to change and no fuel system to adjust, and because they produce no exhaust, they are exempt from emissions tests.
Range is seen as the chief limitation of electric cars, although this is less of a problem than most people realize. Today’s electric cars can go between 60 and 100 miles between charges. Keep in mind that the average American drives 33 miles per day, and that electric vehicles can be charged at home — so EVs leave the house each morning with a full charge. Many municipalities plan to set up public chargers, but this infrastructure is still in its infancy.
Be An Early Adopter
The other primary issues are price and availability. Electric cars are not offered in all states and cities, and low production numbers and the expense of the batteries means that they cost much more than gasoline cars — however subsidies in the form of tax credits (currently $7,500 from the Federal government, with additional programs in some states) help to narrow the price gap. Battery life is limited, and costs for a replacement battery is significant. That said, the cost of electricity is very low, usually only a few dollars per charge, and many power companies offer discounted rates for charging at night.
So why buy an electric car? Despite their limitations, electric cars have a promising future, especially as the technology continues to improve. They are clean, efficient, and cheap to run, and a great choice for those who want to help clean our air and reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
REASONS TO BUY AN ELECTRIC CAR
Exceptionally eco-friendly, low running costs, quiet and enjoyable to drive.
REASONS NOT TO BUY AN ELECTRIC CAR
High purchase price, public charging infrastructure still being developed, limited range.
One Response to “Why Buy An Electric Car?”
Really nice post! Everything you say is true! The gap between electric cars and traditional ones today is almost delete. Apple, Google and Coca-Cola are hardly interested in EV development and governments are stimulating the development of a new eco-friendy viability! Cerainly EV allow to save money in terms of fuel and with no ecological impact emissions.