Thinking of making a switch to electric cars? Here are five benefits of electric vehicles (AKA EVs) that you probably didn’t know. These benefits make the decision easy to go electric not only for eco-friendly motivation but also for long-term savings. Electric cars are the cars of the future and they are getting better and better each passing year. Making the switch from gasoline vehicles to electric cars is getting more attractive as the design choices keep increasing! I will also share a list of the latest electric car companies competing for your car purchase.

The Advantages Of Electric Cars

Lower Cost

Compared to current combustion engine cars, the electric car is much cheaper to purchase, operate and maintain. While at first glance electric cars cost much more, current federal tax credit, and state tax rebates generally lower the purchase cost. According to Kate Harrison, co founder of MoveEV, an AI-backed green tech solution, “EVs are becoming more affordable, thanks to government incentives and falling prices for lithium and other battery materials…Factoring in possible state and federal rebates, the actual sticker price of these vehicles is lower ― by as much as $15,000 in Colorado in 2024, for example.”

Additionally, fuel savings over the lifetime of car ownership can pay off pretty quickly. An average American spends $2,000 to $4,000 on gas each year. Electricity is much cheaper and that is what is used to power an electric car. “From the gas standpoint alone, the electric car makes a lot of sense,” says Ted Annis, manager and co-founder of Transducing Energy Devices. Also, the lower number of moving parts makes the electric car a lower cost investment in the long run. This makes an electric car a low cost low maintenance vehicle with a front loaded cost but long-term savings generating machine.

This article on Bumper breaks down your gas savings potential even more, Record Gas Prices: Which States Most Benefit Switching to Electric Vehicles?

Also, don’t forget about the potential tax credit savings. Consult with a qualified professional but, all-electric cars purchased new in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. 

A Battery That Goes The Distance

How long do electric car batteries last? Brian Moody is Executive Editor for Autotrader, says, “Hybrid and electric car batteries can last many years, although a slight loss of capacity over a period of many years is normal. Most automakers have a longer than usual warranty that covers the batteries and related components for up to 8 years or 100,000 miles, some exceed that. For example, Kia has a warranty that covers those batteries for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.”

As Electric Forum points out, “Until 2016, the average distance an electric car could take you was 200 miles on a single charge. That all but assured vehicles would be limited to Urban areas. But now, Lucid Motors has unveiled the first 400 mile range vehicle.” The Lucid Air battery is capable of 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds and a unique battery chemistry provides breakthrough tolerance to repeated fast-charging.

Greater Reliability/ Low Maintenance

Do electric cars need oil changes? Nope. Electric motors don’t use motor oil since they don’t have an internal combustion engine.

Low maintenance costs are sure to appeal to those interested in the advantages of electric cars. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric cars have motors that have few moving parts. Like an electric fan’s motor, the electric car’s motor needs little maintenance of fluids, such as engine oil and transmission fluid as well as operable in any weather, such as anti-freeze. When the motor breaks down, it is easily replaceable. There is no need for mechanics and servicing as the car is very easily repaired through replacement of parts. Also, it is more efficient in generating power to the fuel used, unlike an internal combustion engine that loses energy through heat loss.

No Air Pollution

Worried about the burning of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change with gas-powered cars? The environmental benefits of electric cars are, of course, very attractive. You can look forward to zero tailpipe emissions.

The electric vehicle is a noiseless, pollution free and environmentally safe alternative to the internal combustion engine. There are no noxious fumes as well as unsafe liquids that can easily be introduced to the environment, unlike what a normal car poses when on the road. There are no pollutants introduced to the air also there are no pollutants secreted to landfills when the car is no longer usable. While many criticize that electric cars would only pass on the pollution from one user to another, the electricity generated does not increase tremendously as the requirement for pollution generating fuel is much more efficiently utilized with the electric car. Additionally, Tesla has contributed to helping raise the quality and make beautiful, inexpensive electric cars.

Ease Of Charging

The most compelling reason to buy an electric car is the ease of charging at home. No more trips to the gas station! You can just plug your car in whenever you go inside your home or a business with a charging station.  

As far as cons of electric cars, it’s also related to the charging. About 80% of EV owners charge up at home. If you don’t have your own dedicated parking space or garage, this could be a challenge. However, more and more public charging solutions are soon to come.

Electric Car Companies Consumers Should Consider 

• Audi E-Tron starts around $65K
• BMW i3 starts around $44K
• Chevrolet Bolt EV starts around $30K
• Ford Mustang Mach-E starts around $43K
• Hyundai Ioniq Electric starts around $33K
• Jaguar I-PACE starts around $70K
• Kia Soul EV and Niro EV starts around $35K and 40K
• Mini Cooper SE starts around $30K
• Nissan LEAF Leaf starts around $27.5
• Polestar 2 starts around $46K
• Tesla- 4 different models (Model 3, Model S, Model X, Model Y) starts around $30-100K
• Volkswagen ID4 starts around $40K
• Volvo XC 40Recharge starts around $40K

It’s The Future

The automotive industry is changing. The electric vehicle benefits are winning out. It is happening now. We are making the switch to electric as a society. Electric vehicle sales grew 55 percent in the United States from 2021 to 2022. You can see charging stations going up in more places which makes electric more feasible and attractive. There are signs of the electric movement happening everywhere as emissions restrictions tighten. Just look at this new headline from Car and Driver, “Hertz Buying 100,000 Teslas in $4.2 Billion Deal, Making EVs 20 Percent of Its Fleet”. I heard about it on the nightly news and that is a clear sign of the demand of electric going up.

Conclusion

EVs are becoming more popular each year and more public charging stations are being added each year as well. The advantages of electric cars offer savings in the form of lower daily commuting cost, lower cost of maintenance and replacement, as well as savings for the environment in the lessening of greenhouse gases. Despite the front loaded cost, the electric car provides many incentives that in turn are transformed to savings and investment to the environment. Just like with gasoline powered cars, consumers should consider their needs before deciding on the electric car that’s right for them. A few things to consider include range, price, and the size of the car you need. Do you find the benefits of electric vehicles attractive? Which ones are you considering? Or if you have an EV already, share your thoughts on social media @familyfocusblog. We’d love to hear from EV drivers on what it is like to like to own and drive plug-in electric vehicles!

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