A quick guide to electric cars
Electric cars are gaining popularity. With the advent of technology, many auto companies are striving to create electric cars that can suit every need. Your car takes you everywhere, so it is essential to know its reliability and capability. While everyone knows by now opting for electric cars is good for the environment, it is necessary to evaluate the pros and cons of electric cars and only then make a final decision.
Pros of an electric car
- Environmentally friendly
Fossil fuel-powered vehicles are among the top producers of greenhouse gases. EVs (Electric Vehicles) do not have an exhaust system, meaning there is no emission of gasses at all. With global warming wrecking havoc on climate, shifting to electric cars is a wise and rather responsible decision. - Cost-effective
Recharging an EV is much more cost-effective than filling gas in your car. One statistic shows that EVs run at a third of the cost per mile compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. Further, you can also use solar carports to get tax benefits. - Functionality
If you are looking for a silent and robust car, you certainly must get an EV. The lack of an exhaust system ensures smooth and quiet functioning, making driving more relaxing. Additionally, electric motors react quicker and provide more torque and agility, and operate efficiently even in stop-and-go city traffic. - Easy maintenance
Maintenance is also easier with electric cars. You can forget about oil changes, and their components undergo lesser wear and tear. The absence of moving parts like pumps and valves makes them less likely to demand costly maintenance. - Tax and commuting benefits
Tax and commuting benefits are hard to ignore. EVs allow you to receive tax credits as high as $7,500. Additionally, EVs grant you the privilege of using the HOV lane, even if you are riding solo, thus allowing you to travel faster, especially during peak traffic hours.
Cons of an electric car
- Short distance
Short-range is a constant. Despite constant advancements in technology, most electric cars can travel a range of only 60 to 100 miles on a full charge. A tiny minority manages 200 or 300 miles per charge. - Time-consuming recharge sessions
Another drawback of EVs is recharge time. Filling a fuel tank takes five minutes; recharging an electric car, on the other hand, can take over thirty minutes for 80% capacity. It can be a hassle on long drives, especially considering the limited range. - Expensive investment
High initial costs can also throw you off. Though you save on fuel costs and tax benefits apply, it is hard to get an electric car for less than $30,000. And also, battery packs are expensive to replace. - Very few options
EVs are not yet as well established in the market. Hence, there are not many options available to the consumer. You might have to compromise on aesthetics since customization is not possible. - Few charging stations
Charging ports are not always available. EV charging stations are not very common in suburban regions or remote areas, so you might have to think twice before taking your car on a road trip.
Top 5 electric cars
Once you consider the pros and cons, and your personal needs, you can pick one of the five following electric cars.
- The Mini Cooper SE Electric Hardtop is a reliable option. It is attractive, has a roomy cabin with impressive cargo space, and comes with Apple CarPlay. It costs about $29,900 and has a maximum range of 100 miles.
- Nissan Leaf, costing $27,400, has an impressive 226-mile range. Roomy seats and energetic acceleration are some of the features. The 2022 model comes with a 50-kW quick-charge port and a portable charging cable as well.
- Audi’s e-Tron GT 2022 costs $99,900 and has a range of 238 miles. Several features are available. The driver assistance aids, WiFi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and wireless charging ports are of particular significance.
- Electric Vehicles are often synonymous with the name Tesla. Costing $44,990, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is luxurious, roomy, and agile. It is clean and minimalistic and has the highest range in the market, 353 miles.
- With a handsome cabin and sizable cargo space, the Polestar 2 is an excellent choice. On the less expensive side, it costs $45,900 but comes with a limited range of 265 miles.