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The Pros and Cons of Owning an EV

Pros and Cons of Owning an EV

Just like the neutrons that power an electric vehicle, there are numerous positives and negatives about owning them right now. There is no shadow of a doubt that electric vehicles are gaining popularity in new car buyer’s minds as they become readily available at showrooms, with different manufacturers introducing new models in the coming months. Furthermore, governments worldwide are trying their best to reduce air pollution by encouraging people to buy EVs. For example, the United Kingdom is taking an electric-only approach as the government announced plans to phase out diesel and petrol-based cars by 2030. Also, their policy states that all new vans and cars must be 100 percent emission-free from 2035 onwards. These measures ensure that the United Kingdom’s entire population will all be driving electric vehicles soon. Those you can afford to buy one, of course. 

That said, buying an EV is a significant transition and transaction. People still have tons of questions about when or if they should switch from good old reliable internal combustion engine cars to electric vehicles. So, we have created a list of pros and cons about owning an EV to help you know whether it is time to make the switch or not. 

THE PROS

1. Cheaper operating costs

Electricity is not free, nor is it cheap. However, it is cheaper in most countries compared to petrol and diesel costs. That is why charging an electric vehicle is far more affordable than fuelling a conventional internal combustion engine-based vehicle. Not to mention, EV owners won’t have to visit their mechanic frequently as an electric vehicle doesn’t require any expensive engine work, nor does it need an oil change. All you have to do is top up the washer fluid and change the brake pads. 

2. You can charge your EV at home.

Although you might be able to locate a commercial EV charging station in your area, chances are, you won’t as they aren’t as common as gas stations. To counter this issue, you can always opt for a residential EV charging station. You can park your EV and plug in the charger as all it takes is a little more than ten seconds to do so. When you wake up and prepare to leave for work, your EV will be fully charged and ready to go. It cannot get any more convenient than this.

3. Evs are practically silent.

Compared to an internal combustion engine, Evs are dead silent. They will offer you a tranquil and smooth driving experience. Some EV owners even go as far as saying that they are so silent. It’s almost scary. All you’ll hear is the rumbling of the tires and the whooshing sound of the wind when driving.

4. EVs are emission-free

While some people might argue such a notion, EVs have a drastically smaller carbon footprint than internal combustion engine vehicles. As EVs don’t have an exhaust system or an engine, for that matter, they are emission-free. It is a huge step forward towards a greener environment.

5. You won’t have to pay any road tax.

Owning an internal combustion engine vehicle will cost you more than 2000$ per year in road taxes alone. In some countries, especially in the United Kingdom, you’ll have the benefit of altogether avoiding road tax if you are an EV owner. 

THE CONS

1. Super long charging times

One of the most significant issues of owning an EV is its super long charging times. There is a reason why most EV owners consider keeping their cars ‘topped up’ instead of letting the battery percentage drop to around 30 like gasoline or diesel-powered car’s fuel percentage.

While it might take only a few seconds to top up your fuel tank, charging an EV to 100 percent usually takes a lot longer, sometimes 3-4 hours or more, depending on the charging station’s power output rating. For example, if you’re charging your EV with a 60kWh battery at home with a 7Kw charging point, it can take up to 8 hours to fully charge. The slower the charging point and bigger your EV’s battery, the longer it takes to charge it from zero to 100 percent.

2. EVs are expensive

Although the price of EVs has come down in recent years, buying one is still a lot more expensive than its diesel and petrol-based counterparts. For example, you can purchase a brand new, zero-mileage Peugeot 208 for as little as 15,300$. However, its fully electric version starts at approximately 35,000$. Of course, car financing will offer you a flexible monthly payment plan, but still, the price will be the same.

3. EVs are too quiet

While numerous people enjoy a sound-free driving experience, there are tons more who prefer the sound of a growing V8 internal combustion engine. Nothing will startle other drivers more than an EV suddenly appearing out of nowhere and possibly introducing an element of danger. Plus, if you, yourself, are driving a petrol or diesel-based car, you won’t be able to hear an EV approaching from a blind corner if its engine isn’t making any sound. Fortunately, EV manufacturers are adding artificial sounds inside and outside their cars to remedy such an issue.

4. You’ll always have range anxiety

Individuals who are thinking of buying an EV are probably familiar with such a term. Most affordable EVs have a driving range between 70-100 miles when fully charged, which might be enough to travel to work, your local grocery shops, or back home. However, range anxiety will step in if you plan to travel farther than your daily commute. Although EV manufacturers are working on long-range versions of their existing EV offerings, you’ll have to plan your routes and re-charging stops smartly.

5. EVs aren’t that much fun

Loud engines, fast corners, and mechanical gear changes-these are three things that a fun driving experience. With no gearbox, a sound-proof drive, and heavy batteries, EVs fall short when talking about providing a fun driving experience. While some electric cars accelerate faster than their gasoline counterparts, these usually cost millions of dollars. not to mention, you won’t be able to drive them daily.

If you’re only looking to get from point A to B, it won’t bother you too much. However, if your want your driving experience to be a little more exciting, then EVs are not for you!

Conclusion

If your goal is to zip around town or save money on fuel, purchasing an EV will be a smart move. However, if you’re someone who loves to go on family outings or long road trips, then you might not be ready to leave your internal combustion engine car behind. Whatever the case may be, EVs are the way of the future. And sooner rather than late, internal combustion engines will become obsolete!

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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