Whether you’re conscious about the environment or just looking to save some money, electric vehicles (EVs) are an intriguing option in the automotive market. But are they actually worth the investment? In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about EVs from their cost-effectiveness to their impact on the environment. By the end of it, you’ll be able to decide for yourself if buying an electric vehicle is the right decision.

Pros of Buying an Electric Vehicle

Here are some of the pros of buying an electric vehicle:

An Eco-Friendly Solution

Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, which is great for the environment. A traditional gas-powered vehicle rated at around 35-kilometers per litre is known to emit 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide, on average, according to the EPA. In contrast, an electric vehicle emits absolutely no carbon dioxide.

In fact, electric vehicles are so environmentally friendly that many countries offer incentives for owning one. These incentives can include things like free parking, tax breaks, and access to HOV lanes.

Charge-at-home Convenience

With an electric vehicle, you can charge your car at home overnight just like you would charge your cell phone. This is not only convenient, but it also saves you money on gas.
However, this benefit only applies to vehicle owners who have access to a charging station within their place of residence. Plus, if your traveling is more than the range of your vehicle per charge, you may still need to recharge on the road, which can be a headache given the few number of charging stations.

Low Maintenance Costs

Since electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than traditional gas-powered cars, they require less maintenance. This means that you’ll save money on things like oil changes and tune-ups, which make the biggest causes for service calls. Plus, even though electric cars are comparatively new to the mass market, their lower wear and tear makes them last longer.

Smooth Ride

Electric vehicles offer a smooth ride thanks to their instant torque. This is the force that allows the car to accelerate from a stop. Many people find this feature to be much more comfortable than traditional cars.

High Energy Efficiency

Electric vehicles are much more energy-efficient than gas cars. In fact, they’re about four times as efficient. With gasoline engines, the energy ratings only reside around 15%, which means most of the energy produced during combustion is lost to the environment. This represents the proportion of energy used to propel a car in relation with the amount of energy produced by burning of fuel.

Electric cars, on the other hand, are capable of offering efficiencies of about 70%. This means that you’ll get more kilometersper charge, which can save you money in the long run.

Cons of Buying an Electric Vehicle

Some of the cons of buying an electric vehicle include:

High Initial Purchase Cost

The initial purchase cost of an electric vehicle is significantly higher than that of a gasoline-powered vehicle. For example, the Tesla Model S sedan starts at $75,000.

The high initial purchase cost can be a barrier to entry for many consumers, as it may take years to recoup the difference in fuel savings.

Range Anxiety

One of the biggest concerns for potential electric vehicle buyers is range anxiety – the fear that the vehicle will run out of power before reaching the destination.

This is a valid concern, as electric vehicles have a shorter range than gasoline-powered vehicles. For example, the Tesla Model S has a range of up to 539 kilometres, while the Chevrolet Bolt EV has a range of up to 383 kilometres.
However, range anxiety is often exaggerated, as most people do not drive long distances on a daily basis. The average Australian driver only travels 36.4 kilometres per day.

Infrastructure Costs

Another barrier to widespread adoption of electric vehicles is the lack of infrastructure. Charging stations are not as widely available as gas stations, and it can take longer to charge an electric vehicle than it does to fill up a gasoline-powered vehicle.

This lack of infrastructure can be a chicken-and-egg problem, as consumers are hesitant to buy electric vehicles without a robust charging network, and businesses are hesitant to invest in the infrastructure without a significant number of electric vehicles on the road.
However, the number of charging stations is increasing rapidly, with over 16,000 public charging stations in the United States as of September 2017.

Vehicle Performance

Electric vehicles are often criticized for not being as powerful or fast as gasoline-powered vehicles. This is due to the fact that electric vehicles have a limit on the amount of power that can be delivered instantaneously, which is determined by the battery pack size and discharge rate.
Electric vehicles are becoming more powerful, with the Tesla Model S P100D offering a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds. Additionally, electric vehicles often have better torque than gasoline-powered vehicles, which can provide a more exciting driving experience.

Unknown Resale Value

Another con of buying an electric vehicle is the unknown resale value. Because electric vehicles are still a relatively new technology, it is difficult to predict how they will hold their value over time.
This is in contrast to gasoline-powered vehicles, which have a well-established resale market. For example, it is easy to find data on the resale value of popular gasoline-powered vehicles such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Civic.

However, as electric vehicles become more common, the resale market will likely become more established, and the values of electric vehicles will become clearer.

Final Verdict: Is an Electric Vehicle Worth the Investment?

EVs may seem to be the more expensive option, but they could save you money down the line. If you’re able to take advantage of tax breaks and government subsidies, an electric vehicle could be a wise investment for your future. Buying an electric vehicle could prove to be a great decision for you.
With so many great options available in the market, there’s no reason not to consider making the switch to electric. We truly hope that this guide helps you make the right decision.
In the case you’re considering buying a used EV, don’t skip a pre-purchase inspection. To avail the best pre-purchase vehicle inspection Melbourne, get in touch with Alpha Mobile Mechanics.