Electric vehicles offer many benefits, but they also have some disadvantages when compared to conventional gasoline-powered cars. One of the biggest questions prospective electric car buyers face is whether to purchase an all-electric vehicle (AEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a gasoline-powered new car.
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Electric cars are growing in popularity every day. Like conventional cars, there are certain benefits and drawbacks of using an electric vehicle compared to a gasoline-powered one. Here are the top few to keep in mind:
On the pros side, electric cars are energy efficient, are better for the environment, and don't require as much maintenance as traditional gas-powered cars. On the cons side, you can't travel as far between refueling, the actual refueling process takes longer than filling a car at a gas station, and upfront costs are sometimes a barrier.
Energy efficiency refers to the amount of energy from the fuel source that is converted into actual energy for powering the wheels of a vehicle. AEVs, like offerings from Tesla are far more efficient than conventional gas-powered vehicles: AEV batteries convert 59 to 62 percent of energy into vehicle movement, while gas-powered cars only convert between 17 and 21 percent. This means charging an AEV's battery puts more towards powering the vehicle than filling a gas tank.
Emissions and carbon footprint reduction, including reduced fuel usage, is another pro for all-electric vehicles. Because they rely on a rechargeable battery, driving an electric car does not create any tailpipe emissions, a significant source of pollution in the United States. In addition, the rechargeable battery means much less money spent on fuel, meaning all energy can be sourced domestically (and often through renewable energy resources such as solar panel systems).
Improving battery technology in today's light-duty AEVs means they can drive 100 miles while consuming only 25 to 40 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. Assuming that your electric car can travel three miles per kWh, the electric vehicle can travel about 43 miles for $1.00. By comparison, if we believe that gas costs $2.50 per gallon, an average gasoline vehicle with a fuel efficiency of 22 miles per gallon can only travel 10 miles for the same price. The distance traveled for a fuel cost of $1.00 is nearly four times as far as an electric vehicle.
All-electric vehicles are high-performance vehicles with quiet and smooth motors and require less maintenance than internal combustion engines, such as an oil change. The driving experience can also be fun because AEV motors react quickly, making them responsive with good torque. AEVs are newer than their gas-powered counterparts and are often more digitally connected with charging stations, providing options such as controlling charging from an app.
AEVs, on average, have a shorter range than gas-powered cars. Most models range between 60 and 120 miles per charge, and some luxury models reach 300 miles per charge. For comparison, gas-powered vehicles will average around 300 miles on a full gas tank, and more fuel-efficient cars get much higher driving ranges. This may be an issue when looking at AEVs if you frequently take long trips. The availability of charging stations can make AEVs less suitable for activities like road trips.
Fueling an all-electric car can also be an issue. Fully recharging the battery pack with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger can take up to eighty hours, and even fast charging stations take 30 minutes to charge to 80 percent capacity. Electric car drivers must plan more carefully because running out of power can't be solved by a quick stop at the gas pump.
Electric vehicles (EVs) usually have a higher price tag upfront, though you can save money owning an EV over time since there is generally less maintenance on an EV, and it's less expensive to charge than fuel with gas. Also, while battery packs are more costly in EVs than conventional vehicles, they last much longer than the components of most combustion engines, and they come with 8-10 year warranties, so you're not likely to pay out of pocket for a replacement. EVs also have federal and sometimes state-specific incentives available to help reduce the initial purchase price. More and more automakers than ever are offering EVs, including BMW, Hyundai and Chevrolet.
Many of the same benefits of all-electric cars also apply to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. PHEVs are excellent vehicles for reducing emissions and reducing fuel usage. For short trips, your PHEV may not need to switch away from its all-electric motor, in which case the car emits no tailpipe emissions. PHEVs use 30 to 60 percent less fuel than conventional gas-powered cars. Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced even further if the electricity is sourced from renewable resources.
PHEVs also make great vehicles for those who cannot commit to a fully electric car because of driving and recharging needs. While AEVs are limited to their battery range, the fuel backup in a plug-in hybrid means that when the battery runs out, the vehicle can continue to run and even recharge it by using fuel. PHEVs usually have a better fuel economy than their conventional gas-powered counterparts.
Much like an AEV, one of the hurdles to owning a PHEV is how long it takes to recharge the battery. While PHEV batteries are smaller on average than those found in AEVs, a Level 1 charger may still take several hours to charge. A Level 2 charger can take one to four hours. In addition, while fast charging exists, most PHEVs do not have this charging capability.
Another factor to consider is cost: like AEVs, PHEVs have a higher price tag than many gas-powered vehicles. There are fuel savings, tax credits, and state incentives that can help offset these costs, and as the production of PHEVs expands, these prices may come down.
All-electric and plug-in electric cars are great for drivers who want to reduce emissions and fuel costs and drive premium vehicles. However, battery charging can take a long time which may not fit your driving needs. The upfront costs also make AEVs and PHEVs a significant investment. It's ultimately up to you to decide which car is the right fit. If reducing your fossil fuel consumption is a goal, you can take steps to further reduce emissions by integrating solar panel systems into your vehicle charging.
Ready or not, the rise of electric vehicles is coming..
In , less than 1% of cars sold in the U.S. were electric. And yet, by , it's estimated that 1 in 10 cars on the road in America will be electric vehicles. That's left many new and used car shoppers considering the benefits and drawbacks of electric cars. If you're considering going green, here are the pros and cons of electric vehicles to consider, and how to decide whether an electric vehicle is right for you.
There are a lot of attention-grabbing headlines about the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). Driving an EV might align with your moral values around environmentalism, save you money and even make you look cool. Here's an overview of the pros of going electric.
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Many people choose EVs for environmental reasons. Unlike cars powered by internal combustion engines that run on gas or diesel, EVs don't contribute to carbon emissions from driving, a major cause of global warming and climate change.
EVs still have a climate impact because of their manufacturing and the electricity needed to charge them, but it's a to smaller carbon footprint than that of traditional vehicles.
Driving an electric car can save you money, and not just at the pump. One of the biggest cost savings comes from federal incentives and tax credits given after you purchase an electric vehicle. You may qualify for a tax credit of up to $7,500 if you buy an eligible EV.
Of course, once you go electric, you won't need to budget for gas anymore. Switching to an EV can save you up to $700 a year on gas. In addition, EVs need less ongoing maintenance (no more oil changes !) because of their electric motors, which can be another cost savings.
Let's not gloss over the cool factor that comes with EVs. Not only are some EVs very trendy, but they also have great acceleration. Electric motors can produce more torque more quickly than gas-powered engines, so you'll zoom away from stoplights or onto the highway.
Before you decide that an EV is right for you, it's important to consider the drawbacks of electric cars. Here are a few of the most common:
One of the biggest drawbacks of an EV is its relatively limited range. Once your battery gets low, you must plug in—and finding a charging station can be much more challenging and time-consuming than finding a gas station. Today, EVs have an average range of almost 300 miles,so they'll be able to cover most commutes. But, if you regularly drive longer distances or take road trips, you'll need to plan ahead to access charging stations along the way.
Sure, EVs can save you money in some ways, but they also come with some big-ticket expenses. To start, EVs are more expensive to purchase than gas-powered vehicles. The price of EVs has fallen in recent years, but they still cost about $2,800 more than a comparable gas-powered car, on average.
Another major consideration is the cost of replacing the battery. Most batteries last 10 to 12 years,but when they fail, replacing them costs thousands of dollars.
EVs can do more and more, but they still can't perform in quite the same way as gas-powered cars. If you regularly tow and haul, this is a major concern. Towing drastically reduces the range of an EV, so you won't be able to get off the beaten path in the same way you can with a traditional truck or SUV.
Ultimately, there's no single answer to whether electric vehicles are worth it. Instead, you have to look closely at your specific lifestyle and driving habits. Here's what to consider.
The biggest consideration is how you typically drive. If you're a traveling representative, the average 300-mile-a-day charge might not be enough for you. On the other hand, if you only make short trips, you likely won't need to give range a second thought.
EVs really shine in the city, where drivers are typically traveling shorter distances and have more access to recharging stations. However, even in the city, you'll need to think about how to plug in your EV, since apartment dwellers and street parkers won't have the luxury of just plugging in from their driveway.
If you live in a rural area and travel long distances, the weight of range anxiety might not be worth the benefits of an EV. However, you likely have the perk of being able to plug in right at home.
The availability of charging stations varies widely around the country. Before buying an EV, consider access to charging stations along the routes you typically drive. For example, does your employer have a charging station at the office? Is there access to charging in your favorite ski towns or seaside escapes?
Electric vehicles have come a long way in recent years. For example, the average U.S. battery range has quadrupled since . Federal and state governments are actively working on infrastructure plans that will make charging stations more accessible. In fact, you may have seen more chargers popping up near you recently. As EVs evolve, so will the pros and cons of going electric.
The right car for you should fit your style, beliefs and driving habits. Maybe an EV is a good fit, or maybe you're better off with a traditional gas-powered car for the moment. No matter what vehicle you're driving, regular maintenance and updates can keep your vehicle performing its best. The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for the maintenance items all vehicles need, from new tires to brakes. Apply now .
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