Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way since they first appeared over a century ago. Even though the first powered vehicles were electric, the gas engine took over to become a norm at the expense of the environment. Now awareness is growing rapidly about how EVs can reduce greenhouse gases and provide more economically efficient transport.
Positive Aspects of Electric Cars
Discussion about electric vehicles has increased over the past decade as consumers demand more eco-friendly solutions to combat climate change. Early adopters have gravitated toward models made by Tesla and Nissan. Once you pay for an EV, power and maintenance costs are minimal compared with a conventional vehicle. Here are other major advantages:
- Less Strain on the Environment - EVs powered by batteries are emissions-free. While the manufacturing process of lithium batteries creates pollution, after the car is built it runs on clean energy.
- Electricity Is Renewable, Unlike Gasoline - While EVs can run on 100 percent renewable energy, conventional cars cannot as the burning of fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Since EVs don't emit exhaust fumes, they don't negatively impact local environments, even in a convoy of EVs.
- Low Maintenance - EVs have fewer moving parts, so they don't wear out as fast as conventional auto parts. Usually, a basic check-up is all EV owners need in terms of maintenance if they keep the car in good condition and practice safe driving. Repair work on EVs is more simple and less expensive than on traditional vehicles.
- Quieter and Smoother Motion - Driving an EV is a much smoother experience than driving a vehicle with a combustion engine. The lack of rapidly moving pistons triggered by sparks makes EVs much quieter vehicles. Strategic battery placement gives the vehicle a low center of gravity, which contributes to smoother driving.
- Green Tax Credits Cut Costs - Governments around the world have offered tax credits as an incentive to get people to go green, which includes buying electric cars. These tax credits can be worth thousands of dollars in savings. In the United States, the Biden administration has proposed to extend federal green tax credits and expand green energy programs.
- Special Accommodations for EVs - Local planners are increasingly encouraging citizens to go electric and are providing special lanes and even free parking places for them. Charging stations are spreading rapidly in Europe, Asia, and North America while developing partnerships with stores to provide greater convenience.
Drawbacks to Electric Cars
Here are the main challenges keeping EVs from completely taking over:
- High Upfront Costs - Even with financing, consumers aren't able to fit an EV into their budgets yet, although more affordable models are expected in a few years. It's also difficult to find used EVs at bargain prices since they retain value.
- Limited Selection - At the moment, there aren't too many electric models available to the public yet, but several traditional automakers are developing EVs for later this decade.
- Charging Complications - Driving range for an EV is around 200-300 miles before recharging. Some people who drive long distances are worried about getting stranded somewhere as charging takes considerable time, so they need to plan journeys with specific charging destinations.
Conclusion
Although manufacturers of electric vehicles must overcome the challenges that cause consumers to resist buying at the moment, the future is clear that EVs will outlast gas-powered vehicles in the long run. In January 2021, both GM and Nissan announced they will go all-electric by the 2030s. Other automakers are sure to follow.
In fact, in a tweet posted by BBC News, many industry experts believe we have already passed the tipping point where sales of electric vehicles (EVs) will very rapidly overwhelm petrol and diesel cars.