Are you sick of bringing your car in for oil changes? Fed up with soaring gas prices? Overwhelmed by all the different parts you see whenever you pop open the hood? If so, it might be time to trade her in for a fully-electric vehicle.
While the upfront cost of an EV is several thousand dollars higher than a comparable gas-powered option, the savings over time will more than make up the difference. But there’s more you should know before choosing to make your next car an EV. The following are seven factors to consider:
They’re incredibly quiet
The first thing most people notice about electric vehicles is how quiet they are compared to cars with gas-powered engines. It can be hard to tell if the vehicle is running or not. While the quiet nature of EVs is beneficial in many ways, such as reducing noise pollution, it can be disorienting at first. Some EV manufacturers even go so far as to add artificial engine noise to help drivers adjust. You’ll get used to it before long, but the first month or so may require some adjustment.
You’ll need a home charging station
You can’t just plug your electric vehicle into an ordinary wall outlet. Dedicated EV charging stations are required. That means having one installed in your garage or alongside your driveway. Those limited to street parking will need to check with local authorities regarding any permits they may need before installing a curbside charging station. Afterward, you’ll need to politely ask your neighbors to leave that space open. With this in mind, you may want to wait on buying an EV until you live somewhere with a garage or preexisting charging stations (which are becoming a common feature of modern condo living.)
Range anxiety is real
With filling stations located in every town and off every highway exit, running out of gas is hard to do unless the fuel gauge is broken. But with electric cars, the range is limited on access to a charging station. Those who do not plan ahead to know where to pull over and recharge will run the risk of running out of battery before reaching their destination. While range anxiety is real, online resources make it easy for EV owners to locate the closest charging station. Combined with constantly updated battery-life readings displayed on the dashboard, EV owners have the means to limit range anxiety, even if it’s unavoidable.
Tax incentives help offset upfront costs
Most countries provide significant tax incentives for buying electric vehicles. For instance, the United States offers a one-time tax credit worth up to $7500. The exact amount varies, but it adds up to significant savings come tax time. This helps offset the exceptional cost of most brand-new electric vehicles. There are also local tax incentives as well, such as credits offered by individual states in the U.S.
Insurance is more expensive
For one reason or another (we’re not sure why), insurance rates for electric vehicle coverage tend to be 20% or so higher than similar policies covering gas-powered cars. We chalk it up to their relative rarity, hefty upfront price tag, and state-of-the-art components. Regardless of the reasons, the bottom line is those thinking about buying an electric car should prepare themselves for higher premiums.
Battery replacement is inevitable
Like those in our laptops and phones, EV batteries lose their charge capacity over time. After several years, you’ll need to replace the battery. It won’t be cheap, but compare it to the never ending list of parts that get replaced over the life of a gas-powered car, and it’s not as bad as you might think. The battery may be the only component you ever replace, other than brakes and tires.
EVs are not for everyone
The bottom line is that while EVs are the future of the automobile, EVs might not be for everyone. Think about these factors before going forward with your purchase. With that said, those with the means to do so should consider going electric. It’s only a matter of time before they’re the only option available.
Michael Driver is a freelance writer from Texas. When not writing about cars, he enjoys covering topics related to history, movies, and sports. Michael can be reached at ReddishRaddish87@Gmail.com