Electric vehicles are still uncommon on our roads, but they are growing in popularity. And it’s not hard to see why. They offer a host of benefits you can’t find using traditional gas-powered vehicles.
But, specifically, what are we talking about? That’s the purpose of this blog. We run through some of the ways electric vehicles revolutionize your life and, frankly, make it way better.
Environmental Benefits
One of the most obvious advantages of electric cars is that they produce zero tailpipe emissions. This means that they do not contribute to air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, or climate change.
The U.S. government has done some research on this matter, backing up claims with statistics and hard data. By driving an electric car, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet.
Energy Savings
For people who love to live frugally, electric vehicles from showrooms like Edmunds could also reduce total energy consumption. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), electric cars use about 60% of the energy input as electricity to power the vehicle, compared to only about 20% for gasoline cars. In other words, they can leverage the energy put into them more efficiently. They lose less in terms of heat and noise than regular vehicles.
In other words, if you put the same amount of energy into both types of vehicles, the electric version would go three times further. (Who’s complaining about range anxiety now?)
Reduced Dependence On Fossil Fuels
For others, the main allure of electric vehicles is their reduced dependence on fossil fuels and promotion of the use of renewable energy sources.
Granted, most of the electricity in the U.S. is generated from coal, natural gas, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants. However, more and more electricity is coming from solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass sources. Interestingly, the share of these latter sources is rising exponentially, meaning that during your EV’s life, it may actually become greener.
Financial Rewards
Another benefit of electric cars is that they can save you money in the long run. While they might have slightly higher asking prices, you save a fortune in fuel consumption, particularly if you use your vehicle a lot.
There’s research on this. According to the DOE, the average cost of electricity in the U.S. was 12.8 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2020, while the average cost of gasoline was $2.17 per gallon. This means you could get nearly twice the number of miles per dollar by switching to an EV. Many governments also offer various tax incentives to reduce costs further, making electric vehicles a more compelling option.
As the electric vehicle market continues to expand, many people are considering the transition from traditional gasoline-powered cars to more sustainable options. However, the journey towards an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t always mean purchasing a brand-new electric vehicle. For those looking to make a more budget-conscious decision, exploring the option of used cars for sale can be a practical step. This approach not only supports sustainability by extending the life of existing vehicles but also provides an opportunity to experience the benefits of electric cars without the hefty price tag of a new model. Embracing this change can significantly contribute to reducing your carbon footprint while still enjoying the innovative features of electric vehicles.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Related to this are lower maintenance costs. Electric cars have fewer moving parts and do not require oil changes, spark plugs, belts, filters, or other components that wear out over time. Consumer Reports studies show that EV owners save thousands of dollars in the repair and maintenance of their vehicles over a lifetime compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, saving them a small fortune in the long term.
