Advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles
Pro: Electric vehicles are good for the environment
Tailpipe emissions from gas-burning vehicles haven’t done our planet any favors. That’s where battery electric vehicles come in. These vehicles, such as the Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5, produce no emissions and are the way to a fast future. To be clear, the production of EVs creates significant emissions, and the charging of EVs creates emissions to the extent that the electrical grid is powered by fossil fuels. But at the end of the day, an EV is better for the planet, especially in the long run as grids shift to more renewable energy sources.
Pro: Improves air quality
In related news, if you like clean air, you’re in luck! Switching from a gas burning vehicle to a battery electric vehicle can improve local air quality as well as the environment. The fewer vehicles with internal combustion engines on the road, the better your local air quality. This has been especially true in metro areas such as Los Angeles, where an increase in electric vehicles has been associated with a decrease in severe cases of asthma.
Pro: Electric cars are cheaper to fuel
If you’ve spent your whole life paying for gas, you’re probably well aware of the benefits of switching to electricity. While electricity prices vary from state to state, just as they do for gasoline, you can save a bunch of money if you’re able to charge at home.
Pro: Electric cars are less expensive to maintain
You’ll still have to do a little maintenance on your electric vehicle, but you won’t find the maintenance list quite as long. There will be no oil change in your future, nor will there be a timing belt to replace. If your electric vehicle makes a lot of use of regenerative braking, the brake pads should also wear out less frequently.
Pro: EVs are fun to drive
The instant torque offered by electric vehicles makes them a blast to drive. Modern electric cars like the Tesla Model S are extremely efficient in addition to running lightning fast. The Extreme Model S Plaid can go from 0 to 60 in 2.3 seconds, yet it’s far from the EV equivalent of a gas guzzler, consuming electricity at a relatively moderate rate.
Pro: Electric Vehicle Tax Credit
The good news is that the EV tax credit has recently been expanded to include used EVs. The bad news is that the rules for vehicles and shoppers who qualify have gotten more complicated. Here are the latest details on the EV tax credit. Keep in mind that not all vehicles qualify and neither do all buyers. This is especially true when looking at used vehicles.
Pro: HOV lane access
In some states, purchasing an electric vehicle gives you access to HOV or carpool lanes. This can be a very serious hazard, especially if you live in Southern California. Used electric vehicles may be eligible for this perquisite, depending on where the EV was previously registered and if it previously had HOV decals.
Pro: peace and quiet
We love the rumble of a V8 sports car or the sound of a big truck’s diesel, but there’s something soothing about an EV gliding down a smooth highway at the end of a workday. As more luxury car companies like Mercedes-Benz join the electric car battle, you can feel these vehicles becoming more untouched and refined than ever.