Exploring the Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

The announcement of the ban on diesel and petrol cars in 2030 has spiked the sales of electric vehicles (EV) across the globe, and if the predictions of the automakers and regulators are correct, the automobile industry's future will heavily rely upon electric-battery propulsion. Torque-rich, quiet, smooth, and efficient, EVs run on electricity and produce zero emissions, making them the most eco-friendly automobiles on the market.

So does this mean that electric cars are a hundred percent better than gas-fed vehicles? Well, there is no right answer to this question. Keep reading to find out if investing in a battery-powered car is the right choice for you or not.

What Is an Electric Car?

Manufactured in 1835 for the first time, electric vehicles were a popular transportation medium in the early 20th century. But sadly, the advancements in gasoline engines led to the EV market's decline. However, the story doesn't end here.

In light of the continuous advances in controller and battery technology, electric vehicles made a groundbreaking debut in 2008, revolutionizing the automobile world forever. Comprising an electric motor and battery under the hood, an EV uses electricity to operate. Listed below are the common components of an electric vehicle:

• Charge port: Connects the electric car with the power source.
• Auxiliary batteries: Provide backup in case the main battery fails.
• DC-DC converter: Provides a steady voltage. It also protects the electric vehicle from voltage fluctuation.
• Power inverter: Converts DC (direct current) from the battery to AC (alternating current). Helps in recharging the batteries.
• Transmission: Minimizes loss of power by transferring mechanical power from the motor to the wheels.
• Traction battery pack: Provides electricity to the EV's motor.
• Electric motor: Creates energy that moves the electric vehicle.
• Thermal system for cooling – Maintains the temperature of the key components like the controller and electric motor.
• Controllers: Regulates electric energy flow from batteries to the electric motor.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Electric Cars?

Like all the other things on the planet, electric-fueled vehicles accompany a decent amount of downsides and advantages.

Electric Car Pros

Listed below are the pros of driving an electric vehicle:

Renewable Energy Source
Driving a diesel or gas-fed automobile can burn a hole in your pocket. Featuring a battery, electric vehicles run on electricity, saving you hundreds of bucks in the long run. Per a report, it costs 15 cents to travel a mile in an internal combustion vehicle. On the other hand, driving an electric vehicle costs just 5 cents for each mile.

Environmental Friendly
One of the biggest advantages that transcend all other car types is that they are a hundred percent eco-friendly and emit no smoke or toxic gases. In fact, electric vehicles are a lot better than their hybrid counterparts.

Low Maintenance
Unlike traditional combustion engine vehicles, electric cars have very few components. Thus, you will no longer need to worry about a sudden engine breakdown, oil changes, and lubrication of the mechanical parts.

Government Support
To promote the use of electric vehicles, the government of the United States has announced tax breaks for electric vehicle owners. EV drivers will receive tax credits that can be as high as $7700, depending on the model and make of your electric vehicle.

Energy-Efficient
The energy-efficiency of a vehicle refers to the amount of energy converted into fuel. Electric cars like Tesla are highly energy efficient as they convert 59% to 62% of energy compared to gas-powered vehicles that only utilize 17% to 21%.

Electric Car Cons

The cons of electric vehicles are given below:

Limited Driving Range
Despite technological advancements, even today, the limited driving range is one of the biggest cons of electric vehicles. Most electric cars can drive for 60 miles to 100 miles on a single charge. However, only a few models can be driven for approximately 200 miles to 300 miles per charge.

Recharge Time
While it only takes 10 to 15 minutes to fill up a tank of a gas-fed vehicle, recharging your electric car can take up to 8 to 10 hours on average. Depending on your EV model and the charging station level, an electric car can take about 20 hours to charge fully.

High Initial Cost
If you are purchasing an electric car for the first time, brace yourself for a surprise. Even though this might seem like a bit of a shocker, the price range of affordable electric cars starts from $30,000 - $40,000. However, luxury electric cars can cost as high as $80,000 to $90,000.

Fewer Choices
Diesel and gas-powered vehicles have been around for more than 50 years. Hence, there is a wide range of models available. Conversely, electric cars have only stepped into the automobile world a few years back. Therefore, there is a very limited variety. In fact, most EV models on the market have somewhat the same features.

A Quick Review: Comparison Table

Let's summarize and review the advantages and disadvantages of EV:

Electric Cars | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Despite the popularity, driving an electric vehicle is still something new. Thus, people still have questions about battery-powered electric vehicles. Keep reading to learn the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to electric cars:

Q: Are Electric Cars Safe?

Driving an electric car is just as safe as any other vehicle on the road. Although an electric vehicle has fewer moving components compared to an ICE car, they still comprise lithium-ion batteries that can generate a significant amount of heat, resulting in a fire or accident. You can easily minimize the risk by maintaining the heat management system.

Q: What Are the Drawbacks of Driving an Electric Car?

The biggest drawback of an electric car is its low driving range compared to a gas-powered vehicle. Depending on the model, you will need to charge your electric car at an EV charging station every 100 – 400 miles.

Q: Can I Extend My Electric Vehicle's Battery Life?

Yes, you can easily extend your electric car's battery by following the 20/80 rule, which means plugging in the vehicle as soon as it drops to 20% and not charging above 80%.

Q: How Should I Charge an Electric Car?

You simply plug it into the charger. The higher the voltage of the EV charging station, the faster will your electric car recharge. Currently, there are three types of electric vehicle chargers:

• Level 01 EV Charger: Also known as the home charger, the level 01 EV charger produces 120 volts. The average range is 5 miles per hour.
• Level 02 EV Charger: Providing 25 miles of driving range for every hour, the level 02 EV charger produces 240 volts. It can recharge the electric car in 8 to 10 hours.
• Level 03 EV Charger: This is the fastest EV charging option. It provides a driving range of 250 miles/hour. A level 03 EV charger can recharge your electric car to 80% in 20-30 minutes.

You can easily find DC fast charging stations established by Shell and Tesla all around the United States.

The Verdict – Should I Buy An Electric Car?

While driving an electric vehicle might feel like flying in the sky and can contribute to reducing air pollution, the lagging infrastructure and high upfront cost continue to be a constraint for many car lovers. Compared to gas-powered vehicles, electric cars provide a smoother and quieter driving experience.

However, with more companies like Tesla, Ford, GM, BMW, Audi, and Volvo launching all-electric vehicles, we believe that the benefits of EVs will outweigh the drawbacks, leading to a more sustainable and greener transportation future. So, if you are looking for a way to give back to Mother Nature and reduce your carbon footprint, this is your call!