There are many reasons to choose an electric vehicle (EV) over a traditional gas-powered car or truck. EVs can save you money on fuel and maintenance costs, have more performance and comfort features, and are environmentally friendly.
EVs are cleaner than their ICE counterparts because they don’t emit exhaust through tailpipes and don’t rely on gasoline, which produces carbon dioxide when burned. EVs also generate significantly less noise pollution. They use a battery to power their engines, which means there are fewer moving parts that require routine maintenance such as oil changes or brake pad replacements.
They’re more fun to drive than you might expect, too. The instant torque that’s delivered by electric motors makes them accelerate faster than traditional cars. This can be especially useful when pulling onto a highway or passing another car. And, of course, refueling an EV is quick and easy at home or at a public charging station.
Another benefit of EVs is that they have lower total ownership costs. Although EVs cost more upfront than gas-powered cars, they usually pay for themselves in about three years with the savings on fuel and maintenance costs. This is especially true for electric vehicles with a range of over 200 miles.
EV charging stations are located everywhere from shopping centers to grocery stores to office buildings and more. Many offer level 3 DC fast charging, which can top up an EV’s battery in about 30 minutes. And, if you charge your car at night when electricity rates are cheaper, you can further reduce your costs.
Many states and cities are expanding their EV benefits charging networks, making them easier to access than ever before. Plus, EVs may qualify for HOV lane access in some areas, further cutting down on congestion and reducing your commute time.
The most significant advantage of EVs, though, is that they’re better for the environment. By removing millions of traditional gas-powered vehicles from the road, EVs can help slow climate change and protect local air quality.
This is especially important in low-income communities, where people are most at risk of breathing in toxic fumes and pollutants that cause lung and cardiovascular diseases. Research has shown that EVs can have a substantial, measurable impact on air quality and spare Angelenos an estimated $12.6 billion in annual related health-care costs by 2050.
As more EVs enter the market, state and federal incentives can make them as affordable as gas-powered vehicles. And, if you plug into a renewable energy source to recharge your vehicle, such as solar or wind, you can further cut down on environmental impacts and save even more money.