With electric vehicles increasing in popularity, it is normal to wonder if the troubles of owning one are worth it for people who really care about the environment.
In this article, we will examine what makes owning an electric vehicle worth it. We will start with whether electric vehicles have cons.
The ‘cons’ of electric vehicles
Many people think owning an electric vehicle is a hassle. However, nothing could be farther from the truth because EVs are among the easiest vehicles to own. You would still do most of what you did with an internal combustion engine car, although some a bit differently or less frequently.
For example, you still have to maintain your car and refuel it by charging the battery. You are still required to follow road safety rules and insure your vehicle.
While it is true that electric vehicles tend to cost more than gas-powered ones, the price is not a deal-breaker because you would recoup the extra cost in the long run. You could also take advantage of EV incentives available where you live to reduce the cost.
At any rate, the prices of EVs are steadily dropping as the cost of battery per kWh decreases. Studies indicate EVs will soon achieve price parity with gas-powered cars.
Similarly, charging an electric vehicle is not a problem, as we shall see. People only need to adjust to a new way of doing things.
Another misconception about electric vehicles is range anxiety. However, EV owners rarely get stranded because of low battery, and ride-hailing drivers that have to be on the road always have successfully used EVs for their business.
Now that we have cleared some myths about electric vehicles, we will look at what makes EV ownership worth it. We will start with costs.
Cost savings
As stated earlier, electric vehicles cost more than ICE cars on average. That, however, is not to say you can’t find one that fits your budget. That being said, you would save on costs in the long run. How?
First, incentives offered by the governments at different levels aimed at promoting zero-emission mobility can help bring down the cost of EVs. The incentives could be tax breaks, subsidies, rebates, perks, etc. Check what you qualify for before making a purchase.
One area where you save on cost in EV ownership is refueling. You do not buy gas; instead, you plug your EV into the grid to charge. Fortunately, electricity is cheaper than gas in most places, and you can even go for tariffs that let you pay less for electricity.
You could also schedule your charging to times when electricity is cheaper.
Another benefit of driving an EV is that you spend less money and time on maintenance. EVs do not break down quickly like ICEs, and you have fewer maintenance tasks to carry out. For example, you do not even have to change the oil.
Convenient to operate
EVs are very convenient to operate. To charge, for example, you do not need to leave your house as you can install your own home charger. If you mentally note to plug anytime you are at home, you will always have enough battery to drive around. In actual fact, most EV owners charge at home and rely on public chargers only in a pinch.
You would also like riding in an electric car because they run quietly. This will allow you to enjoy your music or other conversations more.
Electric cars also usually have more cargo space. Apart from the boot, many EVs have extra space under the hood where the ICE would have been.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Carbon emission is a real menace to the environment. This by-product of burning fossil fuels is responsible for polluting the air, causing global warming, and constituting health hazards.
EVs, however, do not produce any emissions, which is why governments and even private organizations seek to promote them.
Switching to an electric vehicle means you are helping the environment by removing another source of pollution from the road.
You can help the environment further by installing solar panels to charge your electric vehicle at home. Apart from ensuring the electricity powering your car comes from a clean source, solar power is less expensive.
Conclusion
Switching to an electric vehicle is worth it. EVs are convenient to operate, will save you money to maintain, and help prevent environmental pollution.
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