Electric cars are the new normal. Startups like Tesla and Rivian are bringing more if them to the market, while established players like Ford and Volkswagen are gradually increasing the number of electric models in their product mix. The International Energy Agency reports that about 3 million new EVs were registered in 2020, representing a massive jump of 41 percent from the figure for 2019.
However, it is not out of place to wonder if there are actually benefits to switching to electric vehicles, especially if you plan to do so. This article goes into detail about why you should make the switch as soon as possible.
Electric cars help reduce carbon emissions
If you care about the environment, you will naturally be drawn to electric vehicles. They do not produce any tailpipe emission of their own as they work with energy stored in their batteries. This is unlike internal combustion engine vehicles that are responsible for 29% percentage of air pollution, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. These gases are responsible for global warming and other health hazards.
From mining to refining to transporting to your local fuel station, the production of hydrocarbon fuel requires a lot of energy, which is usually generated from hydrocarbons with attendant carbon emissions. Therefore, every ICE vehicle replaced by an EV is a win for the environment.
Electric vehicles are superior in energy efficiency
Electric cars use the energy supplied to them more efficiently, unlike petrol or diesel-powered vehicles that can only convert about 20 percent of their energy to motion. This means electric cars prevent the wastage of energy. Electric cars also take advantage of regenerative braking, which allows the energy produced during braking to be converted to electrical energy that can be stored in the battery.
Electric vehicles have a lower total cost of ownership
As electric cars have fewer moving parts than their ICE counterparts, they break down less often. Even routine maintenance like changing oil is not required. This means fewer trips to the repair garage and fewer bills for you.
You will also pay less to charge your vehicle than to buy hydrocarbon fuels in most places. You could take advantage of free charging offered by some public institutions or businesses as perks to reduce your ‘fueling’ costs further. Some utility companies offer plans that make charging your electric vehicles less expensive. Targeting off-peak periods will lower your charging expenses too.
Other advantages
If you care about noise pollution, electric vehicles are meant for you as they operate with little or no noise. You would also appreciate the convenience of charging your car at home, perhaps by simply plugging overnight.
Electric vehicles often get advanced tech earlier than ICE models, satisfying the techy side of you.
Modern EVs offer bi-directional charging, which means you can use your battery energy to power other implements like power tools or accessories during camping trips or picnics at remote locations.
What do you think about the future of electric cars? Feel free to sound off in the comment section below.
Renewable Brief 