Electric cars have become popular due to their positive environmental effects. However, there’s no invention without some drawbacks. Moreover, deciding whether to invest in an EV or go traditional is difficult.
So, if you’re wondering the same, here’s a quick comparison between the two!
Electric Cars
Electric cars rely on electricity for fuel and have rechargeable batteries. Let’s run through the pros and cons of buying one!
Pros
Easier Maintenance
Electric cars with batteries and motors need much less frequent care than traditional automobiles. For instance, there is no need for frequent oil changes.
Instead, there are some common expenses like vehicle insurance, brake maintenance, and tire rotations, just like in traditional cars.
Overall, the maintenance cost is much lower for electric cars. Some believe it’s almost a third of traditional ones over five years.
Low Operating Cost
EVs have much fewer moving parts that need maintenance or repair. Thus, they have a low maintenance cost. Additionally, fewer moving parts also imply lower noise levels.
On the other hand, EVs also have lower fuel costs since electricity is less expensive than gasoline or diesel.
A 2018 study shows that the average fuel expense for electric cars was $485/year, whereas for a gas-powered vehicle, it was $1117/year. Additionally, a 2020 study shows that EV drivers spend 60% less on fuel than gas-powered ones.
So, the overall operating expense of EV is much lower.
Lower Emissions
The greatest advantage of EVs is the low emission and low environmental impact. Of course, it doesn’t mean there’s no harmful byproduct.
Instead, they produce zero tailpipe emissions, which implies these cars emit much less greenhouse gases. Thus, the extent of air pollution caused by EVs is much lower. These help fight climate change and improve air quality.
High Efficiency
Electric cars are way more efficient than traditional ones. This is possible as they convert a higher percentage of battery energy for propulsion. As a result, EVs can accelerate faster than traditional cars.
They have responsive and instant performance, making the driving experience smooth and enjoyable.
Government Incentives
Many local and state governments worldwide offer special incentives when you buy an electric vehicle. The most common ones are rebates, tax credits, and access to carpool lanes.
These incentives counterbalance the upfront price of buying an EV. Thus, the overall switch to an electric car becomes financially way less expensive.
Cons
Higher Upfront Price
Although EV operating costs are much lower, the first upfront payment is much higher than for traditional vehicles. Thus, not everyone can easily switch to EVs. The higher cost is mainly due to the heavy-duty batteries.
Long Refuel Time
Unlike traditional cars, EVs take pretty long to charge. Even using a fast-charging station, complete battery recharge may take 30 minutes to hours. The speed depends greatly on the charging unit’s speed and the EV battery capacity.
Charging Station Availability
One of the greatest issues of having an EV is the lack of enough charging stations. Some nations are trying to build more charging stations, but it’s time-consuming.
However, you can solve this issue by signing up for a reputable at-home EV charger installation Sydney. Professionals will help you choose and install the right charging model for your car, and you’re ready to go!
Traditional Vehicles
Traditional cars, dominating the automobile market for decades, are powered by gasoline or diesel. Here’s a concise list of their pros and cons.
Pros
Higher Driving Range
Fully fuelled traditional cars cover much longer distances than fully-charged EVs. Thus, there are less frequent trips to refueling stations.
More Availability
Traditional cars are much more widely available than EVs – whether for buying or renting. Although more brands are creating their EVs, the availability is still low.
Enough Refuel Structures
You’ll find several traditional car fuel stations in any place. Even if your car suddenly runs out of fuel, you won’t be far from a station. So, it’s more convenient to take traditional cars than EVs for long trips.
Cons
High Emissions
Traditional cars produce tailpipe emissions like greenhouse gases. So, they cause air pollution and lead to climate change.
High Operating Cost
There are several moving parts in traditional vehicles that cause more noise. All of them need maintenance, which leads to higher operating expenses. Traditional fuel is also more expensive than electricity.
Conclusion
While switching to EVs is an eco-conscious choice, what kind of car you want depends on your priorities and funds. So, consider the list of pros and cons carefully and decide on the best!
