Advantages of Electric Vehicles

What are the Benefits of Driving an Electric Car?

In our previous article, we discussed some of the hidden costs behind owning an electric vehicle. While true, the pros vastly outweigh the cons.

In the last few years, automakers have worked tirelessly to create new lines of all-electric vehicles. Their efforts proved successful as consumers all around the world ditched their gas-powered cars for battery power. In fact, demand for EVs is so high that many manufacturers require down deposits to claim future models, while others have essentially sold out of their EV inventory until 2024.

While the technology behind electric vehicles is ever-evolving, the benefits of owning one are certain. In this expert buyer’s guide, we will go over the top four advantages of electric vehicles.

1. Lower Fuel & Maintenance Costs

Recent studies have shown that EV owners spend 60% less on “fuel” compared to owners of gas-powered vehicles. On average, drivers of electric cars visit public charging stations 11 times per 15,000 miles. And while these visits are three times more expensive than at-home charging, drivers still end up spending less than those needing gasoline. For example, a total fast charge costs up to $16 at a commercial station and only $7 at home, but the cost for filling up a 12-gallon tank of gas is approximately $46.20. To break it down even further, EV owners only spend an average of $400 per year in charging, whereas traditional vehicles guzzle an overwhelming $2,000 in gas each year.

When it comes to maintenance costs, owners of electric vehicles have the upper hand. While their initial cost may be considerably higher than a gas-powered vehicle, the cost of upkeep is significantly less. Electric cars generally only have three main components that would need any maintenance, including the inverter, the motor, and the onboard charger. But, you won’t need things like emissions and oil changes. In fact, EV maintenance only costs about $949 per year, whereas traditional vehicles could cost up to $1,279.

2. Cleaner Environment

It’s no surprise that electric vehicles are more environmentally friendly than gas-powered automobiles. Since EVs do not produce any tailpipe emissions, they reduce the world’s smog pollution and considerably cut down greenhouse gasses. In turn, the cleaner air makes for better health overall. A study done by Harvard confirmed that replacing gas-powered vehicles with EVs “could significantly reduce air pollution-related death and illness.” The illnesses include acute lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, and stroke.

3. Tax Incentives

When you purchase an electric vehicle, you qualify for tax incentives and government grants that help you earn and save a significant amount of money. For example, when tax season rolls around, new EV owners could receive a one-time tax break of up to $7,500. While the credit amount does vary based on the vehicle’s battery capacity and one’s tax bracket, you may also qualify for local and state incentives. To top it all off, you could earn several grants and rebates. In Georgia, customers of Georgia Power could receive up to $250 for installing a Level 2 charger in their home.

For more information on tax credits and qualifications, visit the IRS website.

4. Better Driving Experience

Finally, electric vehicles offer a unique and, in some cases, superior driving experience to gas-powered cars. EVs offer powerful acceleration and 100% of the available torque in seconds. On average, an electric vehicle can go from zero to 60 mph in up to six seconds; some can even manage it in as little as two and a half seconds. Battery-powered vehicles are also crafted to offer optimal handling through their modern designs. EVs provide perfect balance and ideal cornering capabilities with the battery storage located evenly below the floorboard. This concealed battery design also aids in the vehicles’ abilities to conserve energy by connecting the battery to the brakes and using regenerative braking to promote exceptional efficiency. To top it all off, thanks to the battery design and lack of gear shift, EVs are known for being quiet and offering a smoother ride than traditional vehicles.

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