Electric vehicles are often discussed in the context of environmentalism, as they help reduce emissions and are compatible with the use of renewable energy sources. Their lower carbon footprints are what makes them highly appealing for those concerned about the effects of global warming and who want to ensure their own impact is as low as it could possibly be. Naturally, the best way to ensure you’re as eco-friendly as possible is to walk whenever you can, and cycle or take public transit for longer distances. However, electric cars are nonetheless a great idea to minimize the harm done to the environment.
However, buying an EV can be a little intimidating, especially for first-time buyers. You might be wondering what are some of the things you should know of before making a purchase so that you’re not caught unprepared and have to deal with any unpleasant surprises.
The costs
EVs typically come with higher upfront costs compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, that shouldn’t deter you, as the amount you pay evens out over time, given that running costs are lower. The fuel, maintenance, and taxes are generally much cheaper. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and the EVs have fewer moving parts than regular cars, meaning that upkeep won’t be as pricy and challenging. On top of that, many governments currently offer incentives and rebates for electric vehicle purchases that can help offset the elevated upfront costs.
As with conventional cars, you can also consider buying second-hand to keep the costs under control. However, you must be sure that the battery is in perfect working order and that the battery life hasn’t deteriorated. In many cases, though, this can be quite challenging since there are not many EVs for second-hand sale out there.
The range
The range of an electric vehicle is often at the forefront of the worries for most prospective buyers. First and foremost, you will definitely want to schedule a professional car charger installation at home. Choosing to work with specialists will make the transition much more affordable without cutting any corners or interfering with the quality of the services. With that being said, range anxiety may still occur even when you know everything’s in order and you would, logically, have nothing to fear. That’s the thing about anxiety: it often disregards rational arguments.
As the name suggests, range anxiety is the fear that an EV won’t have enough battery life to reach the next charging station or the destination. While the fear stems from the fact that electric cars do have a more limited span than gasoline cars do, and it’s true that charging infrastructure could be improved and expanded, range anxiety takes things further and can be very uncomfortable to deal with. But the only way out is through, and you must become comfortable with the fact that having an EV involves a certain amount of trust as well. On top of that, it can also be reassuring to plan accordingly before setting out on a longer journey, such as a road trip. You will have to determine what the best routes are so that you don’t end up in an uncomfortable situation.
Regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is a mechanism that ensures energy recovery by slowing down a moving vehicle and converting the kinetic or potential energy into a form that can either be used right away or stored. When you accelerate in an EV, it is the battery that propels the motor and the wheels to move forward. But EVs can also reverse the motor, something that doesn’t just lower the speed but also returns energy to the battery. When it comes to mechanical braking, the kinetic energy is lost as heat, but when it is done by an electric motor, at least a portion of the energy is reclaimed.
If you drive down a long hill, you might have more range when you reach the bottom than when you first started. Apart from being a neat trick, it is also very satisfying to see your range remain unchanged for several miles or even grow.
Family friendly
Electric vehicles can be an amazing option for families as they can save money and are very practical for both daily life and longer trips when utilized correctly. Safety is a top concern for parents who naturally want to make sure that their families are safe at all times. The cars are engineered to have a lower gravity center as a result of the location of the heavy batteries, enhancing stability and significantly decreasing the risk of rollovers. Studies show that EVs also have a much lower risk of catching fire than their petrol equivalents.
Electric vehicles are typically tested much more rigorously as well, and have several layers of protection, including fire-resistant materials and thermal management systems. The idea with EVs is for them to minimize fire risks as much as possible and safeguard the well-being of the passengers first and foremost. Electric vehicles also benefit from the integration of additional features such as automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance systems, and adaptive cruise control, so that you should feel more secure driving them. The extra layer of protection provides most parents with more peace of mind before embarking on a drive.
You’ll become a fan
Making the switch to an electric vehicle might sound daunting in the beginning, but it’s very likely that once you become accustomed to your new car, you won’t ever want to go back. Driving them is fun and (putting your foot down can feel like you’re experiencing a plane take off) really smooth. Since they’re still relatively new, you must make sure to do your research before making a purchase so that you buy a vehicle that fits all your requirements and aligns with the particulars of your lifestyle.
While some of the materials that go into producing the batteries are not exactly green because they’re rare metals, the EVs nonetheless produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions than classic cars. So, if you feel ready to buy your first electric vehicle, don’t hesitate. Driving doesn’t get more guilt-free than that.
