Gas and diesel cars have long been the mainstay of our transportation, offering quick fueling and long ranges. However, electric cars offer a new set of advantages, including an exhilarating drive feel and lower environmental impact. While current knocks against EVs are valid, these will likely fade as more people adopt this technology.
Energy efficiency
Electric cars use a lot less energy than gasoline-powered cars. In fact, the average electric vehicle uses around 31% less energy than a gas-powered vehicle. This would translate to a huge reduction in the amount of fuel needed to operate a vehicle. Using renewable sources to charge an electric car would also reduce the amount of fuel consumed for highway transportation.
Another difference between EVs and gas-powered cars is the range of an EV. Electric cars’ range is measured in range per kilowatt-hour, while gas-powered cars’ efficiency is measured in miles per gallon.
Cost
The cost of electric cars is lower initially than gas-powered vehicles, and the savings are often seen within six months. Although an EV may cost up to 40% more than a gas-powered vehicle, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower. An EV can save a consumer between $6,000 and $10,000 over its lifetime, depending on the model and the difference in price between gas and electric versions.
While electric vehicles cost more up-front, they pay off in the long run, as EV owners spend 60% less on fuel than their gas-powered counterparts. A 2020 Consumer Reports study found that EV owners spend less than ten percent of their monthly gasoline budget on fuel. The study also factored in the cost of using commercial charging stations, which are generally more expensive than charging an EV at home. On average, it can cost anywhere from $10 to 45 dollars to fully charge a car’s battery, according to the report.
Range
Although the driving range of electric cars is still behind that of gas-powered cars, the technology is constantly improving. One such advance is regenerative braking, which allows an EV to increase its range by over 41% when it is heated up. Regenerative braking also extends EVs’ range when driving in city settings. However, it is important to note that high speeds can reduce EVs’ range because the motors will be spinning faster. Fortunately, fast charging capabilities allow EV drivers to regain a significant number of miles in minutes.
In the recent years, battery technology has improved greatly, doubling the range of electric cars. By 2021, the average electric car will have a range that is equal or greater than that of gasoline-powered cars. For example, the 2016 model-year Nissan Leaf EV can travel 294 miles, while the lowest-range gas-powered model can travel just 240 miles. Moreover, there are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can use gas and electricity to power their motors. These PHEVs are more expensive than their gasoline counterparts, and their combined gas and electric range can be anywhere from 150 to 600 miles.
Environmental impact
When it comes to environmental impact, electric cars do have an edge over their gas-powered counterparts. They emit less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases than conventional cars, as determined by the EPA. EV greenhouse gas emissions vary by region and energy source, but they remain significantly lower than those of a typical new gasoline car.
However, charging an electric car requires coal – which is a major source of power in countries like China and Poland. According to the Argonne Institute, a mid-sized EV will emit 47 grams of carbon dioxide per mile, versus about 4.6 grams per mile in a gas-powered vehicle.
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