When most people think of electric vehicles (EVs), they probably think of small, slow cars that are best suited for short trips in the city. But thanks to recent technological advancements, that’s no longer the case. Electric vehicles are now becoming viable options for long-distance travel, and they’re starting to take market share away from traditional gasoline-powered cars.
Why Are Electric Vehicles Gaining Popularity?
EVs are gaining a lot of popularity recently, thanks to their positive impact on the environment. According to Statista, the number of EV units sold in the USA in 2021 was around 607,000. This was 83% higher than the numbers in 2018. But why is this increase in popularity?
There are several reasons. For one, they’re much more efficient than gasoline-powered cars and produce far fewer emissions. EVs don’t have to waste energy generating heat in the engine. They also have far fewer moving parts, meaning less friction and wear and tear. When compared, EVs have only a few parts, such as a motor and shaft, whereas gas-powered cars have hundreds of internal parts.
Moreover, EVs are also cheaper to operate and maintain. There are several reasons why EVs are cheaper to operate and maintain than gasoline-powered cars. To begin with, they don’t have engines that need to be serviced regularly. They also don’t require oil changes, tune-ups, or emissions tests.
A recent study comparing the costs of EVs and gasoline cars shows that the maintenance costs of EVs can go down by 45-50% compared to gasoline vehicles. Also, motor fuel prices have skyrocketed in 2022 due to various reasons. Gasoline prices increased by 49%, whereas diesel prices increased by 55%. Since EVs don’t need fuel to operate, they can be a much cheaper option in the long run.
Electric vehicles also help the environment in a few ways. First, they don’t produce any emissions whatsoever. This is a huge benefit, as emissions are a leading cause of global climate change. Additionally, EVs don’t need to rely on oil, which is a non-renewable resource. Once oil supplies start to dwindle, EVs will become even more critical to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
How Do EVs Work?
EVs run on electric motors rather than traditional combustion engines and use rechargeable battery packs for power. These battery packs can be charged in multiple ways, including plugging them into a wall outlet or using a public charging station.
The driving experience of an EV is quite similar to that of a gasoline-powered car. The main difference is the lack of engine noise and vibrations and electric motors’ instant torque (acceleration).
But how do EV battery packs compare to gasoline-powered cars in terms of range and refueling time? With advancements in battery technology, EVs can now have a range comparable to traditional gasoline-powered cars. EVs usually take around 30 minutes to get 80% charged at the fastest charging stations. But while it does take longer to charge an EV battery pack than fill up a gas tank, there are more and more public charging stations popping up to make charging EVs even easier.
EVs will become mainstream when you start seeing EV charging stations at all gas stations. However, this might take some time as the infrastructure for EV charging stations needs to be developed first.
Furthermore, some automakers are now offering new “fast-charging” options for EV batteries that can drastically reduce the time it takes to recharge them. Tesla, for example, offers a network of “Supercharger” charging stations that can recharge their EVs in as little as 30 minutes. These Tesla EVs can go as far as 400 to 550 miles on a single charge.
The Cost of an Electric Vehicle
EVs do have higher upfront costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars. However, the long-term cost savings in fuel and maintenance can offset this initial expense. Plus, with increased demand for EVs and technological advancements, prices are expected to drop even more. There are also government incentives for buying electric vehicles. For example, the United States has a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for purchasing an EV.
All in all, the cost of an EV is decreasing amid this gas price hike. Also, as technology improves and demand increases, production costs will gradually decrease in the coming years. A recent study compared the cost of a Mini Hardtop and a Mini Electric. The results showed that Mini Hardtop cost $41,454 over a three-year span, and Mini Electric cost $41,812. This shows that an EV can easily cover the upfront costs within 3 years and will give financial benefits in the long run.
The Future of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are quickly becoming viable for consumers and are revolutionizing the automotive industry. As technology improves, you expect EVs to have even longer ranges and faster recharge times. For example, work is carried out to implement a wide range of smart and flexible charging stations to accelerate EV adoptions and make the driving experience seamless.
And with governments worldwide implementing policies to encourage the adoption of EVs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the future looks bright for electric vehicles. For instance, 45 USA states and the District of Columbia offer incentives, including tax credits to fleet acquisition goals for encouraging EV adoption. It’s clear that EVs are here to stay and will only become more mainstream in the future.
The transition to electric vehicles brings numerous benefits, including cost savings and reduced environmental impact. And with technological advancements and government incentives, EVs are becoming more accessible to consumers. Electric vehicles are driving a revolution in the automotive industry. If you are worried about increasing gas prices and plan to switch to an EV, now is a great time to execute the plan.
