Electric cars are gaining popularity all over the world. It’s estimated that electric car sales have surpassed the 15 million mark globally. But in spite of these advances, some drivers are hesitant to move away from gas-powered cars. Take a moment to compare the pros and cons of owning an electric car. You might discover that electric cars are worth your consideration.
Pros
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Less Maintenance and Easy Home Recharging
It only takes a few hours to fully recharge an electric car battery at home. Owners have the option to recharge faster with a level 2 charger for electric cars. What’s more, electric cars don’t require oil changes or any maintenance required by gas-powered cars. Less moving parts means less that can go wrong. This also means no spark plugs, fan belts, or air filters to change. The result is a vehicle that is easier to own and maintain than a traditional gas-powered automobile.
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Contributes to Better Air Quality
Electric cars are better for the environment than gas-powered cars. Many drivers choose electric cars for this very reason. Electric cars have zero emissions because they lack an exhaust system. So instead of polluting the air with exhaust fumes, electric cars contribute to keeping the air clean.
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Provides a Pleasant Driving Experience
Those in the market for a new car who go electric often find it to be a pleasant driving experience. Most drivers are surprised at the lack of noise produced by electric cars. Some US legislators even propose adding noise devices to alert others that an electric car is nearby. Plus, the cars are fast and fun to drive for those who enjoy acceleration and maneuverability.
Cons
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Short Trip Range on Full Charge
Most fully-charged electric cars can travel over 100 miles between charges. That’s not too bad if you’re guaranteed access to a charging station. Some more expensive models can get anywhere from 250 miles to 300 miles on a full charge. Public charging stations are more common, so you might find one during your travels. But if there’s no charging station available that will present a problem.
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More Expensive than Gas-Powered Cars
Sticker shock is common when it comes to electric cars. New models that are considered affordable generally start at $30,000. And new luxury models can go as high as $80,000 or more. You can possibly find a used model for a cheaper price. But until it becomes more affordable to produce electric cars, prices will remain in the upper bracket for new cars.
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Limited Buying Options
The variety of electric cars has grown over the years. But the choices are severely limited when compared to gas-powered vehicles. You don’t have as many models from which to choose. The options for customization are limited as well. These limitations are a major deterrent for some drivers. However, more options will become available as electric cars become more popular.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Electric cars offer benefits and disadvantages. But the same is also true for gas-powered vehicles. It all comes down to your personal preferences, wants, needs, and budget. If you compare an electric car to a gas-powered vehicle, you might find that the electric option is best for you.
