Electric cars, once a high-tech concept, are now gaining mainstream attention as the one and only sustainable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. If you’re not yet on the “EV team,” here’s what you need to know about the pros of electric cars.
What is an electric car?
Electric cars or EVs are vehicles that use an electric drive motor for propulsion, powered by energy stored in batteries and are classified into three different types of electric vehicles- all-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric.
What are the different types of electric vehicles?
All-Electric Vehicles
Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, all-electric vehicles are powered by rechargeable batteries that have an electric motor. Also known as BEVs- Battery Electric Vehicles are zero-emission vehicles with a driving range of 120 to more than 500 km. They can be charged at home using 120-volt or 240-volt house plugs.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can drive both on gas and on electricity – even at relatively high speeds. A PHEV runs on electricity stored in the battery until it is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to the internal combustion engine. Unlike battery electrics, plug-in hybrids achieve electric-only ranges of 30-100 km’s, during which they emit no tailpipe emissions.
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles
Typically referred to as FCEVs, fuel cell electric vehicles produce electricity by combining hydrogen gas from the car’s tank with oxygen from the atmosphere in a stack of cells. Fuel cell electric vehicles have a driving range of 450-650 km on a single tank and can be refueled in about five minutes at hydrogen fueling stations, which are not very common at the moment.
What are the pros of EVs?
Better for our planet
Naturally, one of the biggest advantages of driving EVs is the positive impact on our environment. Unlike conventional gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means they don’t emit harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. This reduction in emissions contributes to improved air quality and helps combat air pollution in urban areas, leading to better public health and quality of life.
Even when charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants, electric cars tend to emit fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline-powered vehicles. As renewable energy sources like solar and wind power become more prevalent, the emissions associated with electric cars continue to decrease.
Lower Operating Costs
One of the main reasons why EVs are so popular is that they offer significant savings in terms of operating costs since electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline on a per-km basis. Also, most drivers don’t realise electric cars have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine vehicles, which means reduced maintenance requirements. This is the end for oil changes, transmission repairs, or exhaust system maintenance.
Energy Efficiency
Traditional internal combustion engines waste a significant portion of their energy as heat. On the other hand, electric motors directly convert electricity into movement, resulting in higher energy conversion efficiency. What does this mean for drivers? That they can travel more kilometers with the same amount of energy.
Elevated Driving Experience
Quiet, responsive and smooth, EVs offer an elevated driving experience usually found in sports cars. Electric motors deliver instant torque, providing rapid acceleration from a standstill, resulting in a responsive driving experience. Also, the absence of gear shifts in electric cars leads to smoother and quieter operations, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Better resale value
In spite of the booming market and the increasing demand for used electric cars, they are retaining their value much better. Due to rising fuel prices and carbon tax, premium brands like Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla have astonishing residual values. It’s worth remembering, too that Canada will ban the sale of new gas and diesel non-commercial vehicles in 2035.
Are you ready to drive your new EV car away?
If you’re considering getting an EV car but have a low credit score, you don’t need to worry any more. DriveItAway gets you behind the wheel in no time. With no down payments, high upfront costs, and hard credit checks, your EV car is waiting for you.
If you have any questions about our app or our in-house finance options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can reach us at (519) 507-2277 or send an email to [email protected]. Our dedicated team is here to assist you and provide the information you need. Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help!