The Pros and Cons of Driving Electric Cars

In recent months, Australia has experienced a significant increase in the presence of electric cars. It began with Elon Musk headlining Tesla, and now, a number of car manufacturers, such as Toyota, Honda, and other established brands, are following suit.

We’re sure the thought of purchasing one for yourself has already crossed your mind, mainly due to their environmental benefits. But there is more to these charged-up vehicles than meets the eye. 

Today, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing an electric car, helping you make an informed decision for your future purchase.

How do electric cars work? 

As their name suggests, electric cars rely on electricity from their batteries to function, in contrast to traditional vehicles that require fuel. However, unlike the latter, electric cars generate no exhaust emissions, making them an eco-friendly option.

Electric cars are available in two types: the all-electric vehicle (AEV) and the plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). The plug-in variant still uses a gasoline tank, which fuels the car like a normal hybrid vehicle when the battery is depleted. Notable examples of plug-in hybrid cars include the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius Prime.

Meanwhile, the all-electric ones operate solely on electricity from their batteries. As a result, when their batteries run out, they need to be recharged. Tesla EVs are prominent leaders in the AEV category, but there are also competitors such as the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt.

The pros of driving electric cars

Reduced carbon emissions

The primary reason for many car enthusiasts switching to electric cars is their eco-friendliness. They do not emit carbon dioxide as they drive, reducing your environmental impact. 

The impact is significant considering that an average passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. Carbon emissions from vehicles are a huge source of air pollution, which leads to a decline in air quality.. With electric cars on the rise, the problem can slowly be alleviated. 

Huge savings

While electric cars obviously have higher price tags compared to conventional vehicles at the moment, they don't require fuel to run, so a huge chunk of your car expenses are already saved. 

Given the continuous rise in pump prices, electric cars offer a better alternative if you're looking to cut down on expenses typically allocated for fuel. Moreover, charging your electric car using solar power or other renewable energy sources can allow your vehicle to run without any additional costs. How amazing is that? 

Energy efficiency

Another benefit electric cars offer is their energy efficiency. This refers to the energy output from the fuel source converted into actual energy to run the vehicle. 

According to studies, AEVs typically convert 59-62 percent of the energy from their batteries into vehicle movement. Compare that to petrol-fueled cars, which only transform 17–21 percent of their energy into moving the vehicle. 

The more energy-efficient your car is, the more places and adventures you can take on!

Less maintenance

Despite their high performance, electric cars have fewer moving parts compared to their fuel-powered counterparts. This results in reduced maintenance requirements, translating to fewer visits to the nearby mechanic.

Unlike petrol cars, electric cars demand less fluids for their engines, which reduces maintenance needs. Additionally, with regenerative braking, electric cars protect their brakes from wear and tear. Overall, all-electric vehicles (AEVs) boast impressive torque, enabling swift and responsive driving.

Looking to minimise maintenance costs? Electric cars can be the optimal choice!

Cons of driving electric cars 

Shorter range

Electric cars, while powered by electric batteries, often have a shorter driving range compared to petrol-powered cars. On average, electric cars can travel anywhere from 60 to 120 km, while luxury models may reach up to 300 km. This range falls short of the minimum distance covered by a full-tank petrol-powered car.

Additionally, charging station locations can be harder to find, unlike the widespread presence of gas stations. So if you're a fan of long road trips, electric cars may not be ideal.

Higher purchase costs 

While electric vehicles are now catching up with fuel-powered cars, their demand is still relatively lower, contributing to their high price tags. These prices reflect the cost of research and development required to enhance their parts, including the battery pack. 

But shortly, the prices of electric cars' parts, including the battery, are expected to decrease as demand rises. This will eventually result in significantly lower prices, making electric cars more competitive with their fuel-powered counterparts.

Longer charging time

Electric cars also take longer to charge. Despite 'fast-charging' stations, you can only fill your car battery up to 80% of its capacity within 30 minutes. Another issue is the availability of these charging stations. 

If you're still looking to purchase an electric car, planning your trips is a must. Charge up your car battery before road trips. Spot available charging stations along your route in the event of battery shortage. 

Lack of incentives

Unlike some countries such as the United Kingdom and Norway, where extensive incentives for electric car drivers have been implemented, Australia is currently playing catch-up in this regard.

The state-based approach for electric car incentives is still difficult to get around because it varies from time to time. This is due to changing demands for electric cars and the struggling development of a stable EV infrastructure in the country. 

Check out more about the EV incentives in your state right here. 

Switching to electric cars?

Considering making the switch to an electric ride? We trust that this article has provided valuable insights to assist you in making a well-informed decision!

If you've decided to embrace electric cars, head now to our website for the best electric car deals and drives! 

www.motormatcher.com.au