Electric cars are becoming more and more common with drivers in the United States. While these technological advances seem to be the advantageous for the environment and society there are potential cons as well. Electric cars might not be as great as first thought would make them out to be but there are certainly some advantages that make these the perfect car for some people. Electric cars are quiet and smooth. They also allow for convenient recharging and no more trips to the gas station. These cars are cheaper to operate and maintain than their gas powered counterparts and create no tailpipe emissions to pollute the environment. Electric cars do have a short limited range which makes them not a good choice for people with longer commutes. It takes at least four hours to fully charge the battery. There is limited choice in vehicles that are completely electric and the vehicles that are available are significantly more expensive than similar gas powered vehicles.
One ride in an electric car is all that is required to realize that the engine is completely different. The ride is very smooth and quiet. Without the need for an exhaust system the muffler noise is completely gone and the heavy revving engine with a powerful noise is replaced with a quiet running, lighter model. Many early electric vehicles were known to have a lack of pep and pickup, but today’s cars do not lack in power. Entering traffic on a busy road is no longer a problem. The combination of high power and low noise make an enjoyable ride
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Recharging the engine at home has become one of the most beneficial advantages of the electric car. Instead of inconvenient stopping at the gas station the owner simply needs to pull into the driveway or garage and plug the car in. In the morning the car will be ready to go again.
Electricity is cheap and easily available in the United States. In fact, electricity is much cheaper than gas or diesel. Because electric vehicles are so energy efficient there is even more added savings above and beyond the savings of electricity versus gas. Owners save about 1/3 to 1/4 the cost of gasoline per mile. Maintenance costs are also reduced because these cars don’t require oil changes, exhaust maintenance or other needs. The only part of the car that needs regular maintaining is the tires.
The electric vehicle has a much smaller environmental impact than petroleum based cars. Research has shown that even in areas that are coal dependent to produce electricity a positive environmental impact is seen. Areas where the car is charged by electricity produced with solar, wind or hydro seen a dramatic change in the environment. Without a tailpipe the electric car doesn’t emit exhaust and therefore doesn’t add to the greenhouse gases, smog and other pollution but thre are negative aspects of the electric vehicle as well.
Most electric vehicles can only go about 80 to 100 miles before needing a recharge. Recharging the fuel cell also takes hours. While this mileage limitation is fine for most households, people who commute long distances will find themselves in trouble. Some drivers even have Range Anxiety where they fret that detours or other changes will prevent them from staying within their abilities rendering them stranded. Ranges are improving every year but not fast enough to make electric vehicles being a good fit for all households in the United States.
Recharging an electric car is not a quick process. In about an hour most cars can be recharged for 20 to 25 miles, taking at least 4 hours to fully recharge the battery. Refilling a petroleum based car takes only about five minutes. Charging also requires a 240 volt electrical connection which is not always available or requires a special connection. An electrician may be needed to hook up a the charging station. Additional finances will be needed to set up the charging station and additional time every day will be needed to fully charge the car.
Electric cars are more expensive than traditional petroleum run vehicles. Currently electric generally cost between $30,000 and $40,000 which is much more expensive than comparably equipped small to midsized gas-powered vehicles. Petroleum based fuel cars of the same size and features can be purchased for about half of the cost. Cost can be a difficult aspect to fully understand though. While initial cost is higher for an electric vehicle long term costs such as fuel versus the cost of electricity and maintenance need to be considered.
There is very little choice in electric vehicles. Most vehicles on the market in the United States are small to mid sized compact cars and hybrid style sedans and SUVs. Larger cars and trucks in fully electric styles are completely unheard of. If you need more space for passengers or cargo or require four wheel drive you will need to stay with gas or diesel powered vehicles. Dozens of makers and hundreds or models of cars exist in the United States market and very few of them are available with electrically driven motors.
Fully analyzing the pros and cons of electric vehicles will be necessary on an individual basis to determine if this type of car will fit into the person’s lifestyle. This type of car will not be right for everyone. Electric cars are quiet and smooth with enough power to enter traffic safely. Trips to the gas station are no longer necessary. Maintenance and operations are cheaper than gas or diesel vehicles. Electric cars do not add to pollution and therefore are good for the environment but there are negative aspects as well. These cars can only go about 80 to 100 miles on a full charge and it takes about four hours to create a full charge. Electric vehicles are initially more expensive to purchase even though over time the costs are probably cheaper. There are also very few models available to choose from. A consumer must consider these and other aspects of the electric car when making a purchase decision.
