Buying a new car is typically a straightforward process for many people. They can walk into a dealership, find a car they like, and drive off in it. However, in the face of the global climate crisis, we need to find more sustainable ways to get around. That’s where electric vehicles (EVs) come in. While traditional gasoline-powered vehicles revolutionized transportation for humans, EVs are proving to be even more beneficial to the world as a whole.
Performance Benefits
Electric motors have long been perceived as inferior to combustion engines in terms of performance. However, this is no longer the case, as electric motors have been steadily improving in recent years. Electric motors now generate high levels of torque at low speeds, which means they can accelerate quickly and efficiently. They can also maintain their torque output throughout the entire RPM range, which gives them constant power and makes them more responsive to throttle inputs.
Gasoline-powered vehicles are noisy and vibrate, which can make the driving experience uncomfortable – especially if permeated into the cabin. On the other hand, EVs are much quieter and have a lower center of gravity, which makes them more comfortable to drive and safer. Another frequently underestimated advantage is regenerative braking, a feature that significantly enhances the range of EVs. When you apply the brakes, the electric motor acts as a generator and converts the car’s kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then stored in the battery. This helps to reduce the amount of energy that is wasted when braking, and it also helps to extend the life of the brakes.
Cost Benefits
Electric vehicles (EVs) are much more efficient than gasoline-powered cars and cost significantly less to operate. The average operation cost of an EV is about $485 per year, compared to $1,117 for a gasoline-powered car. This is because the cost of electricity is much lower than gasoline in most places – considering the increasing use of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered cars, making them less likely to break down and more affordable to maintain. According to the Department of Energy, the maintenance of a light-duty EV costs around 40% less per mile than gas-powered vehicles.
Tax Benefits
New electric vehicle (EV) owners may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $7,500. This credit is only available for the purchase of new electric vehicles to encourage people to buy new EVs, which are more fuel-efficient and produce fewer emissions. Used electric vehicles are typically much less expensive than new ones, so the incentive is not seen as necessary. In addition to federal tax credits, many states and cities also offer incentives for EV owners. These incentives come in the form of rebates, HOV lane access, and reduced registration fees.
Environmental Benefits
Transitioning from a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle to an electric vehicle is one of the most effective proactive actions you can take to minimize your carbon footprint. This is because highway vehicles in the US collectively emit around 1.5 billion tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, equating to roughly 5 to 9 tons per vehicle. EVs don’t produce a tailpipe emission, which means that they do not contribute to these greenhouse gas emissions – the major driver of climate change and global warming. In addition, when EVs are charged with electricity from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power, they can be entirely powered by clean energy, which further reduces their carbon footprint.
As we face the challenges of climate change, it is important to make choices that are good for the planet. Switching to an EV is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help create a cleaner future.
