In the years to come, electric vehicles are expected to dominate the road. Automakers, such as Tesla, are already investing a lot of time and effort into developing new electric models. Although not everyone is open to the idea of giving up their gas-powered vehicle, it’s only a matter of time before they jump on the electric bandwagon. Here are five reasons why electric vehicles are the way of the future.
Performance Has Improved Dramatically
When electric vehicles first hit the scene, they failed to deliver an engaging driving experience. Most people would describe them as being slow and uninspiring.
Fortunately, new-age electric vehicles offer a high level of performance. In fact, the Tesla Model S is among the fastest cars on the street. It recorded a blistering 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds, which is quicker than race-bred cars like the Porsche 911 and the Ferrari California T. Even the new Nissan Leaf can easily keep pace with the typical family sedan.
However, the challenge for automakers is to produce an all-electric vehicle that delivers the excitement of a traditional sports car. Some drivers will simply miss the sound of a traditional engine. Furthermore, electric vehicles are not offered with manual transmissions. This will be a problem for the drivers who love being able to shift their own gears.
Electric Cars Cost Less to Own
Although electric vehicles may have a more expensive price tag, the federal government offers cost-cutting incentives. This helps make them more appealing to the drivers who are on a budget.
Drivers will definitely appreciate an electric vehicle’s lower cost of ownership. According to research, the average driver spends more than $2,000 a year on refueling their vehicle. By comparison, the yearly cost to charge an electric vehicle is only around $540.
You can also factor in an electric vehicle’s long-term reliability. Drivers won’t have to worry about replacing parts such as fan belts, radiators, and spark plugs. Oil changes will also be a thing of the past. Furthermore, an electric vehicle’s brakes are engineered to last longer. Although the battery pack may need to be replaced at some point, most are protected by a lengthy warranty.
Improved Driving Ranges
First-generation electric vehicles suffered from extremely short driving ranges. Some models could only travel 40 miles before needing a recharge. On the other hand, today’s newest models actually have enough juice to deliver a week’s worth of driving. This is especially true for the folks who live in urban areas. With a driving range of 238 miles, the compact Chevrolet Bolt is perfect for the purpose of commuting on an everyday basis.
However, there are a few concerns that need to be addressed. While refueling your gas tank usually takes only a few minutes, fully recharging an electric vehicle’s battery may take more than 10 hours. Some drivers don’t want to deal with the extra downtime. Another problem is that recharging stations are still not widespread throughout the country. While cities such as Los Angeles now have numerous recharging ports available, this is not the norm. When on an out-of-town road trip, it’ll likely be a challenge to keep your vehicle’s battery pack replenished.
Far Better for the Environment
There is no overlooking the fact that gas-powered vehicles are hurting the environment. People living in big cities can literally see the thick smog surrounding them. If we continue to ignore the health of our planet, its condition will only get worse. Electric vehicles could help restore the ozone layer. The number of harmful greenhouse gases floating in the atmosphere will be significantly decreased. In contrast to gas-powered automobiles, EVs don’t produce any tailpipe emissions.
Automakers Are Developing New Concept Vehicles
Several new electric vehicles are on the horizon. A lot of drivers have already expressed interest in the new 2018 Tesla Model 3, which is the most affordable sedan in the automaker’s lineup. While the base Model 3 boasts an attractive starting price of $35,000, the more expensive long-range Model 3 can travel up to 310 miles before it runs out of juice. Model 3 buyers will also have access to a long list of high-tech features, including a 15-inch touch screen and a self-driving system.
The Audi E-Tron Quattro has also been getting a lot of press coverage. This groundbreaking electric crossover can travel nearly 300 miles on a single charge and clocks a lightning-quick 0-60 time of 4.6 seconds.
The Porsche Mission E is an all-electric sports car that promises to deliver constant thrills on the street and at the track. Insiders expect its motor to develop around 440 kilowatts, which is equivalent to 600 horsepower. Aside from its breathtaking exterior styling and dynamic road handling, the Porsche Mission E will offer rapid charging. According to Porsche, its new quick-charging system can restore up to 80 percent of the car’s energy in less than 20 minutes. This is a huge advantage for the drivers who tend to live a busy lifestyle.