Electric Cars: What You Need to Know Before Buying One

Electric cars are vehicles that run on electricity stored in batteries, instead of gasoline or diesel. They have several advantages over conventional cars, such as lower fuel and maintenance costs, better performance, zero tailpipe emissions and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. However, they also have some challenges, such as limited range, longer charging time, higher upfront cost and lack of charging infrastructure. In this article, we will explore some of the key features, benefits and drawbacks of electric cars, and give you some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.

Types of Electric Cars

There are different types of electric cars, depending on how they use electricity to power the vehicle. The most common ones are:

• Battery electric vehicle (BEV): This is a pure electric car that only uses a battery pack to store and supply electricity to an electric motor. It does not have an internal combustion engine or a fuel tank, and it needs to be plugged into an external power source to recharge the battery. Examples of BEVs include the Tesla Model 3, the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Bolt.
• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV): This is a hybrid car that combines a battery pack and an electric motor with a conventional engine and a fuel tank. It can run on either electricity or gasoline, or both, depending on the driving conditions. It can be plugged into an external power source to recharge the battery, or it can use the engine to generate electricity while driving. Examples of PHEVs include the Toyota Prius Prime, the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid and the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-in Hybrid.
• Range-extended electric vehicle (REEV): This is a type of plug-in hybrid car that uses a small engine as a generator to charge the battery when it runs low, but does not directly power the wheels. The engine only kicks in when the battery level is below a certain threshold, and it does not affect the performance or efficiency of the electric motor. Examples of REEVs include the BMW i3 with range extender and the Chevrolet Volt.
• Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV): This is an electric car that uses a fuel cell to convert hydrogen gas into electricity, which then powers an electric motor. It does not have a battery pack or an internal combustion engine, and it only emits water vapor as a byproduct. It needs to be refueled with hydrogen at a special station, similar to gasoline cars. Examples of FCEVs include the Toyota Mirai, the Hyundai Nexo and the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell.

Benefits of Electric Cars

Electric cars have many benefits over conventional cars, such as:

• Lower operating costs: Electric cars are cheaper to run than gasoline cars, because electricity is less expensive than gasoline per mile, and because electric cars have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. According to Edmunds.com, an average electric car costs about $0.04 per mile to operate, while an average gasoline car costs about $0.15 per mile. [^1^][2] Over a year of driving 15,000 miles, that translates into savings of about $1,650.
• Better performance: Electric cars are more responsive and agile than gasoline cars, because they have instant torque and smooth acceleration. They also have better handling and stability, because they have a lower center of gravity and a more balanced weight distribution. According to Consumer Reports, electric cars outperform gasoline cars in most aspects of driving experience, such as acceleration, braking, ride quality and noise level. [^2^][3]
• Zero tailpipe emissions: Electric cars do not produce any harmful emissions from their tailpipes, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. These emissions contribute to air pollution and health problems, especially in urban areas. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), transportation accounts for about 28% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and passenger vehicles are responsible for about 60% of that. By switching to electric cars, drivers can reduce their carbon footprint and help improve air quality.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Electric cars also have lower overall greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline cars, even when accounting for the emissions from the electricity generation. This is because most electricity in the United States comes from cleaner sources than gasoline, such as natural gas, nuclear, hydro, wind and solar. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, an average electric car in the United States emits about 50% less greenhouse gas emissions than an average gasoline car over its lifetime. This percentage varies depending on the region and the electricity mix, but in most cases, electric cars are cleaner than gasoline cars.

Drawbacks of Electric Cars

Electric cars also have some drawbacks compared to conventional cars, such as:

• Limited range: Electric cars have a shorter driving range than gasoline cars, because batteries have a lower energy density than gasoline. The range of an electric car depends on several factors, such as the battery size, the driving style, the weather conditions and the use of accessories. According to Edmunds.com, the average range of an electric car in 2023 is about 250 miles, while the average range of a gasoline car is about 400 miles. Some drivers may experience range anxiety, which is the fear of running out of battery before reaching their destination or a charging station.
• Longer charging time: Electric cars take longer to recharge than gasoline cars, because electricity flows slower than liquid fuel. The charging time of an electric car depends on several factors, such as the battery size, the state of charge, the power output of the charger and the availability of charging stations. According to Edmunds.com, the average charging time of an electric car in 2023 is about 8 hours at a Level 2 charger (240 volts), or about 30 minutes at a fast charger (480 volts). By comparison, refueling a gasoline car takes only a few minutes at a gas station.
• Higher upfront cost: Electric cars are more expensive to buy than gasoline cars, because batteries are still costly to manufacture and install. The upfront cost of an electric car depends on several factors, such as the battery size, the vehicle model, the features and the incentives. According to Edmunds.com, the average price of an electric car in 2023 is about $40,000, while the average price of a gasoline car is about $30,000. However, some electric cars may qualify for federal tax credits or state rebates that can lower the purchase price.
• Lack of charging infrastructure: Electric cars require access to charging stations to recharge their batteries, but the availability and accessibility of charging stations vary widely depending on the location and the network. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), there are about 43,000 public charging stations in the United States as of June 2023, with about 10% being fast chargers. However, most charging stations are concentrated in urban areas and along major highways, leaving some rural areas and regions underserved. Moreover, some charging stations may be incompatible with certain electric cars or require membership or payment to use.

Tips for Choosing an Electric Car

If you are interested in buying an electric car, here are some tips to help you choose the best one for your needs:

• Consider your driving habits: Think about how often and how far you drive on a daily or weekly basis, and how much flexibility you need in terms of range and charging options. If you drive mostly short distances within your city or town, and have access to a home or workplace charger, a BEV with a moderate range may suit you well. If you drive longer distances or travel frequently outside your area, and rely on public or fast chargers, a PHEV or a REEV with a backup engine may give you more peace of mind. If you live in an area with hydrogen fueling stations and want to support a zero-emission technology with a long range and a short refueling time, a FCEV may be an option for you.
• Compare different models: Research and compare different models of electric cars that fit your budget and preferences. You can use online tools such as Edmunds.com or Consumer Reports to find ratings, reviews and specifications of various electric cars. You can also visit local dealerships or showrooms to see and test drive different electric cars in person. You can also check out online forums or social media groups where other electric car owners share their experiences and opinions.
• Apply for incentives: Find out if you are eligible for any federal, state or local incentives that can lower the cost of buying or owning an electric car. The federal government offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for qualified electric cars, but it phases out once a manufacturer sells 200,000 units of eligible vehicles. Some states and cities also offer rebates, discounts, exemptions or other benefits for electric car buyers or owners. You can use online tools such as PlugStar.com or PlugInAmerica.org to find incentives available in your area.
• Plan your charging strategy: Decide how and where you will charge your electric car, and how much it will cost you. If you have access to a garage or a driveway, you can install a Level 2 charger at your home, which can fully charge your electric car overnight. You can also use public charging stations at workplaces, shopping malls, hotels or other locations, but you may need to pay a fee or join a network to use them. You can use online tools such as PlugShare.com or ChargePoint.com to find and locate charging stations near you.

Conclusion

Electric cars are an attractive and sustainable alternative to conventional cars, but they also have some trade-offs that you need to consider before buying one. Electric cars can save you money on fuel and maintenance, improve your driving experience, reduce your environmental impact and support the transition to renewable energy. However, electric cars also have limited range, longer charging time, higher upfront cost and lack of charging infrastructure that may affect your convenience and comfort. By following the tips above, you can choose the best electric car for your needs and enjoy the benefits of driving electric.