By 2024, there are estimated to be 3.3 million EVs in the US, an increase from 1.3 million electric cars in 2021. By 2030, the National Renewal Energy Laboratory forecasts that this figure will reach 30-42 million.
This popularity can be attributed to their eco-friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and technological advancements. And these benefits can only get better. With evolving technology and increased uptake, electric cars will become more affordable, powerful, and environmentally friendly.
This article explores the benefits you can enjoy from joining the millions of Americans who already drive an electric car.
Environmental Benefits
The exhaust fumes from gas vehicles are a significant contributor to the greenhouse gases that drive climate change. The CO2, Nitrogen Oxides, Sulfur Oxides, and particulate matter emitted by tailpipes also cause significant urban pollution, resulting in illnesses, deaths, and environmental degradation.
A chief attraction of electric cars is their zero emission of tailpipe gases as they rely on electricity for power. Even considering their charging power source, they still have a considerably smaller carbon footprint. These environmental benefits only get better as more people take up EVs.
Any negative impact on the environment will be reduced further by reliance on renewable energy sources and improvement in battery technology. By integrating clean energy sources like solar and wind into the power grid, EV batteries may be charged without harming the environment. Smart charging technology may also reduce charging time by hours.
Even more ambitious is the Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology that makes the vehicle its own source of power. This also feeds energy back into the grid, freeing it from charging stations and extending its range significantly.
Economic Benefits
Electric cars are very affordable to run. Typically, the cost of recharging an electric car over a period amounts only to about 60% of the cost of gas. Recharging may even be cheaper if done from a renewable energy source or if offered as a perk by work or commercial places.
If you compare the costs of maintaining an electric vehicle and a gasoline one, you’ll notice the EV is much cheaper to maintain. Without an internal combustion engine, transmission, and exhaust systems, there are fewer moving parts that wear out. This means fewer replacements. For example, electric vehicles utilize regenerative braking, which puts less stress on rotors and brake pads.
The Federal government also offers the EV Tax Credit aimed at encouraging the uptake of EVs. In 2024, this stands at $7500 for a new EV or $4000 for a used EV, subject to qualifications.
Altogether, the economic benefits of owning an EV outweigh those of gasoline cars. An Atlas Public Policy study compared the savings of five EV models against their gasoline counterparts and found that the EVs saved $4,998 more on average.
Technological Advancements
The potential of technological advancements makes electric cars an attractive prospect. Though still in their developmental stages, features like autonomous driving promise a safe and hassle-free commute experience, even if you cannot drive. You may even use the commute time to get some work done and increase productivity.
With smart connectivity in today’s advancements, EVs will have more of these benefits. They already have software updates and unique communication with smart grids, and charging stations.
These will help anticipate the car and driver’s needs, make helpful recommendations, and even offer secure payment.
Advancements in battery technology promise more efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting batteries. Exploration of new materials like silicone anodes and lithium-sulfur and new forms like solid-state batteries may yield cheaper, safer, and more energy-dense batteries with quick charging capabilities.
More efficient batteries, an updated charging infrastructure, and improved charging technology such as wireless charging have extended the range of electric cars to rival gasoline-powered vehicles.
Convenience And Accessibility
Though gasoline-powered vehicles have far greater access to refueling than EVs, the EV industry aims to develop more access and convenience. A gasoline-powered car can only be powered by an external source – the gas station. On the other hand, EVs can be powered from home, at work, in public charging stations, and with V2G, even on the go.
Currently, there are over 4 million EV charging points, the majority of them private – on personal property or restricted public spaces. By 2021, public EV charging points numbered 43,000. It is easy to locate charging stations closer to you on the Alternative Fuels Data Center website.
Electric cars also have smoother, quieter rides. Since they operate on battery-powered electric motors, they lack the unavoidable noise and jolts from an internal combustion engine. Also, electric engines can deliver power smoothly across a broad range of speeds, eliminating the need for a transmission system.
Moreover, the EV’s capability to deliver instant torque allows it to accelerate faster while handling better than a gasoline car. Overtaking and merging back into traffic is also easier, not to mention improved off-road capabilities.
Common Concerns
Common concerns with electric vehicles include their initial cost and limited range.
Though EVs cost more than gasoline cars, their prices have been dropping – by as much as 21% since 2022. This has been due to lower battery costs, improved manufacturing efficiencies, and government incentives. Coupled with lower running and maintenance costs, EVs may well become cheaper.
Range anxiety issues are being addressed by an expanding charging infrastructure as well as improved battery and charging technology that allows for faster charging and increased range on a single charge.
Conclusion
Switching to an electric car offers immense benefits in savings, increased performance, enhanced access, comfort and convenience, and environmental sustainability. Even better, the EV environment is undergoing tremendous change that will unlock its true potential.
Electric cars are the face of a green future. Getting one now is the best decision you will have made.