If you have a family and are looking to purchase an electric vehicle, there are a few things to consider before you make your decision. The first thing is that they are more expensive than gas-powered vehicles, but you also have to factor in the costs of maintenance and repair. They are quieter, and they are a lot more environmentally friendly.
Millennials are more likely to be interested in EVs
The most recent survey gauging consumer interest in electric vehicles (EVs) has found that millennials are more likely to buy EVs than anyone else. However, they may be a bit less than thrilled about the price tag.
One of the simplest ways to explain the benefits of EVs is to look at the energy saving aspect. This can be accomplished by charging the car instead of fueling it with gasoline. Electric cars are also much more eco-friendly, and thus more attractive to prospective buyers.
In addition, the study found that consumers are also concerned about the amount of charging stations available in their area. In fact, about 83 percent of the people surveyed in the Northeast claim that there aren’t enough charging stations for everyone in their region.
Public charging infrastructure is being added at a fast pace
Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), there are still a number of concerns about the nation’s public charging infrastructure. A recent report released by the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, for instance, found that public charging stations have not kept pace with the pace of EV adoption.
The report suggests that states consider a comprehensive approach to investing in charging infrastructure. This includes funding, policy support, and incentives. States could defray up-front costs for installing charging stations, establish offtake agreements to purchase a fixed amount of charging service each month, and support charging businesses with matching funds.
Public chargers can help drivers overcome range anxiety. However, some drivers may not have access to fast EV charging facilities, particularly in rural areas.
EVs emit zero toxic gas
In addition to eliminating tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles (EVs) reduce pollution from engine exhaust. Unlike conventional cars with internal combustion engines (ICE), EVs don’t produce toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfates.
EVs aren’t the only cleaner transportation option. By choosing fuels that produce less GHG, such as natural gas, drivers can help improve air quality and reach state and federal climate goals. And while gasoline cars are still responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions, switching to cleaner fuels is a step in the right direction.
Several states have also adopted targets to phase out internal combustion vehicles. California’s Clean Cars Program, for example, sets more strict vehicle emission standards. This regulation is one of the most aggressive in the country. It’s expected to deliver substantial emission reductions for all Californians, including those living near the roadway.
They are quieter than other vehicles
Quiet is the name of the game for electric vehicles. They are much quieter than gas-powered or internal combustion engine cars. The sound they produce is mainly due to wind resistance, not the combustion engines inside.
A recent study by Norwegian artist Bjrn Nyland measured the sounds of thirty electric vehicles. He found that the best of the bunch were the ones that did the most to acquaint drivers and pedestrians with a vehicle’s arrival.
In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a rule that required electric cars to make a sound when traveling under 18.6 mph. The sound would be designed to warn visually impaired pedestrians.
However, the NHTSA decided not to move forward with the proposal because it had no “supportable data.” It is expected that many EVs will be made to make sounds at high speeds, so the sound levels may be artificially louder as they adapt to society.
They produce less greenhouse gas emissions
In a new study, researchers from MIT show that electric vehicles produce less greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline cars. The study includes factors like how much electricity a vehicle needs, its regional supply chain, and the fuel consumption for the average real world use.
Researchers used the Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy. They estimated that the average U.S. resident produces 4.6 tons of carbon dioxide each year.
When using Argonne’s model, researchers plugged in variables including a range of battery sizes, models of electric vehicles, and other factors. They found that as long as the vehicle is driven a certain amount, the emissions are about 15 percent lower than a hybrid. However, once an EV reaches the end of its lifecycle, the emissions can be higher.
