The automotive industry is one of the largest industries in the world judging by revenue. Predictions for 2021 estimate the worldwide car sales at 70 million automobiles, which is an impressive figure, considering the current economic situation.
Unfortunately, the automotive sector is also a major contributor to global pollution, which is an issue that can no longer be ignored. Experts warn that air pollution is a major threat to both public health and economic progress. According to statistics provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), every year almost 4.2 million people die due to outdoor air pollution.
The good news is that the face of the auto industry is slowly changing with the introduction of electric vehicles, marking a new era of sustainable transport. What was once just a distant idea is now turning into a reality as electric cars are becoming more mainstream by the day.
Yet as with all things that are fairly new on the market, people are having a difficult time figuring out if it’s worth making the switch and spending their money on an electric car or not. So here are six good reasons that might convince you to join the electric vehicle revolution and be part of the change.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Since we’ve already opened the sustainability topic in the beginning, we should continue on the same note and list this as the number one advantage of driving an EV. Conventional vehicles powered by fossil fuels are known for releasing pollutants into the atmosphere, harming the environment and affecting the health of our planet. A conventional passenger car will emit on average 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
EVs, on the other hand, will not produce any tailpipe emissions. The only emissions associated with EVs come from the production and distribution of the electricity needed to power them up, so they’re definitely a much more environmentally-friendly option. This aspect alone should encourage you to switch from traditional cars to EVs in the near future.
Save on fuel costs
If saving the planet doesn’t motivate you, saving on fuel costs might. The average car owner spends almost 2000 US dollars on gas per year to power up a conventional vehicle. This might not sound like such a large sum considering you don’t spend it all at once, but why not cut back on this expense if you have the possibility to do it?
Electric vehicles have much lower running costs, meaning you’ll be able to save a lot of money in the long run. What’s more, EVs provide a higher level of convenience as they can be charged at home, eliminating the need to stop at a gas station every time you need to fill your car. All you have to do is plug them in when you get home or when you’re at work, just like you would do with any other device, and by the time you need to hit the road they’ll be fully charged and ready to roll.
Low maintenance requirements
Traditional cars require a full list of maintenance tasks that have to be performed regularly in order to keep them in proper functioning condition. Even if you take great care of your fossil fuel car, you’re still going to have to take it to the mechanic for regular inspections, as there are countless things you’ll have to replace and fix over time. An older car model can skyrocket your maintenance bills.
Things are completely different when it comes to EVs. With fewer moving parts that can break and less components that require regular replacement, you won’t have to make as many trips to the auto service, so car maintenance won’t leave a hole in your budget.
Affordability
Some people argue that EVs are quite expensive, discouraging them from considering this option for the moment. For example, prices for Tesla electric vehicles have suffered fluctuations over time, making a lot of car buyers wonder if they could afford to purchase such a vehicle or not.
However, as more and more manufacturers start producing EVs, they’ll become increasingly affordable. As time goes by, we can expect prices for electrical cars to be comparable or even lower than prices for traditional vehicles. Apart from that, many governments offer substantial tax incentives to encourage people to buy electric vehicles, making it easier for consumers to make the transition from conventional cars to electric.
Superior driving experience
Another reason to consider purchasing an electric car is the superior driving experience they provide. What would you rather drive: a loud car that might not perform as you expect or a silent vehicle that drives like a dream?
When you get behind the wheel of an EV, you’ll be able to enjoy better handling, enhanced comfort and responsiveness. Electric vehicles are a lot quieter than traditional cars, so all you’re going to hear is a soft humming in the background, ensuring peaceful and relaxing rides. If cabin noise doesn’t exactly sound like music to your ears, an EV is the perfect car for you.
Higher resale value
As every car owner already knows, depreciation is a big issue when purchasing a car. Within the first three years of driving a conventional car, you’ll lose almost half of its value. If you don’t take depreciation into account when you buy your car, you might have an unpleasant surprise later when you decide to sell it for a new one.
That is not the case with electric vehicles. Since EVs bring innovation to the table and they experience less wear and tear over time, they’ll have a higher resale value than fossil fuel cars, so depreciation becomes less of a problem.
Final thoughts
There’s no denying there are plenty of advantages to driving an electric vehicle. As electric car technology continues to evolve, further improving their performance, we can expect to enjoy even more benefits in the near future. So do yourself and the planet a favor and choose an EV next time you’re in the market for a new car.