If you own a car, have been in a car, or even turned on the news recently, you know gas prices are on the rise. Filling up your tank is starting to put a serious burden on people’s bank accounts, and the problem isn’t likely to go away anytime soon. Among other reasons, this is why many people are turning to a long-term solution — the electric car.
There are plenty of reasons to buy an electric car, from environmental benefits to cost savings to tax credits to better vehicle performance. We’ve teamed up withelectric vehicle enthusiast Ben from the Gjeebs YouTube channel to help you explore electric cars and all they have to offer.
To showcase this collab, we created our Electric Desert Glow-in-the-Dark Tee, featuring an Astroman exploring new planets, opportunities, and adventures. Electric Desert is an ode to the newfound freedom you feel behind the wheel.
If you’re among the many wondering, “Why should I get an electric car?” — you’re not alone. Here, we’ll review some facts about electric cars and weigh the pros and cons of electric cars to help you make a well-informed decision.
Electric Car Facts: What You Should Know
The first electric car was created a long time ago — way back in 1832. Since then, advancements and improvements have made buying an electric car not just sustainable but also affordable.
Between 2019 and 2020, electric car sales shot up about 40%. Whether you’re just starting to explore or well into your electric car journey, here are a few facts to know about electric cars.
Types of Electric Cars
There are at least 26 models of electric cars on the market, and that number is only growing.
Tesla, Hyundai, and Audi all have multiple types of electric cars. Other manufacturers, like Chevrolet and Jaguar, have just one.
The model with the highest battery range — at a whopping 402 miles — is the Tesla Model S Long Range. The Tesla 3 has the lowest cost per mile of range, while the Hyundai Kona Electric (SEL) follows closely in second.
Do Electric Cars Have Spark Plugs?
In fuel-powered cars, spark plugs play an important role in igniting the fuel combustion process, which gets your car moving.
In electric cars, this process isn’t necessary, and so no electric spark plugs are needed, either.
Do Electric Engines Need Oil?
Want to save money on oil changes? An electric car might be your option.
Electric vehicles are powered by a battery and an engine with an electric motor. There are no moving parts that need lubrication like a traditional car. As a result, electric cars don’t use traditional engine oil to keep those parts maintained.
Why Do People Buy Electric Cars?
Buying a car is no small decision, and changing the type of car you buy is a major shift. If you’re on the fence about buying an electric car, here are some of the pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Buying an Electric Car
- Lower long-term costs: Over time, electric cars cost less compared to the constant refueling of gas-run cars.
- Fewer maintenance requirements: Mechanical engines have more moving parts than electric cars, and they need maintenance. Less wear and tear also means electric cars tend to last longer in general.
- Reduced carbon footprint: If you love the environment, you’ll love your electric car. Electric cars don’t emit any carbon dioxide into the air, something the planet will really appreciate.
- Better performance: No exhaust system means better performance for electric cars. Electric cars are also usually much quieter and quicker to react to your commands.
- More tax credits: Want more money back on your taxes? The EV tax credit is an incentive for people to buy electric cars, and it means more money in your bank account.
Cons of Buying an Electric Car
- Steep costs upfront: While there are plenty of cost-saving aspects to electric cars, the upfront costs can be a deterrent for many. They cost more from the get-go — something many people simply can’t afford.
- Need to recharge: Unlike gas stations on every corner, recharging stations might be a little harder to find. However, this is quickly changing as more electric cars hit the road.
- Battery replacement expense: There’s not a lot of maintenance for electric cars, but they do need a new battery at least once during their lifetime — and they’re not cheap. Fortunately, manufacturers are making these more affordable as time passes.
To Go Electric or Not to Go Electric
Making the switch to an electric car comes with a lot of benefits, but it’s a major decision. Electric cars may seem futuristic, but they’re benefiting consumers and our planet today. The question is — are you on board?
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