The choice of an electric car or with traditional fuels depends on several aspects. From caring for the environment to autonomy and costs.
The automotive industry is undergoing an important transition in recent years. While internal combustion vehicles continue to lead the market, the use of electric cars is becoming more common in some countries. The choice depends on factors such as the infrastructure of the place, needs and personal preferences.
It is common to hear in discussions about sustainable mobility that the transition to electric motors is the future of urban transport. Although the numbers are increasing and government incentives for their acquisition are advantageous, it is still a long way from a dominance of electric cars.
Many users choose electric vehicles to reduce their carbon footprint, due to the low pollution they emit. But there are other reasons that favor its use.
6 advantages of using electric cars
There are many advantages of driving this type of vehicle. As far as the environment is concerned, the emission of gases is reduced. In addition, thanks to technological advances, it is possible to approach the comforts and performance of any traditional car.
1. Environment
The operation of electric cars is based on their batteries and the transformation of electricity into propulsion energy. This means that it does not use fuels such as naphtha or diesel, which cause a significant percentage of environmental pollution.
Stopping current levels of global warming is an urgent task for humanity. This type of car collaborates with that.
2. Noise pollution
A problem in many large cities is the high level of noise pollution. By not using combustion, the electric car is quieter than the rest, something that contributes to the quality of individual and social life.
Noise pollution is still a problem in cities. Reducing noise is also a benefit of the electric motor.
3. Expenses and maintenance
With regard to costs, the use of electric cars has different variants to analyze. As for the maintenance itself, they usually have an advantage over traditional ones. Being more reliable and compact, the engines generate fewer failures, which results in less expense in repairs.
Brake pads don’t wear out as quickly and require more sporadic changes. In addition, naphtha and other fuels are increasingly expensive, so the switch to electricity is another advantage in economic terms.
4. Space for electric cars
It is possible that many models of this type have a small appearance on the outside. However, they usually have a spacious and comfortable interior space for the user. This is due to the absence of gearbox, clutch and the smaller size of the engine.
5. Insurance and parking
In general, insurance companies offer cheaper policies for electric cars, due to the lower risks and inconveniences they usually generate. On the other hand, some cities encourage its use, establishing free parking.
6. Efficiency and overall savings
Electric cars are more efficient than traditional ones by a high percentage. In addition, energy consumption costs much less compared to internal combustion consumption.
6 disadvantages of electric cars
Beyond all the positive aspects of these vehicles, there are a number of cons that generate resistance in many users. Some of these problems are projected to be solved in the near future; others depend on personal preference.
1. Autonomy
One of the most common disadvantages when comparing electric and traditional cars is their autonomy. Although there are models on the market with 600 kilometers of range, such as the Tesla Model 3, they usually have high costs. As for the most accessible options, the autonomy ranges between 150 and 450 kilometers.
In any case, it is an issue that improves every year, thanks to technological advances. In addition, factors such as battery status, speed and air conditioning usage play a role in the figures.
2. Time and form of loading
One of the main disadvantages affecting electric cars is their charging time. In general, they require between 5 and 7 hours of connection when the battery is discharged.
For this reason, many users choose to install their own charging stations, either in garages or parking lots. This allows the vehicle to have night charging at rest, although its cost is very high.
As for the network of stations, it depends on the infrastructure of each country. Not all places have charging points. In the United States, the Tesla company is responsible for increasing that number year after year. But in other countries this can present a complication for users.
3. Lower power
In general, many models do not reach the number of revolutions, power and speed of internal combustion vehicles. However, it is another issue that is equated as the years go by and technology advances.
4. Workshops
While it is less likely to happen, electric cars can also suffer breakdowns. In that case, the availability of specialized workshops is much lower, so an arrangement can mean high costs or significant delays.
5. Sale price
One of the aspects that makes it expensive to obtain an electric vehicle is the price of the battery. Although they last between 7 and 10 years, or an approximate distance of 200 thousand kilometers, at the time of changing or repairing it, the expense is very high.
For this reason, there are more and more rental options. A new model, without battery, is acquired for a much lower cost, and it is then rented.
Electric charging for these vehicles is still slow. This is a disadvantage that prevents many users from deciding on the purchase.
6. Pollution
Although many users choose these vehicles to reduce their individual carbon footprint, it should be noted that they are not 100% environmentally friendly. Although they have no gas emissions and, compared to gasoline cars, their environmental pollution is lower, the production of electricity does pollute.
This industry is usually based on the use of fossil fuels, such as coal or oil, which also intervenes in the problem of global warming. However, it is an issue that can be solved by moving electricity generation to the use of renewable energies, such as solar or wind.
Is it worth getting electric cars?
Beyond the analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of using electric vehicles, it is clear that a transition is needed in the industry. During COP26, the last convention against climate change, representatives of different nations and manufacturers proposed a progressive reduction of gasoline and diesel cars by 2040.
These international policies encourage users to obtain electric cars in different ways. At present, it is the best option for a more sustainable future.
All these issues cause that, beyond the still wide dominance of traditional cars in the market, sales figures increase every year. Between 2019 and 2021 there was a significant increase in sales of electric vehicles, especially in countries such as Spain, Mexico and the United States.
It is estimated that the market for these cars covers about 2% of the total. But the projection for 2025 indicates an increase of up to 10%.
Users recommend electric cars
Thousands of users of electric cars recommend its use, downplaying the disadvantages and highlighting its multiple points in favor. It is that several of its cons are projected to be solved in the near future, such as the level of autonomy and power.
A thorough analysis when purchasing a combustion or electric vehicle will depend on personal tastes and preferences. In addition to the infrastructure of the country of residence. However, there is no doubt that these models are an increasingly recommended option for mobility.