Electric Vehicles, sometimes called EVs, is still a relatively novel concept in the Caribbean. However, year over year, there has been a steady rise in ownership. Electric vehicles initially were very expensive but due to technological advancements for the last few years, the costs have been gradually dropping.
There has also been a general push to educate potential car buyers about the advantages and capabilities of electric cars. This has been integral in their recent rise in popularity. In this vein, we will tackle the main advantages and disadvantages of electric vehicles in this article.
Some Advantages of Electric Vehicles
Environmentally Friendly
Perhaps the most touted advantage of owning an EV is the minuscule carbon footprint relative to even the most eco-friendly gas-powered vehicles. We, at Talius Caribbean, believe in environmentally friendly products that are not only functional but are also energy efficient. It may surprise you to know that electric cars don’t have an exhaust system at all.
Electricity is Cheaper
Per mile, you get more bang for the buck with electricity over gas. Some people even go the extra mile (no pun intended) and install solar panels to power their car charging ports in their garages for a truly environmentally friendly and energy-efficient experience.
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Electric Vehicles Require Less Maintenance
Conventional combustion engines require more maintenance than electric engines. Think of the basic oil changes that you schedule every 6 months and understand that is only the tip of the iceberg. Brakes tend to last longer on an EV as well.
Another great aspect of electric vehicles is reduced noise pollution. If the majority of cars on the road were electric, you’d notice just how much quieter everything got all of a sudden.
Some Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles
Shorter Ranges
Depending on your commute, an EV might not be the right fit for you. Some EVs have shorter ranges than gas-powered vehicles. Different models, however, have different ranges. On a full charge, some models can offer only 60 – 100 miles, while other high-end iterations can provide anywhere between 200 – 300 miles on a single charge.
Charging is not Time Efficient
Charging your EV can take quite a while, whereas getting a full tank of gas is at worst a 10-minute affair. For this reason, a certain amount of planning has to go into everything. This has turned some people off from owning an electric vehicle.
Initial Investment
It is no secret that the opening cost for an EV is much higher than that of a gas-powered vehicle. However, an electric car will pay for itself over time due to the savings from maintenance, and gas. Unfortunately, sometimes the initial investment is so prohibitive that many potential car buyers can’t overcome it.
Less Choice
EVs are not mainstream and so there isn’t a ton of different models being released every year. While this can change, it will be some time before we see the same level of choice that we enjoy for gas-powered vehicles.
One last thing to note, car charging ports are not nearly as plentiful as gas stations. If you are caught running out of charge, it can be disastrous.
In Closing
While there are some things to consider before purchasing an electric vehicle, the pros can outweigh the cons. All electric vehicles are modern, aesthetically pleasing, and economical once you can get past the initial investment.
