If you haven’t taken a look at the electric vehicle market in a while, you may find its current state to be a pleasant surprise. It has only become easier, cheaper, and more convenient to own an electric car over the years. Here are some of the reasons why you might want to consider picking up an EV this year.
1. Save On Gas Prices
Running a car on electricity is significantly cheaper per mile. On top of that, electricity prices have historically been much easier to predict, which makes it easier to predict how much you will spend charging your car over the next decade or two.
In contrast, gas-powered vehicles tend to be more expensive to run. And relying on gas leaves you much more vulnerable to shortages and price hikes.
2. No More Gas Stations
One of the ways the market has changed is that it is now easier than ever to install an EV charger at your home. This means you’ll be able to remove “fill the gas tank” from your list of regular chores. And you’ll never have to deal with sitting in line to get gas again. You can just get home, plug in your car, and it’ll be ready to be used in the morning.
3. Road Trips Are Possible Now
EVs have always excelled as a vehicle for commutes, as it can be hard to find EV charging stations while on the road. And while that is still an issue, that problem has been reduced here in the US.
The combination of increased EV battery range and an expansion in EV charging infrastructure has greatly expanded the list of EV-friendly destinations around the country. And several apps and interactive maps make planning long trips around available charging stations much easier.
4. Deal With Less Maintenance
The inner workings of an EV are so simple that maintenance is almost a non-issue. Different manufacturers build their cars up to different standards, but it’s not uncommon for EVs to run for a decade with no maintenance needed besides the occasional tire change. EVs don’t even need oil changes.
This does more than just save you money in the long run. It prevents wasted time and frustration too. How many days have you been completely derailed because your car wouldn’t start in the morning?
Only one internal component in an EV degrades with age: the battery. But if you choose to buy your electric car brand new, most manufacturers will offer a free battery replacement as part of the car’s warranty. And EV manufacturers have gotten much better at extending the lifespan of electric car batteries over the years.
5. Prices Are Coming Down
Getting an electric car doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The number of used models and budget cars has been increasing in recent years. Many states also have tax incentives in place for anyone willing to invest in an EV.
On top of that, when you factor in rising gas prices and reduced maintenance costs, your EV has a decent chance of paying for itself in the next 5 – 10 years. Electric cars may cost more upfront, but their lifetime costs are lower.