10 Reasons To Switch To Electric Cars
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The number of people driving electric cars is increasing, and there are numerous compelling arguments in favor of this trend. Nonetheless, some people hold a negative perception of the EV vehicles, claiming that they are unfit for daily use. However, things are rapidly changing as more EV charging stations are being built to power cars in cities across Europe and the world. An electric car has several advantages over a car with a combustion engine, which we will go over in detail outlining 10 economic and environmental reasons why you should consider switching to an electric car.
From cutting costs to saving our planet
The future is electric. According to IEA reports, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) sold in 2021 reached a new high of 6.6 million, more than doubling the previous year's total. The number of sold electric cars increased by 75% in the first three months of 2022, reaching a total of 2 million units.
Beyond simply saving money, purchasing an electric car also brings significant environmental benefits. So, let's explore why buying an electric car could be the best decision for your comfort, safety, and your wallet, but also for the planet!
1. Great safety features
Electric vehicles are outfitted with a multitude of advanced safety features, which is great news for anyone looking for ways to keep themselves, their families, and other road users safe.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, EV injury claims are substantially less than gas cars. EV cars often offer the following safety features:
- Adaptive cruise control is a system that monitors objects in front of the vehicle using sensors and, in some cases, cameras. If you're about to rear-end someone, this technology will instantly engage your brakes to prevent a collision.
- Automatic high beam deactivation is a camera-based system that deactivates the high beams when it detects a close distance between two cars.
- Forward collision warning system uses sensors to identify a potential accident when your vehicle approaches a car or other item ahead. It warns you when you're approaching too rapidly, allowing you to slow down and prevent an accident.
- Lane departure warning is a camera-based system that detects whether the driver is about to drift out of their lane using an onboard camera.
- Lane-keeping assistance nudges the vehicle back into its lane when a driver fails to respond to the lane-departure warning.
- Blind spot monitoring technology monitors traffic in neighboring lanes and informs you if a vehicle approaches from either side.
- Surround view camera aids in parking by providing the driver with a 360-degree picture of the vehicle and its surroundings.
The highlight? Choosing an EV does not necessitate sacrificing comfort or safety; these vehicles have been widely adopted by drivers who want the latest technology and don't mind paying more for it.
2. Instant torque and acceleration
Torque is a twisting force that is the key to what makes electric vehicles so different from fuel-powered cars. There is no delay when you press the gas pedal in a hybrid or electric vehicle. The electric motor's instant torque allows you to get moving right away.
Another significant distinction between electric and gasoline-powered vehicles is that an EV doesn’t need a transmission. When you accelerate, the car's motor immediately sends power to the wheels, allowing EVs to have instant torque and acceleration.
With a fuel-powered car, you need to wait for a multi-gear downshift before the engine's power can be delivered to the wheels. On the other hand, EV cars only require a simple connection to the battery—and off you go!
3. Silent and comfortable
Silence and comfort are two things that many people look for in a car. And with electric vehicles, you get both!
Because electric vehicles do not use an internal combustion engine, you will not hear any pumping or hissing noises while driving. That means you can enjoy being on the road without having to listen to the engine noise.
They're also comfortable because they have air conditioning, heating, and all of the other modern conveniences. So, if you want to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying the luxury of modern transportation, go electric!
4. Less maintenance
When you're driving an electric car, there's a lot less to worry about than when you're driving a gas-powered car.
For example, you won't have to worry about filling up at the pump or changing your oil — just plug in and go! Because of regenerative braking, there are fewer moving parts and less fluids than in a regular vehicle, so it's easier to keep your car running smoothly.
The only thing you'll have to do regularly is rotate your tires and keep your battery charged. Because there are no moving components in the wheels, they don't need to be spun as often as gas-powered cars.
5. Cheaper to fuel
When it comes to choosing a vehicle, you want to make sure that you're getting the most for your money. For example, when considering purchasing an electric vehicle, it is important to consider the cost of fuel. While conventional automobiles are less costly to buy, their gasoline is far more expensive.
You can save money by purchasing an electric automobile and fueling it with electricity from your home or business. This means you'll be able to charge your vehicle for free if you reside in a city with public charging stations. To help you get started on your search for the perfect electric car and its charging station near your home or office, we've compiled this list of Top 10 cities in Europe with EV charging stations. Even if you don't live in a city with public charging stations, there are plenty of private ones where you may charge your car for free.
To top it all off, excellent solutions to hogging and ICE-ing issues, have made it possible to charge your electric car without having to wait or worry have made it possible to charge your electric car without having to wait or worry about someone taking your parking spot by simply parking their vehicle.
6. Buyers' Incentives
The European Union has a number of fiscal measures designed to incentivize consumers to purchase electric vehicles, so if you're thinking about buying one, you'll want to know what they are.
The AFCEA’s comprehensive overview guide provides a detailed summary of all the fiscal incentives for purchasing electric vehicles presently available in the 27 EU member states. This is your ultimate guidebook to making sure you get all the help you need when buying an electric vehicle in Europe.
7. Tax cuts
One of the techniques used by the government to encourage EV sales is to raise the tax burden on cars with greater emissions while providing tax breaks to those with lower emissions.
One of the finest examples is Norway, which has the highest concentration of electric car sales in the world. New car buyers save 25% on an electric vehicle from the outset. This is because electric cars are exempt from VAT when compared to conventionally powered vehicles. Electric vehicles are also free from vehicle tax in Germany for up to 10 years.
In addition to EU countries, The United States also provides tax breaks when acquiring an electric vehicle. All federal taxes based on fuel usage, including the gas tax and car registration costs, are exempt.
8. Less depreciation value
When purchasing an automobile, it is important to examine the depreciation rate. The lower the rate of depreciation of a vehicle, the more valuable it will remain over time. However, the amount they lose is determined by a variety of variables, including the kind and model of the automobile, its age and condition, and where you live.
According to scientific studies, the value of electric vehicles is more stable than that of conventional automobiles. A recent analysis by Autolist is a perfect illustration of that; it reveals that the Tesla Model S has far higher value retention than its gas-powered competitors like the Audi A8, Mercedes S-Class, and BMW 7 Series.
9. Zero emission
We get it—it can be hard to picture yourself driving around in an EV (especially if you've been driving a gas-powered car for decades). But here's the deal: Electric cars are better for the planet. That is not a claim; it is a fact.
Even if the electricity used to power an EV comes from the dirtiest coal-dominated grid, EVs emit less global warming pollution than conventional vehicles. A gasoline-powered car emits carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as other pollutants like nitrogen oxide, ozone, and particulate matter. These pollutants are potentially harmful to human health and contribute to climate change.
But if you want to go even further and ensure that your car has no impact on the world's carbon footprint, you can go solar and power an electric car with electricity you have "made" at home. Because there is no pollution or waste involved in the process of powering your vehicle, this is the most environmentally responsible way to drive a car.
10. Unlimited access to city centers
Most vehicles are prohibited from entering city centers, but with an electric car, you have unlimited access to city centers and low-emission zones. In recent years, major European cities have come to the conclusion that polluting vehicles should be restricted in city centers.
Cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, and London all have vehicle entry regulations and low emission zones that apply to the majority of vehicles that drive through them. These zones reduce air pollution by prohibiting certain types of vehicles from entering specific areas at all times or on specific days of the week.
In Paris, for example, you can only drive your car into the city center if it is electric or has been adapted for disabled people. In London, there are different rules depending on how old your car is; newer cars can enter the center without issue, but older vehicles may be required to pay a fee.
But electric cars are exempt from all these restrictions. You can drive right into the center with no problem at all—and enjoy all its benefits. And it's not just the freedom to drive wherever you please; most cities offer free parking for EV vehicles. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself an electric car and start enjoying your city like never before!
Do it for Next Generations Sake
It is now more important than ever to take action to protect the environment. There are numerous ways to get involved, whether you are a politician, an entrepreneur, or a regular citizen looking to make the world a better place. You can install solar panels in your home or subscribe to renewable energy. You can either take public transportation or walk more frequently. Or you can start with making one simple switch: driving an electric car instead of your regular one.
The world is changing, and we need to change with it. If you can, make a difference by switching to an electric car. The benefits are huge, not just for you and your family but for the planet as a whole. In the end, the choice is ours: do we want to do something about climate change and make the world a better place for our children, or do we just want to sit around and complain?
