The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Besides the obvious advantages, such as safety for the environment, low noise level, and safety, electric cars have several distinctive features that differ them from other vehicles. 

Zero RPM

Electric motors produce peak torque from zero rpm (the number of turns in a minute). After pressing the accelerator pedal, all the newton meters declared by the manufacturer begin to work almost instantly with no delays or failures. That is why modern cars like Tesla have such stellar acceleration figures.

That is why electric engines are aggregated with single-speed gearboxes; they do not need many speeds. This lowers the weight of transmissions and the car as a whole; gives it more reliability, saving from failures and time losses during intensive acceleration.

Less Brake Wear

Since the wheels can crank the engine and use its inertia as resistance when the car is coasting, the movement forwards allows you to temporarily turn the engine into a generator. It will charge the batteries with energy and at the same time slow the car, instead of wasting precious energy heating of the brakes, thereby reducing the load on the brake system. This principle of slowing down means less load on the brakes and less wear, which implies the possibility of reducing the diameter of the brake discs and the size of the calipers. Powerful brakes on such cars are not needed.

Layout of Batteries

Batteries can be placed anywhere in the car. Usually, they are placed on the floor, thereby shifting the center of gravity down. But in fact, the batteries can be distributed throughout the car in various places, from the hood to the trunk, adjusting the weight distribution even better to maximize internal volume and minimize the effect of the heavy battery, resulting in better handling.

What Are the Biggest Problems with Electric Cars?

• Limited power reserve. Budget electric cars have about 150 – 200 miles. Because of this, you can drive them only in the city. Premium electric vehicles are devoid of such shortcomings – the Tesla Model S can travel more than 400 miles on a single charge.
• High price. The average price for a new electric car is more than $50,000, according to KBB. The good news is that you can find a used one for roughly $10,000 cheaper. 
• Sensitivity to air temperature. Studies show that at 5°, battery capacity is reduced by 20%, at -5° – by 35-40%, and at -12° – by 50%.
• Problems with the microclimate in the cabin. A battery powers the air conditioner and stove. By turning them on, you reduce the power reserve by another 20-25%. Partially, this can be solved by installing an autonomous heater running on gasoline or diesel fuel, but then an additional source of costs will appear.

Are Electric Cars Cheaper to Run?

Given that electric vehicles are generally more expensive than gasoline-powered cars, and electricity has its costs, is it cheaper to switch to this type of fuel? The short answer is yes. But it also depends on the model you’re buying and your driving habits.

The average price of an electric vehicle (EV) is about $10,000 higher than the industry average, including gasoline and hybrid cars. In terms of price, an electric car is equivalent to a base-class luxury one.

Tax Incentives to Reduce the Cost

The price gap between electric cars and gasoline cars may narrow in the next decade. This will depend on further improvements in battery technology, which could result in lower manufacturing costs.

In the meantime, customers can offset part of the premiums paid through tax credits. The federal government is offering a $2,500-$7,500 non-refundable tax credit for newly purchased electric vehicles manufactured after 2010.

However, the credit only covers the first 200,000 cars sold by the manufacturer. General Motors and Tesla have already surpassed this number, so you won’t get credit for EVs from these manufacturers. Check the list of electric vehicles that are still eligible for the federal tax credit here.

Some states offer their rebate or tax credit. The Plug In America EV advocacy group created an interactive map to show incentives for electric vehicles in each state. In Indiana, for example, you may expect some discounts from insurance companies.

Cheaper Maintenance

Electric cars tend to have cheaper maintenance costs.

A Consumer Reports study found that electric vehicle owners spend 60% less on fuel compared to cars with internal combustion engines.

And because electric vehicles have no oil or spark plugs to replace, they often have lower maintenance costs. According to the report by the We Predict analytics firm, after 36 months on the road, maintenance costs for electric vehicles and light trucks are 31% lower compared to similar gasoline vehicles.

What Electric Car to Buy in Indianapolis?

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The choice of an electric car depends on your budget and needs:

• If you need a car for short everyday drives to work, there is no need to overpay for the battery volume. You may consider the Chevrolet Spark or the Nissan Leaf. 
• But if you are planning to travel on an electric vehicle, look for the options with the best mileage, such as Tesla Model X or S. 

Take one of these cars for a test drive at Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis, and to feel its potential at your fingertips. 

Schedule your test drive right now!