All-electric vehicles have zero exhaust emissions, making them greener, cleaner and more environmentally friendly than gasoline or diesel vehicles. Because all-electric vehicles use a rechargeable battery, driving an electric vehicle does not result in exhaust emissions, which are a major source of pollution in the United States. Since electric vehicles have zero carbon emissions, this means that smog can be prevented and air quality can be improved by driving electric vehicles. An electric car has zero exhaust emissions, but still creates some degree of greenhouse gas emissions when charging from the electrical grid.
No Oil and Less Moving Parts
Since the electric vehicle is fully electric, no oil is required to lubricate the motor. Electric cars run on electric motors and so there is no need to lubricate the engines, anything associated with an internal combustion engine, or a lot of the maintenance tasks normally associated with a gas engine. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles have very few moving parts, so they eliminate the need for oil changes, transmission maintenance, tuning and replacing drive belts, spark plugs and air filters.
More Energy Efficient
EV vehicles are much more energy efficient (85-90% efficient) than combustion engine vehicles (17-21%), which means they use less energy to get from point A to point B. 60% less fuel, than conventional gas powered vehicles.
HEV, PHEV and EV can significantly reduce fuel costs due to the high efficiency of electric drive components. From the environmental impact to savings on fuel, taxes and maintenance costs, electric vehicles can help you save significant amounts of money. From tax breaks and special government subsidies to improved fuel efficiency, reduced energy costs and reduced maintenance requirements, you can spend far less on an electric car than on your current car.
Electric Cars Are More Expensive To Buy
All-electric vehicles are also more expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles, and the initial cost of an all-electric vehicle can also be prohibitive. When comparing conventional gasoline vehicles to their similar electric counterparts, EVs tend to cost 10-40% more, according to Consumer Reports analysis. Electric vehicles tend to depreciate faster than gasoline-powered vehicles, meaning you won’t be able to sell or trade in your hybrid as often as a conventional model.
Electric Cars Are Cheaper Per Mile
The money you spend on gas per mile is double what you spend on electricity per mile. While per-gallon prices fluctuate, a typical eGallon (or the cost of filling up a car with electricity) is about half the price of a gallon of gasoline.
The electric Volkswagen ID.4 saves on maintenance and fuel (at 10,000 miles a year with $2.96 per gallon gas and $0.13 per kilowatt hour electricity). In addition to the fuel savings benefit, electric vehicles offer another significant savings on maintenance costs. When it comes to electric vehicles, you’ll find significant savings thanks to the federal government’s mandate that manufacturers offer a minimum 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on electric vehicle batteries.
The federal government is offering a tax credit of up to $7,500 for all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased new in 2010 or later. The Bay Area Air Quality Management Program “Clean Cars for All” is offering incentives of up to $9,500 for Bay Area residents to pick up their old car and replace it with a hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, battery, or hydrogen fuel cell.
What About Plug In Hybrids?
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles (EVs), also known as battery electric vehicles, are capable of being powered solely by natural gas, coal, nuclear, and wind power produced in the United States. Energy, Hydro and Solar. While some companies are proactively building their entire car models and running on electricity, some also offer hybrid vehicles that run on both electricity and natural gas. Electric vehicles have better handling and stability than conventional combustion engine vehicles due to the low center of gravity and battery weight (usually located under the vehicle).
The average American pays about 15 cents a mile to drive a car on gasoline, while many electric cars go as low as 5 cents a mile. If most people charge their car in the garage by installing a few solar panels, the price can be reduced even further, offering savings on whole house electricity. Buying an electric car with a subscription means saving on operating costs from the first day of driving.
Of course, switching to electricity comes with many costs and considerations. With electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus Electric or Tesla Model S, the Chevrolet Volt not only saves money, but also helps create a healthy and sustainable environment. You’ll also see a breakdown of your electricity usage and costs, so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll save every time you recharge your car. The electricity cost to charge an electric car is about 40% lower than the cost of running the same distance1 for a car of the same size using gasoline.