Electric Car Pros Cons 2024 Guide To EV Ownership

Are you thinking about getting an electric car but feeling overwhelmed by all the talk about electric car pros and cons? You’re not alone. Lots of people are curious about EVs, but with so much information flying around, it can be tough to sort fact from fiction.

Let’s break down electric car pros and cons to help you make the best choice. We’ll look at the practical ups and downs of owning an EV so you can feel confident in your decision.

The Perks of Plugging In: Electric Car Advantages

There’s a lot to love about driving an electric car. For many, the positives outweigh any downsides. Here’s a closer look at the most significant advantages.

1. Kiss the Pump Goodbye: Cost Savings on Fuel

You’ve probably heard this one already: electric cars save you big time on fuel costs. Charging an EV at home can be ridiculously cheap – sometimes just a few dollars for a full “tank.” Think about how much you spend at the pump each month and imagine slashing that cost.

For example, January 2024 saw the average national electricity price sitting around 17 cents per kWh [1]. To fully charge a 65-kWh Chevrolet Bolt EV would cost you just $11.05. Imagine what that saving would look like over months and years. Plus, many electric companies offer special rates and incentives for charging at home during off-peak hours, so you could save even more.

2. The Green Machine: Reducing your Environmental Footprint

EVs get a gold star for being kind to our planet because they produce zero tailpipe emissions. Sure, there are some environmental impacts associated with producing their batteries and the electricity needed to power them, but overall, studies show EVs generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime than gas cars .

So, if shrinking your carbon footprint matters to you, an EV is a pretty great choice. An EV can be an all-electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which still relies partially on onboard fuel.

3. A Smooth Operator: Enjoying Quiet and Powerful Performance

Step inside an electric car, and you’ll immediately notice the difference: pure silence. This tranquil driving experience is because electric motors make almost no noise. No roaring combustion engines or rumbling exhausts, just a quiet hum as you glide along.

Electric cars are known for smooth acceleration too. Those instant torque bursts from electric motors really get you moving. The internal combustion engine in a gasoline-powered car simply cannot compete with that.

4. Less Time Under the Hood: Simplified Maintenance

Get ready to say “adios” to oil changes and those other messy gas engine maintenance tasks. EVs don’t need nearly as much upkeep as combustion engine cars because they have fewer moving parts.

So, although they aren’t totally maintenance-free, you’ll likely be spending a lot less time at the mechanic. That translates to less money out of your pocket, which everyone loves. Plus, most EVs have long warranties for their battery packs – often up to eight years or 100,000 miles. This protects you against potentially pricey repairs in the first several years.

Facing the Reality: Electric Car Challenges

Despite those shiny advantages, you need to consider the less glamorous side of electric car ownership. Knowing these potential hurdles upfront will help you decide if an EV truly fits into your life.

1. Range Anxiety: Can I Go the Distance?

One of the most talked-about electric car cons is “range anxiety.” This is the fear of your EV’s battery running out before reaching a charger. Thankfully, this worry is becoming less valid as today’s EVs can drive much further on a single charge than they used to.

However, you still won’t find the same 500 or even 800-mile range common in some gas-powered vehicles [3]. EVs just don’t have that long-haul capacity… yet. So, if your routine includes lots of long road trips, consider the electric car range carefully and how you’ll manage recharging. You may need to plan your route around charging stations or factor in extra time for recharging.

2. Slow Refueling: EV Charging Time Considerations

Let’s face it, filling a gas tank is pretty fast. Grabbing a coffee and a quick bathroom break while you fuel up – those days may be gone when you’re plugging in.

Recharging an electric car battery can take longer, especially using standard Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. Though many people comfortably charge at home overnight, a spontaneous road trip might require a pit stop at a DC fast charger, which can take 30 minutes or more to add a significant boost to your battery. So, if you’re used to a rapid gas station fill-up, be prepared for a more leisurely approach with EV charging. It’s just a different mindset.

3. Not so Easy Access: Public Charging Station Availability

As EV adoption keeps growing, so does the number of EV charging stations. However, EV charging infrastructure is still expanding, especially when compared to the gas station network we’re accustomed to [3]. So, finding available charging stations along certain routes can still be a challenge.

While websites and apps help locate stations and check their availability, you may not always have a convenient fast charger along those less-traveled paths. Luckily, efforts are underway to improve access to public charging. The US Department of Energy, for instance, recorded an impressive jump from just over 30,000 charging locations five years ago to nearly 60,000 as of early 2024 [4]. We’ll likely see more and more stations popping up.

4. Pricey Batteries: The Cost of EV Battery Replacement

Electric car batteries are built to last a long time, often for the life of the car. While battery technology is constantly improving and warranties usually cover you for several years, it’s still smart to factor in the potential cost of eventual EV battery replacement.

Although these costs are expected to continue decreasing, they still range from around $6,000 to over $10,000 or more, depending on the make and model. To get an idea of the price of batteries for popular cars like the Chevrolet Volt, take a look at this table from “Auto How Stuff Works” [5].

5. Higher Upfront Cost: Feeling the Price Pinch?

This one is pretty straightforward: while the price of electric vehicles is steadily dropping, that initial price tag is still typically higher than buying a gas car. That shiny new EV often involves a bigger loan from a company like Auto Finance Direct.

Remember, you have to factor those tempting tax credits, incentives, and long-term fuel savings into the equation . The real cost might even out in the long run.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Deciding whether to buy an electric car isn’t just about choosing a cool, modern vehicle. It’s about factoring in all the electric car pros and cons to see if this technology fits your driving habits and priorities.

FAQs about Electric Car Pros and Cons

What are the downsides of electric cars?

Some common downsides to electric car ownership include:

• Charging Time.
• Availability of Public Charging Stations.
• Higher Upfront Purchase Cost Compared to Some Gas Cars.
• Range Limitations on a Single Charge.

What is the biggest problem with electric cars?

For many potential EV drivers, the biggest problem is the range limitation compared to gas cars. Not being able to take long road trips without lengthy charging stops is a deal breaker for some. Plug-in hybrids offer a great alternative for those seeking more than just battery power.

Pros and cons of driving an electric vehicle?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pros:

• Reduced Environmental Impact Due to Zero Emissions.
• Lower Maintenance Requirements.
• Potential for Big Savings on Fuel Costs.

Cons:

• Shorter Range Compared to Gas Vehicles.
• Lack of Convenient Public Charging Stations in Many Areas.
• Potentially High Costs for Repairs Outside of the Warranty Period.

How long do electric cars last?

The overall lifespan of an electric car is comparable to a gas vehicle, but one major factor affecting longevity is battery life. Most EVs have a battery pack designed to last eight to 10 years, or even longer in some cases. Battery replacement cost is a significant factor to consider. As you can see, there are numerous electric vehicles to choose from.

The automotive landscape is transforming. While this creates excitement around clean energy and cutting-edge technology, it also generates many questions for people weighing electric car pros and cons.

Electric car technology has come a long way and continues to advance rapidly. Ultimately, the decision about switching to an EV is a personal one. Take the time to understand the current realities, and your specific needs, so you can be part of a sustainable future without ending up stranded with an empty battery.