Are Electric Cars Worth Buying? Pros & Cons of EVs
Are Electric Cars (EVs) Worth Buying in 2024?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, all types of electric vehicles (EVs) can help you travel further for less money, reduce fuel costs and minimize harmful emissions. Whether you’re excited about EVs or content with driving gas-fueled cars indefinitely, EVs are growing in popularity. They’ve earned significant attention lately as a more sustainable and efficient transportation alternative to traditional gas-driven cars.
In this article, we’ll explore whether EVs are worth buying in 2024 and beyond by going over the biggest pros and cons that come with EV ownership. We’ll also provide info on how they fit into the current automotive landscape.
EVs are powered by electricity rather than fuel or gas. The difference in equipment makes them torque-rich, efficient and far less likely to break down or need maintenance. They offer a thrilling driving experience with fast acceleration and a nearly silent engine while minimizing harmful emissions that lead to poor air quality.
On the other hand, they can be expensive to buy initially, and their parts tend to cost more. Plus, the public charging infrastructure is still catching up — as of July 2023, there were 252 public charging stations in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
While there are many benefits to choosing an EV or hybrid for your next vehicle, some trade-offs do apply. Check out the information below so you can determine for yourself whether or not EV benefits outweigh their limitations.
Here are the Pros of Electric Cars (EVs)
EVs offer many advantages over their traditional counterparts. Here are some of the most notable benefits to add to your pros and cons list.
Excellent Performance and Handling
Many people report that EVs are an absolute blast to drive. EVs showcase an impressive ability to outpace all but the most exceptional vehicles. They can typically accelerate from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds. Plus, they’re virtually silent, which can add a nice layer of tranquillity to your commute or other travels.
Better Fuel Economy
EVs have better fuel economy compared to gas cars. As the prices of gas and fuel continue to soar, EVs provide a viable alternative, especially during times of economic uncertainty.
Cleaner Than Gas Engines
EV owners don’t have to deal with hazardous exhaust emissions at all, which means no more worrying about carbon monoxide poisoning in the garage or contributing to poor air quality. EVs don’t emit toxic gas into the air, an important advantage over gas cars. Since poor air quality leads to more illnesses and worsens sleep quality, this is a major long-term benefit even if it’s not immediately noticeable.
Less Maintenance
Electric cars have fewer moving parts compared to combustion engines in gas vehicles, so you won’t have to spend as much time or money on maintenance, service and repairs. And some of the components that do still need maintenance, such as brakes, tend to experience less wear and tear in EVs.
Environmentally Friendly
EVs do not release harmful emissions when you drive them, but vehicles that run on fossil fuels do. Even when you consider emissions created during manufacturing, they still create fewer greenhouse gases over the lifetime of the vehicle compared to gas-fueled cars. This benefits more than just people — it also gives the animals and plants we share our planet with a better chance of survival and improved quality of life.
Here are the Cons of Electric Cars (EVs)
While electric cars offer numerous advantages, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks. Here are some cons of owning an electric car.
EVs Can Be Expensive
The cost of electric vehicles can be a deterrent for some buyers. As of May 2023, the average purchase price for EVs was $55,488 compared to gas-powered vehicles, which were $48,528 on average (source: Kelley Blue Book).
Replacing Parts Can Be Pricey
Although EV parts need fewer repairs, maintenance and replacement, the parts that do need to be replaced are sometimes more expensive. For example, since EVs are heavier than gas cars, their tires wear out 20% faster. Because of this, you typically need more durable tires with a higher price tag — especially if you’re driving on rough terrain.
Charging Hustle
Depending on where you live, finding a public charger can be a challenge. However, some EVs come with built-in GPS navigation that will map out a route with charging stations along the way. There are also lots of free apps that help you find public charging stations, such as PlugShare, ChargeHub and ChargeFinder. Plus, more charging stations are being built all the time.
Limited Driving Range & Charging Time
Just as a gas tank can only hold so much fuel, an EV can only go so far without being recharged. If you let your battery level run too low, you won’t be able to drive any further — just like if you don’t charge your phone, it will shut off until you plug it in for a while. And although it may be easy to just replace the idea of stopping by the gas station with stopping for a quick charge, it takes a lot longer to charge an EV than it does to fill up a tank with gas.
Slow-charging an EV battery takes hours, while rapid charging stations take about 30 minutes to one hour. It’s a good idea to plan your trip around charging times so that you don’t have to sit around waiting for a charge. For example, you could shop at a grocery store that has a public charger and top off your battery while you do your regular shopping. You can also charge your vehicle at home each night, just like you charge your phone!
It is important that you know how to safely utilize this resource to heat your home. Before using an alcohol heater, make sure you:
- Make sure your hair is pulled back away from any potential flame sources.
- Clear the area around the heater, ensuring there are no flammable objects close to the heat source.
- Always be sure that the flame is fully extinguished for capping or storing the heater. This can be tricky since many alcohol heaters have clear flames!
- Do not burn alcohol heaters excessively, once the room is warm extinguish the flame.
You can read more about alcohol heater safety and explore which model will work best for you here.
11. Wear Plenty of Layers
Pull out your sweaters — even that ugly Christmas one you only get to wear once a year! One of the simplest ways to stay warm when you do not have electricity is to layer up your clothes. You can also invest in thermal base layers that will insulate your body heat and keep you from getting cold, even if it is cold in your home.
12. Keep Yourself Warm with Blankets
If you are still chilly in your home once you have layered on all your warmest clothing, you can add additional layers by bundling up in multiple blankets. This will help you reserve your body heat. Cuddle with your family and share blankets to produce even more heat!
13. Grab Your Sleeping Bags
Although sleeping bags are typically thought of for outdoor use, when you are without electricity your sleeping bags can be a valuable tool to keep you warm! Bundle up and get in your sleeping bag to conserve your body heat.
14. Stay Warm with Some Exercise
This may seem obvious, but one easy way to fight off the cold is by raising your body temperature. You can do this easily by exercising. Pull up an at home workout from YouTube on your phone if you are able. Or better yet, get the whole family together for a dance party. Exercise is a great way to raise your body temperature, boost your overall health and mood, and bond with those you live with.
15. Consume Warm Drinks
Warm your body from the inside out! If you have a way to heat water, you can make coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Sipping these drinks will raise your internal body temperature and assist in keeping you warm when your home is cold.
16. Put Up a Tent Indoors
Remember that tent in the garage that you used once and have had in storage since? Now is the perfect time to break it out! If you are wondering how to keep your home warm without electricity, a tent might be your answer.
Since tents are usually quite small and made to be used out in the elements, they get warm very quickly and can hold in heat. Set your tent up indoors, get your family together, and have an unforgettable at-home camping experience. Not only will huddling together conserve body heat, but it will also create lasting memories.
17. Consider Purchasing a Gas Generator
Although they can be quite pricey, gas generators are an investment that might be worthwhile if you experience frequent outages in your area during the cold months. Gas generators can produce enough power for you to keep your house warm in times of crisis. You can read more about how to choose and safely operate generators here. Still need help? The EPB Energy Pros are available to help you identify how to safely install and use a gas generator.
Keep Your Room Heated Even Without Electricity
With these steps, you will be prepared to heat any room and stay warm without electricity in times without power. Choosing the plan of action that is best suited for you and your family’s needs will assure that power outages during the cold months are less stressful and everyone stays happy, healthy and warm.
If you live in EPB’s service area you can stay up to date using the outage tracker in the MyEPB app and check EPB.com or follow EPB on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter for updates.
