If saving Earth from climate change isn’t enough reason to switch to an electric car, what about saving money? Driving an electric car will save you thousands of dollars a year, and you won’t be sacrificing speed or performance
Electricity is Cheap
The average American driver spends around $3,000 per year on gasoline if the state imposes additional taxes on gas. That’s close to 10 percent of the American median income ($33,000). With an electric vehicle (EV), you’ll be spending less than $600 a year, or a measly $50 a month. EVs can sometimes be a bit more expensive than the average gas-guzzler.
However, EV prices have been dropping. You can buy an EV for as low as $25,000 (after rebates), but you’ll need around $30,000 if you want a Tesla. With the savings you get by forgoing gas, your EVs pay for themselves in just 12 years. Modern battery packs will have a 5-8 year warranty and can usually last for 200,000 miles. If you’re not driving 2-3 hours a day, your car should be fine even after 17-20 years.
Electric Vehicles Outperform Normal Cars
You might miss the sound of a revving engine, but you won’t miss out on performance. Modern electric vehicles will fulfill your need for speed. They are faster than the average car, and their acceleration is unrivaled. The instant torque of electric cars allows them to go from 0-60 mph in just 2 seconds. The lack of gears eliminates the need for shifting and makes for a smoother and more comfortable ride. EVs can also cut their momentum faster, allowing them to stop almost immediately.
They are a lot safer to drive, and the lack of emissions makes the streets safer by improving the overall air quality. Electric vehicles can run for 200-300 miles on a single charge. Unless you’re crossing state lines every day, that should be enough for your daily commute. Charging stations are also popping up everywhere, allowing you to charge for a few minutes for longer trips. In case of accidents, repairing your vehicle won’t be a problem. Most shops have trained personnel to handle electric vehicles, from minor issues to full-on collision repair.
Making Your Ride Even Greener
Your electric car isn’t fully electric. The US sources more than 65 percent of its power from fossil fuels, making your car an indirect fossil-burner. You can minimize your car’s carbon footprint by opting for a smaller ride. Smaller vehicles consume less power. You can drive longer while charging less often from the grid. A better way to remove your reliance on the grid is to go solar. A solar power system can reduce your electrical consumption to a net-zero. It can be surprisingly cheap. An 8-kW system that can supply enough power to meet the demands of a 2-3 bedroom home costs less than $10,000.
There’s no reason not to switch to an electric vehicle. They’re faster and easier to control, making them safer and much more comfortable. You won’t just save the Earth from climate change; you’ll also save more than $2,000 a year.
