Benefits of EV ownership

This is a major motivator for owners and manufacturers of EVs. Operating an EV eliminates CO2 emissions while you are driving. It’s not a perfect solution, since in some regions in the country, electricity generation may use fossil fuels. However, scientists believe the overall impact of EV operation will significantly improve air quality and other environmental impacts. In addition, transitioning greater portions of our energy consumption to electricity paves the way for renewable generation to expand and provide that energy from clean sources like wind and solar. 

• Quieter cabin while driving on all types of roads
• Efficiency gains through regenerative braking
• 1-pedal driving which allows the accelerator pedal to be used for both moving forward and for slowing down (in some cases coming to a complete stop). Using the brake pedal only when necessary
• Increased power which can significantly improve acceleration off the line or to quickly pass other vehicles
• Batteries placed  in the floor of the vehicle effectively lowers the center of gravity providing a solid driving, smooth feel on the roadway, especially in the curves

Several studies have shown that the “lifecycle cost of ownership” of an EV is significantly less than an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The cost of electricity versus gasoline to travel the same distance is dramatically reduced in an EV. The exact cost will depend on how and where you charge your vehicle. There are many charging options, but charging at home is typically the least expensive, and much easier than having to travel to a charging station.

Other maintenance costs of an EV are also reduced because of the simplicity of the EV propulsion system. An EV contains no oil, spark plugs, or belts that need replacing. Brake usage is reduced through regenerative braking, so brake pads will last a lot longer and may never require replacement. Of course, there are some maintenance items found in both types of vehicles that will need attention such as rotating/replacing tires, replacing cabin air filters, wiper/washer maintenance, replacing cooling/heating fluids, and other general system maintenance, if needed. 

For a given exterior dimension, EVs offer more interior space than an ICE vehicle. This is because the batteries are typically placed under the floor of the EV and there are fewer large parts (transmission or driveshaft in a tunnel in the middle of car) taking up room. Therefore, there is more leg room and storage in an EV. Some EVs include storage under the front hood in what has been coined a “frunk” (front trunk). 

Since EVs have significantly fewer moving parts and a very straight-forward electric motor propulsion system, it is likely it will have a longer useful life – which may mean you will not need to replace the vehicle as often. Also, an EV battery is designed to last a very long time and comes with a minimum  8 year/100,000 mile battery warranty (note, these warranties allow varying degrees of battery degradation during that period). 

 When compared to an ICE vehicle, EVs have: 

• No requirement to “warm up the engine” before driving off
• No loss of power when driving at higher elevations
• No taking on extra weight when “fueling-up”