More and more new electric cars are being registered - and more and more arguments speak in favor of the electric drive. We have done an extensive research and wanted to show the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars and plug-in hybrids!
The development of electric vehicles is making progress. Thanks to its advantages, more and more customers are enthusiastic about an e-drive. The reasons: driving pleasure thanks to powerful acceleration from a standing start, less noise, bonuses, tax advantages, and other privileges as well as a green conscience.
Pros and Cons of Electric Vehicles
Although the environmental balance of e-cars can be viewed differently - because the share of renewable energies in the German electricity mix fell again in 2021 for the first time in ten years (see chart). For prospective buyers, this plus-minus balance of electric cars helps in the decision.
Pros
Environment Friendliness
In fact, electric cars are not completely "green" just because they don't use fossil fuels. This is due to the energy used in production, especially for the battery. And the origin of the electricity they use in operation. Nevertheless, e-drivers can claim to improve the CO 2 balance of road traffic - a good feeling in times of climate change.
When more electricity is available from renewable sources, the environmental footprint of electric vehicle improves dramatically. But many studies are already attesting that e-cars emit CO 2 over their entire service life, which is an advantage of up to 70 percent compared to a gasoline engine.
In addition to the emission-free operation, electric cars are also more environmentally friendly than noisy combustion engines due to their low noise level.
Lower Fuel Costs
The fuel prices, which have risen sharply as a result of the Ukraine war and other factors, are another undeniable advantage of e-cars, lower fuel costs. Electricity has also become more expensive, but not nearly as much as gasoline and diesel.
In spring 2022, the comparison portal Verivox calculated that electric cars had a cost advantage of more than 50 percent compared to their combustion engine competitors. Even with public charging and a calm fuel price, the operating costs of the e-car are lower.
Privileges
Electric cars and plug-in hybrids with E-plates enjoy privileges in some cities. They can park for free in public zones, and in some cases electricity is free. However, in view of the growing number of e-vehicles and legal ambiguities, there may be conflicts at public charging stations in the future.
Running Costs
No clutch, no fuel system, no exhaust system: the electric car can do without these and other wearing parts - this makes it cheaper to maintain. Other operating costs and above all the energy costs are sometimes so low with electrically powered vehicles that the overall comparison speaks in favor of the electric car and against the combustion engine.
When it comes to insurance costs, there is no fundamental difference between electric cars and gas/diesel engines, but more and more insurers are rewarding low-emission vehicles with special discounts. Because of the higher acquisition costs, a fully comprehensive contract is recommended for e-cars, which also includes the most expensive component of the car, the battery.
Modernity
It is true that e-car drivers have to do without the engine sound that is typical of combustion engines. But anyone who has ever pressed the power pedal hard in an electric vehicle knows the feeling of strong acceleration.
When it comes to equipment, modern electric vehicles usually leave nothing to be desired, and the path to autonomous driving is noticeably shorter than with an old diesel. And while just a few years ago the range of electric cars was clear, there are already a large number of electric vehicles from the major car manufacturers on the market, and the number is growing all the time.
As an e-car driver, you are also a bit of a trendsetter – according to a study, electric vehicles should overtake combustion engines by 2030.
No Driving Bans
Driving bans for environmental reasons are relatively rare in the world, and they primarily affect older diesels - and the risk of further restrictions has decreased recently. But that can change again anytime.
Whatever happens next: Owners of electric cars are fine here. The situation is somewhat different with entry restrictions in environmental zones. An OECD study revealed that particulate matter is produced more than expected by wear from tires, brakes, and the road surface.
And at least when it comes to tires and the road, e-cars are at a disadvantage because of their higher weight due to the heavy battery, so they could theoretically also be affected.
Good Ecological Conscience
The emotional component also plays a role when buying a car. While many other customers enjoy the look, sound, or image of their new favorite, e-car drivers can have a clear conscience.
Because even if hydrogen or e-fuels are repeatedly requested as alternative drives, according to most experts, only e-cars are suitable for finding the way to decarbonization and thus stopping or slowing down climate change.
In addition, modern systems such as recuperation not only give you the feeling but also the certainty that you are wasting less energy.
Less Noise
Electric cars can ensure better health due to the lack of engine sound - even if they naturally produce rolling noises when driving like combustion engines. However, these only have a noticeable effect from a speed of 25 km/h. This applies not only to passenger cars but also and especially to motorcycles, buses, or garbage trucks.
Cons
High Purchase Price
Even if the prices for electric cars and plug-in hybrids are getting closer and closer to those for comparable diesel or gas engines, the difference is still noticeable. This is mainly due to the more expensive drive technology, especially the battery.
The industry is therefore working on making the batteries cheaper to produce. A milestone is a value of $100 per stored kilowatt-hour, which VW wants to undercut with a standard battery.
Charging Infrastructure
More than 70 percent of all charging processes take place at home or at work. But not all car owners will find the necessary infrastructure there, such as a wall box. Charging in public spaces is now possible at around 113,600 charging points and the trend is rising sharply.
However, despite improvements (e.g. roaming offers from charging station operators), payment often remains a problem - prices can vary greatly and in some cases are significantly higher than the price to be paid at the private electricity connection.
Limited Range
The so-called fear of range anxiety is decreasing more and more, but electric vehicles are usually not enough for a long holiday trip in one go. However, with some vehicles, you can now travel around 300 to 400 miles, thanks to superchargers, charging is also quite quick.
Ultimately, the distance that can be reached also depends on individual behavior such as driving style or the use of power guzzlers on board. Plug-in hybrids with an additional combustion engine can help. But they usually only calm the green conscience for a distance of 30 miles; the plug-in trend could soon tip over.
Temperature Dependent Batteries
Lithium is essential for e-car batteries. However, the raw material poses problems with mining (thrown up dust as a danger to animals, contaminated water, land grab), especially in South America, with the prices still too high and with disposal of fire hazardous toxic gases.
It is also difficult to provide clean supply chains for cobalt. After all, work is being done on cobalt-free rechargeable batteries, and some are said to do without rare and expensive raw materials almost entirely in the near future.
The service life of a lithium-ion battery is generally estimated at eight to ten years, with age the storage capacity drops to 70 to 80 percent. Many scientists and engineers are working on long-lasting super batteries for 600 miles and more.
Automotive industry is expecting a breakthrough in the price levels by 2025 at the latest, and diligent research & development are also being carried out in the recycling of electric car batteries.
The Lack of Noise
With an electric car, the noise is massively reduced at low speeds, you can only hear the rolling of the tires on the asphalt. This poses dangers for pedestrians, especially for the blind and visually impaired people.
Therefore, electric and hybrid cars that are certified must be equipped with the so-called Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) since July 2019. That means: "engine-like noises" must be heard up to 15 mph and an acoustic signal when reverse gear is engaged.
This will only apply to all newly registered e-vehicles from July 2021. E-cars that have already been registered do not have to be converted. Apart from that, there are of course purists who will miss the rich engine sound of a V8. Others are happy about the reduced noise.
Long Delivery Times
Electric vehicles suffer from extremely long delivery times, even more than gas and diesel counterparts. The main reason is the ongoing chip shortage, which has an even worse effect on components for electric vehicles. An improvement is currently (as of April 2022) not in sight. Alternatives are leasing or an e-car subscription, where you can possibly get a new car faster.
Conclusion
How much weight you want to give to the individual advantages and disadvantages depends on your own circumstances and the usage requirements. The fact that the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages and that one or the other disadvantage can even be turned into an advantage speaks for itself.
As Coverking, we care about the environment and the future of our children so we fully support electrification of vehicles. For us, it will be the right step towards a cleaner and more peaceful world in general.
Automotive industry keep developing new technologies around electric vehicles day-by-day so even if you think that e-mobility is not enough for you yet, keep checking out. You might be positively surprised what they can achieve in the next couple of years.
Resources
- https://www.energysage.com/electric-vehicles/101/pros-and-cons-electric-cars/
- https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-electric-cars.php
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- https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/10-pros-and-cons-of-electric-cars
- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/content/advice/benefits-and-downsides-of-owning-an-electric-or-hybrid-car?refresh=true
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- https://www.autoweek.com/news/a37090295/electric-cars-vs-gas-cars-pros-and-cons/
- https://www.goodenergy.co.uk/advantages-of-electric-vehicles/
Tankut Basar
Tankut Basar is an ARA (American Rally Assoc.) Racing Driver and an FIA Bronze Category License Holder. His passion for driving began with karting like most racers. He started racing internationally at the age of 22. Tankut loves everything car-related and will keep enjoying the drive until the end.
