Believe it or not, the first electric car arrived on US streets in 1891 – over 130 years ago. However, with a maximum speed of just 14 mph, there’s little surprise it didn’t catch on.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and increased environmental awareness has seen interest in electric vehicles soar. From the Toyota Prius in 2000 to today’s ubiquitous Tesla, ‘going electric’ has become more popular yearly.
Being an environmentally conscious driver meant keeping your gas-powered car running as efficiently as possible for a long time. This could be done through regular maintenance, fitting quality Mastercraft tires, and sensible driving techniques.
Responsible personal transport means setting aside gas altogether and opting for a plug-in automobile. More than ever, the pressure is on drivers to make the leap and invest in electricity, but why?
This is our guide for why it’s best to invest in an electric vehicle in 2023.
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What’s the difference?
Fundamentally, the difference between gas and electric automobiles is how the engine is powered. Traditional cars burn gas to keep the wheels turning, while electric vehicles tap into the rechargeable onboard battery.
In addition to what goes in, the other major difference between the two power models is what emerges. Internal combustion engines emit not just CO2, but nitrous oxide, methane, carbon monoxide, and more; EVs have no tailpipe emissions.
A closer look inside the two types of cars also reveals another, more subtle difference – moving parts. While gas engines have many moving components that need constant maintenance, EVs only have one, the motor.
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Are EVs really better for the environment?
The short answer to this is – yes. Despite the increased CO2 generation and precious minerals currently needed to make an EV, they are, on balance, better.
While the environmental impact of making an EV is significantly higher than with a standard car, that’s where it ends. Over average lifetimes, studies show EVs release up to 30% less carbon, including that from generating electricity to power them.
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How does the cost to the driver compare?
There’s no hiding that purchasing an EV is significantly more expensive than its gas-powered equivalent. For this reason, many drivers are nervous about whether they will ever get a return on that investment.
Even with potential infrastructure upgrades for home charging, an EV can save its owner thousands in running costs every year. Fuelling and maintenance are significantly cheaper, and government incentives and tax rebates add to the savings.
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What about the practicalities?
This question concerns reliability and speed, two of the main concerns for every driver depending on their priorities. First, fewer moving parts means less to go wrong, and most EVs are more reliable than their counterparts.
Speed-wise, today’s EVs can accelerate faster than their gas equivalents, but traditional cars still win the top-speed race. That said, speed limits in most countries mean acceleration is more desirable for average drivers in a practical sense.
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Is it inevitable?
Let’s face it, whether it’s today or in ten years, EVs are the next step in the personal transport evolution. With CO2 and environmental targets, it’s only a matter of time before gas-powered vehicles are a thing of the past.
The question isn’t ‘if’ we should invest in an electric vehicle, but ‘when.’
So, if you’re ready to commit, what EV should you be looking at?
Just a short time watching traffic will tell you that, as we speak, Tesla is the king of EVs. Of course, just because there’s a top dog doesn’t mean there aren’t other great options.
Porsche’s Taycan, Audi’s e-tron GT, and BMWs iX are some of the best-performance EVs on the market. Practical family cars include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Skoda Enyaq iV, and Renault Megane E-Tech.
Even city drivers and first-time buyers can find something in today’s EV market, such as the dinky Honda e.
If you’re investing in a vehicle in 2023, it looks like the best choice is – finally – electric.
I think gas cars require more frequent maintenance than electric cars. This is because gas cars have more moving parts that need to be replaced or repaired over time. Electric cars, on the other hand, have fewer moving parts, which means that they require less maintenance.