What Are the Benefits of Electric Cars?

To EV or not to EV? That is the question. Many Columbia-area drivers are asking themselves if their next vehicle should be an electric car, and although no two buyers have exactly the same needs, choosing an EV offers tons of benefits. So, should you upgrade to an electric vehicle this year? We’ve laid out everything that you should understand, including the benefits of electric cars, before moving forward. Then, take a look at the new Chevy Bolt EV and EUV as well as the upcoming first-ever, all-electric Chevy Silverado! 

Should You Buy an EV?

The ROI that you’ll enjoy with an electric vehicle will vary depending on where you live, and on the relative prices of electricity and gasoline in your area. However, EV-curious drivers have every reason to anticipate a nice windfall from their investment! According to the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, which performed an extensive study on EV operating costs in 2018, average EV ownership costs tend to be more than 50% lower than the ownership costs of gasoline-powered vehicles, on a national scale, highlighting one of the main benefits of electric vehicles.  If you’re still on the fence, keep the following pros and cons in mind:

Reasons to Buy an EV

• Less Maintenance: EVs are easier to maintain than gasoline-powered vehicles, and since there’s no internal combustion engine, you won’t even have to worry about changing the oil. What’s more, you can rely on our service center for all your EV maintenance needs.
• Help the Environment: EVs produce low or no emissions, and that makes them much better for the environment overall. You’ll improve local air quality and—since electricity, unlike gasoline, can be produced through renewable resources—you’ll also do your part against climate change. The environmental benefits of electric cars are often compelling reasons for environmentally-conscious drivers to opt for one.
• Excellent Performance: Efficient EVs can take you farther for less money, but that’s not the only performance advantage that they offer. Many EVs offer incredible levels of power with multiple motors, and they’re much quieter than gas-powered vehicles, which is yet another benefit of electric vehicles.
• Price Stability: Gasoline prices fluctuate wildly, while electricity prices tend to remain more or less constant over time. It’s easier to plan ahead and stick to a budget when you have a better sense of your recurring costs.

Reasons to Consider Other Options

• Range Anxiety: Most electric vehicles cannot go as long between ‘fill-ups’ as their gas-powered and hybrid counterparts, and EV charging stations are still less plentiful than gas stations. However, this could be similar to gauge how far you can keep going with the amount of gas left in your car’s tank as well as getting used to a new model. Also, if you go for a new Chevrolet Bolt EV, you can enjoy an impressive range of up to an EPA-estimated 259 mi! 
• Charging Times: Although charging speeds are increasing at a rapid clip, it generally still takes longer to charge an EV than it does to fill up a gas tank. For most EV owners, charging at home overnight is a simple solution.
• Cold Weather: Cold weather can reduce the performance of EV batteries, so those who often drive long distances in colder climates may seek out alternatives.

All in all, an EV can be a phenomenal choice as reassured by the various benefits of electric vehicles. 

Hybrid vs. Electric Vehicles: Which is Right for You?

If you’re still not convinced that an EV is right for you, consider a hybrid! While EVs only use a battery and an electric motor to produce power, hybrid vehicles combine these technologies with a traditional gas-powered engine, so you’ll enjoy some similar environmental benefits of electric cars and other ones without needing to change your driving habits. Since you’ll still fill up your EV at a gas station and you won’t ever have to plug it in to charge, a hybrid is a good choice for the driver who wants better fuel economy but isn’t yet ready for a lifestyle change. A hybrid may also be a good choice for those who lack a garage with a charging station, or those who want a vehicle that can handle long-distance road trips without charging delays.

Find Your Next Vehicle at Walt Massey Ford!

Whether you’re leaning toward an EV, a hybrid, or something else entirely, we’re ready to help you take the next steps with confidence. Start exploring our new vehicle inventory today, and reach out to our financing team when you’re ready to claim your next ride! If you’d prefer to build your own car, you can also place a factory order with us as well.