Is Owning an Electric Car For You?

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Automotive
Northwest Collision Center
https://www.northwestautocollision.com/is-owning-an-electric-car-for-you/
Is Owning an Electric Car For
You?
B L O G  |  N O R T H W E S T  C O L L I S I O N  C E N T E R
https://www.northwestautocollision.com
Electric cars are making their name in the
auto world. As the name suggests, these are
vehicles powered by electricity as compared
to traditional fuel-powered ones. Without
fuel to operate, it does not emit pollution in
the air. One significant contribution these
electric cars are making is being beneficial
for our environment. Can you imagine how
our climate could change when most cars do
not need fossil fuel to emit gas into the air?
While it sounds wonderful, let us educate
ourselves first on what to know about
owning an electric car. There’s a lot to
consider!
Let us set the expectations straight as we
tackle the pros and cons of owning an
electric car compared to the traditional cars
you have:
1. Driving Range
Depending on the model, electric cars
typically travel around 60 to 100 miles per
hour when fully charged. Some can travel
between 124 miles to about 400 miles in
distance. While this is fair enough for
metropolitan driving 
and work-home
travels, it may not be ideal for those taking
road trips or cross-country trips.
2. Battery Charging
Fueling up and charging batteries are
different. Fueling up at a gas station takes only
a few minutes, while charging the batteries
takes time. Again, depending on the electric
car model, it can take anywhere from a few
hours to overnight to charge the batteries of an
electric vehicle. Nevertheless, thanks to our
ever-evolving technology, fast chargers are
becoming available in the market.
3. More Expensive than Traditional
Cars
Are electric cars cheaper to own? Not really.
Electric vehicles operate with technology.
Meaning it has hardware and software that
regularly needs updating. Basic models
usually start at around $30,000 to more
luxurious ones, which sit at about $80,000
or more. Of course, this depends on the
manufacturer and model you want.
4. Extra Costs
Apart from the purchase cost, maintenance,
and insurance you usually need, what sets it
apart 
from 
traditional 
cars 
is 
the
maintenance of the battery. The battery
replaces the need for you to go to the station
and gas up. However, there are additional
costs for installing a battery charging
station, public charging costs, battery
replacement, and an increased electric bill.
Are there hidden costs of owning an electric
car? Technology embedded in electric cars
needs 
updating 
regularly. 
Some
manufacturers do not charge for this
constant update, while others do charge. It is
better to do your research first and ask the
manufacturer about it.
5. Charging Stations
The location of charging stations is the number
one concern of most buyers. How to charge
electric cars? Ideally, it would be best to have a
240-volt outlet and support level two charging
equipment in your garage. However, this does not
apply to all homeowners. While this situation is
ideal, electric vehicles can still charge with a 120-
volt wall outlet. The difference is the impact on
the battery life; for example, you can add 25 miles
per hour when you use a 240-volt instead of
adding four miles per hour with a 120-volt. Level
one charging may suffice for some; it’s best to
research which one fits your chosen electric car.
Can you own an electric car without a home
charger? It’s challenging to have your own
charging station at home if you don’t have your
own garage or rent a place. However, the answer is
still YES; you can still own an electric car without a
home charging station. How? There are public
charging stations available. Based on the U.S.
Department of Energy data, there are around
30,000 charging stations around the U.S. Though
considering how big the U.S. is, you need to check
if there are available ones near your area.
Despite the costly challenges, electric cars have
significant benefits for both owners and the
environment.
1. Environment-friendly
Switching to electric cars is in every way
environmental-friendly. As they do not emit
gas in the air, you can expect much cleaner
air to breathe.
2. Renewable Resource
Electric cars are powered by renewable
resources, unlike gasoline. Solar panels are
a great source of electricity that you can
install in your home. Electricity costs less
when compared to gas.
3. Requires Less Maintenance
Though technology embedded in the electric
car updates from time to time, it makes it
possible to forego the maintenance that gas-
powered engines require. Likewise, when it
comes to brakes, electric cars tend to have
fewer replacements due to their nature.
4. Runs Smoothly and Quietly
Electric vehicles are quiet to the point of being
hazardous, unlike gas-powered vehicles.
5. Tax Credits
While the purchase price of electric cars is
generally not cheap, there are possible tax
credits from your government just by simply
owning one. Yes, you read that right! Still, this
financial incentive varies from one place to
another, but knowing the possibility makes you
happy, right?
6. Special Lane
The carpool lane designated on highways is also
used by electric car drivers – even if the car’s
passenger is only you.
When do you usually drive? From home to
work only? Alternatively, do you go on road
trips frequently?
Do you have a garage with enough volts for
your charging station? Or is there a public
charging station nearby?
If you are still unsure whether owning an
electric car is for you or not, we’ll wrap this up
by asking you the following questions:
Do you have a solar panel installed at
home? Or do you worry about your electric
bill?
Are you craving safer air to breathe?
Assessing your needs and capabilities
enables you to decide whether you
should own an electric car or not. If you
need some help from auto experts, visit
us at Northwest Collision Center. We
are a well-known auto body repair
shop in St. Petersburg, FL; we are
always glad to help!
(727)-347-8945
PHONE NUMBER
https://www.northwestautocollision.com
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