5 Reasons We Love Electric Cars

1. Electric vehicles (EVs) are better for the environment, plain and simple. Since EV’s do not release tailpipe emissions, driving an EV does not contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer. Internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV) release greenhouse gases or particulates into the air that make people sick, EV’s do not.

There are two major categories of emissions: direct and life cycle. Direct emissions are those released by a car while it’s in use, while life cycle emissions consider the entire process of creating and using the car, including emissions from drilling for oil, delivering the vehicle, batteries, etc. The amount of life cycle emissions released is dependent on the source of the power used to charge EVs. If coal is used as a fuel source, EVs do end up using fossil fuels. Does that mean they pollute as badly as an ICEV? Not at all. While power sources like solar, wind, or hydropower can make an EV’s carbon footprint practically zero, studies have shown EVs are better for the environment even if the source power used to fuel them is coal. They are inarguably better for the environment in every way.

2. EVs support public health. At a time when public health, especially respiratory health, has never been more important, EVs have the capability to protect millions from diseases caused by air pollution. The World Health Organization states that 4.6 million people die from the effects of air pollution every year. Air pollution causes allergies, asthma, COPD, and even lung cancer. That’s why hospitals and doctors’ offices are great places to install EV chargers, improving public health both inside and outside of the building.

According to The U.S. Department of Energy, a study by Rand Health, “between 2005-2007, nearly 30,000 emergency room visits and hospital admissions in California could have been avoided if federal clean-air standards had been met”. The resulting medical costs are estimated at $193 million. There’s no way to overstate the negative effect air pollution has on the human body or the amount of money we spend trying to save those who have been made ill by it, when some of these issues could simply have been prevented by making a better choice, such as choosing an EV.

3. Ultimately, it’s less expensive to drive an EV. Those currently looking at the sticker price of an EV may disagree, but the sticker price is only one element in the total cost of purchasing and driving a car. Other elements include the price of maintenance, gasoline, insurance, parking, and more. Most EV owners report little or no maintenance and savings of around $770 a year on fuel. The only thing that will need to be replaced on an EV is the battery, which is usually guaranteed for ten years or 150,000 miles, around the same time most people are replacing a car anyway. On average, ICE vehicles cost around $1,777 per year to fuel and maintain, while EVs cost around $485. The difference in initial cost disappears within about 5 years, and EVs become less expensive to own and operate. EVs do have a higher sticker price, but for those who plan to drive their cars for a decade or close to it, it’s almost always cheaper to drive an EV. EVs are the smart financial choice long term.

4. Speaking of being less expensive to fuel an EV, it’s a lot more convenient too. Want to never have to stop for gas again? You don’t have to! While public chargers abound, 80% of EV drivers still choose to charge at home. A Level One Home Charger comes with the purchase of EV. Plug your car in and let it charge overnight, never having to stop again. Many drivers also choose to purchase a Level Two Home Charger for faster charging. All electricity, even at a business, is far cheaper is gasoline. Residential electricity rates are kept low however, so you can save even more charging at home, especially during on-peak hours. It costs around 10 cents per mile to fuel an ICEV and around 3 cents per mile to fuel an EV—an approximately 70% savings.

5. EVs are fun to drive. Most people know that EVs are better for the environment than ICE vehicles, but far fewer know they are superior cars to drive. EV’s have a lower center of gravity which allows them to slide safely around curves other vehicles couldn’t manage. An electric engine generates instant torque, providing incredibly fast acceleration. They have superior handling, responsiveness, and passenger comfort. As many Formula-E racers can attest, EVs accelerate fast and are easy and fun to drive.

Ready to try an EV for yourself? Become a Blink Mobility member, rent a Chevy Bolt, and find out just how convenient, fun, and remarkable EVs really are.