In 2017, electric cars are still far from mainstream, accounting for only 1 percent of cars sold in the United States. But it appears that the era of electric vehicles is dawning. Morgan Stanley Bank estimates that by 2025, they will make up at least 7 percent of the vehicles on the road. Electric cars become more popular every year, but how do you know if they’re right for you? Here are five signs that you should give an electric vehicle more than a passing glance.
You Like Saving Money
After you get over the initial sticker shock of seeing what an electric car costs, you realize how much you save over the life of the vehicle. Electricity is almost always cheaper than gas, and replacing the most expensive part of an EV — its battery — becomes more economical by the year. Many states offer tax breaks and other incentives for purchasing an EV. The U.S. Department of Energy provides an online EV calculator where you can enter your location and weekly mileage to determine how much money you’ll save over time.
You Love Being Green
Electricity is a clean energy source that helps people reduce their carbon footprint. EVs do not emit smoke or toxic fumes into the Earth’s atmosphere. Contributing to cleaner air is one of the main reasons states offer tax breaks to those who choose to go electric. EV engines also run quietly, which helps communities reduce noise pollution.
You Aren’t a Mechanic
Because EVs have significantly fewer moving parts compared to vehicles with traditional combustion engines, their engines can last a great deal longer between maintenance checks. Of course, they still require some maintenance, but owning an EV means spending less time and money on car repairs.
You Can Plug In
Even in ultra-progressive Portland, Oregon, fast-charging EV stations can be few and far between. However, as demand drives supply, the higher number of EVs that hit the road will result in more charging stations around the nation. Homeowners who purchase EVs can install a 240-volt outlet in their garage or an exterior wall to charge the car at home.
You Mostly Drive Short Distances
Better EVs currently get about 200 miles between charges, which is a marked improvement over older models that only went 100 miles before their batteries died. Still, this puts limitations on people whose schedules demand driving long distances several times a day, especially when you take into account the long hours it takes to recharge an electric vehicle. Electric cars are best for those with reasonable commutes and light daily driving requirements.