Electric vehicles are regaining momentum due to increased awareness of hydrocarbon-related health and climate impacts, as well as improved charging infrastructure that reduces range anxiety. Lower operating costs and more affordable models from legacy carmakers are boosting confidence, too.
Some EVs have the option to export energy back to the grid (V2G) when electricity prices are higher, potentially lowering your energy cost. Check your vehicle’s features to see if this is possible.
Cost
Electric vehicles use simpler, quieter engines that produce less pollution. They also use far less energy, which can significantly reduce your fuel bill and carbon footprint.
The cost of an EV can be even lower than that of a traditional vehicle when you factor in the low price of electricity and charging options. There are even tools like Plugwiz that help you determine the actual cost of driving an EV based on your specific situation. Simply enter your EV of choice, gas car of current ownership, and some electricity and charging details.
Battery range is another important consideration. The more powerful lithium-ion batteries found in modern EVs can go far longer between charges than older lead-acid models, though their life and performance decline over time. Cold temperatures sap power for heating, while accessory uses drain it, so it’s important to match your needs to an EV with the right range.
Range
Electric vehicles have the potential to cover far greater distances between charges than traditional petrol cars. Many models boast a range of more than 500 miles – enough for a cross-country road trip or a long workday without having to worry about running out of battery power.
EV manufacturers are regularly introducing new model variants with extended range specs – and some, like the Lucid Air Dream Edition, are even claiming an incredible 1,205 km WLTP in their most efficient configurations. This makes for a much more flexible vehicle that suits your lifestyle and driving patterns.
It’s worth bearing in mind that a manufacturer’s WLTP figures are measured in the laboratory at 23degC, with heating and air conditioning switched off. This isn’t real-world driving: expect 10 to 25% less in mixed use and up to 35% on the motorway at 130 km/h. Also, wheels, drivetrain and the model year of a vehicle affect its homologated range. The Ioniq 6, for example, shows 614 km on rear-wheel drive with 18-inch wheels and 519 km with all-wheel drive, despite sharing the same commercial name and 800-volt architecture.
Performance
If you’re an enthusiast looking for the next level of performance, an electric vehicle may be just what you’re after. EVs offer instantaneous torque that can make them much more fun to drive than their gasoline counterparts, and they have the potential to offer a lot of range in a compact package.
However, EPA range estimates are often over-optimistic, and driving conditions can have a significant impact on an EV’s efficiency. For example, climbing steep hills drains batteries more quickly than cruising on flat highways. Also, cold weather reduces battery performance as the heater works overtime to keep them warm.
But even with these limitations, an EV still offers more freedom than a gas car does. For example, a fully-electric Lucid Air Grand Touring can travel up to 512 miles on a single charge. Moreover, a fully-electric car eliminates many maintenance items found on a traditional gasoline car, such as engine oil changes and spark plug replacements.
Technology
Electric vehicles rely on battery-powered motors to propel them, and do not use gasoline or other fossil fuel. This allows them to achieve remarkable distances and performance without producing tailpipe emissions.
The power-to-weight ratio of electric vehicles is much higher than that of their traditional counterparts, allowing them to achieve high speeds and acceleration with minimal energy consumption. Additionally, electric engines offer near-instantaneous responses to the driver’s throttle pedal inputs, which makes for a more responsive driving experience.
Most EVs connect to the electric grid via an onboard AC-to-DC converter that converts AC current from the utility power grid into DC power for charging the battery. These onboard chargers can also be used to provide short-term surge power or regenerative braking for the vehicle. This flexibility, along with the ability to charge at home or work, enables drivers to choose when they want to drive their electric cars. This can be a big advantage over vehicles with internal combustion engines, which are limited by their dependence on a fixed gasoline station.