Top 10 Best Parts of Driving an EV
As more people start to consider electric vehicles (EVs) as an option for their daily commute, it’s important to understand what makes them so great. Over the 2+ years of driving electric (with no place to park or charge at home), I’ve tried to give frank and informative insights on this blog about the experience, challenges, and things that are different with EVs. That gives too much attention to challenges, so for this article…my top 10 best things about driving an EV! Have others? Questions? Please drop a comment.
- Cost Savings
One of the most significant benefits of owning an EV is cost savings. EVs are cheaper to operate and maintain than gas-powered vehicles. The cost of electricity is generally lower than the cost of gasoline, so charging your EV is cheaper than filling up your tank. Additionally, EVs have fewer moving parts, which means there are fewer things to maintain and replace. I’ve written about this a few times, like cost of an 800 mile road trip, costs by vehicle size/type, and the costs using public fast charging).
2. Never having to stop at a gas station
I never enjoyed needing to stop at a gas station. Our dependence on gas is a sick part of the economy, funding the profits of companies destroying the planet. I love getting to drive by and having gas stations be irrelevant. And…driving an EV is better for the environment than driving a gas-powered vehicle since I’m not burning fossil fuels to move around.
3. Quiet Ride
EVs are much quieter than gas-powered vehicles. Since EVs don’t have a traditional combustion engine, they don’t make the same loud noises as gas-powered vehicles. There are less parts grinding, whirring, and spinning. This means you can enjoy a quiet ride and listen to your tunes, not just loud engine noises or vibrations.
4. Vroooooom! (Instant Torque)
Ok, so it’s more of a “whoosh” than a “vroom”…but you get the idea :) EVs have instant torque, which means they have quick acceleration. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, which have to rev up their engines to build speed, EVs can deliver instant power to the wheels. When you press the accelerator, the battery dumps power into the electric motor(s) so quickly that you get the thrill of being pushed back in your seat as you accelerate quickly and efficiently.
5. Free fill ups (sometimes)!
When has a gas station EVER given you free gas? Never. Not so with electricity and filling your EV! Various shopping centers, businesses, and even public fast chargers will be available for free. Sometimes it is a special occassion, sometimes it is to lure you in to shop, but either way, free is free! I’ve had 20+ free charging sessions in the two years of driving an EV.
6. Real-time feedback
I find that the real-time information about the use of power in the car fascinating to nerd out on. Press the accelerator and you see just how many kilowatts get pumped from the battery. Take your foot off and you can see the rate of putting power back in the battery. It has changed the way I drive (sometimes) and when I used the lessons learned when I drive a gas car, I beat the rated mileage by 20%!
7. Regenerative Braking
Regenerative braking is a feature that allows EVs to recover energy when braking. When you press the brake pedal in an EV (or just stop using the accelerator), the car uses the electric motor to slow down and capture the energy that would otherwise be lost. This means you can extend your driving range and save energy. It also saves your break pads, contributing to…
8. Low Maintenance
EVs have fewer moving parts than gas-powered vehicles, which means they require less maintenance. EVs don’t need oil changes, spark plug replacements, or other traditional maintenance tasks associated with gas-powered vehicles. This means you can save time and money on maintenance costs, not to mention the hassle.
9. No stinky exhaust
Living in a very walkable city, we are constantly around cars and their tailpipes. I have always hated the smell of car exhaust and I can pick up various sickening chemicals (like benzene) in the fumes. EVs produce zero emissions, which means they don’t contribute to air pollution. I think air pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels in particular, is how humans are killing ourselves. Every year, over 7 million people die from air pollution. By driving an EV, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help mitigate climate change.
10. Fun to Drive
Finally, EVs are just plain fun to drive. With instant torque and smooth acceleration, you can enjoy a more exhilarating driving experience. Plus, knowing that you’re doing your part to help the environment can make your driving experience even more satisfying.
Welcome to the future of transportation! I hope you will ditch the fossil fuels in your next vehicle choice! And if you have additional suggestions for the list, please drop a comment.