The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a major impact on practically every sector of society, including public transportation as many of the businesses they have serviced for years were forced to close shop. The private sector, however, experienced the opposite. It saw a relative rise in people interested in purchasing private cars, realizing that driving in your own vehicle is much safer than taking your chances on public transportation.
In this regard, it’s worth noting that electric cars are becoming popular alternatives to traditional automobiles. This is somewhat surprising given that there are still limited charging stations or dedicated infrastructure where owners of electric vehicles could avail of recharging services.
Why Choose Electric Cars?
Both private car owners and public transit operators are advised to look into the prospects of investing in electric vehicles. Here are some of the reasons:
1. Economic Growth
The COVID-19 virus has undoubtedly caused world economic collapse. A lack of economic activity caused many countries to experience recession. Yet, with more people showing interest in electric cars, there will consequently be greater infrastructure and charging stations demand. This can lead to more jobs and, ultimately, a revival of economic activity.
2. New Revenue Streams
By buying and driving an electric car, you can help create a new income source, particularly for those involved in the production of heavy-duty batteries. The typical EV battery can store large amounts of electricity which is enough to power many houses.
Additionally, as more EV batteries are manufactured, a great opportunity for public transport operators can open up wherein they could purchase electric buses. This can be considered another potential income source.
3. Save Money
Another reason to invest in electric cars has to do with the maintenance costs. These are significantly lower when compared to the expenses you’ll incur for maintaining gasoline-powered vehicles.
In 2019, a study showed that electric taxis could be maintained for four years at a lower cost than traditional cars. Given this, public transport operators will save money over the long term if they invest in EVs.
4. Pollution Reduction
The journal Science of the Total Environment recently published a study that found that pollution levels in many cities fell by 60%. This led to improved air quality and a decrease in the risk of various health problems associated with air pollution.
Since electric vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline-powered cars, investing in them after and during the COVID-19 pandemic is a good idea for the environment’s health.
Things To Consider When Buying an Electric Car
Many car companies are making the switch to electric cars. For example, Jaguar is set to rebrand their cars as electrically powered by 2025 while Bentley will do this in 2030. This means more electric vehicle models will be produced in the coming years.
However, it is still important that you consider several factors before making an EV purchase. Below are some of the facts that you need to be aware of:
1. Price
Electric cars can be significantly more expensive than conventional vehicles. Still, since they will not require oil changes and have fewer moving parts, EVs are less susceptible to wear and tear, making them ideal investment options.
2. Range
Electric cars are constantly being improved although their driving capabilities are still lower compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. Most EVs can travel 100 miles on average, while some can go over 300. If you plan to travel more than 200 miles per day, consider buying an electric vehicle that has a greater driving range.
3. Experience
Different cars offer different driving experiences, regardless of whether they are gasoline-powered or electrically-based. Thus, you must test drive a prospective electric car before buying it.
Per northwestautocollision.com, electric vehicles can perform at 100% upon starting, and this might be uncomfortable for some, so it’s worth learning how to control the accelerator properly. EVs also produce very little sound due to the absence of an engine and exhaust, so it’s also important that you feel comfortable when you start driving your own electric car.
4. Charging Options
Few charging stations are available for electric vehicles now, so you should consider other options. A residential house’s current can charge an EV in 24 hours, but an electrician can install a 240-volt line in your home to speed up the charging process.
Key Takeaway
Switching to electric cars is a smart choice because they don’t only help save the environment by reducing air pollution, but EVs can also become a means through which new jobs are created. This is important as the world aims to recover economically following the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the next year or so, more electric cars are expected to be on the roads. Still, some problems continue to hound the EV industry. These will have to be addressed if the business of electric cars is to take off successfully.