Why Investing In An Electric Vehicle Will Change Your Life For The Better
The overall cost of ownership outlook for people with electric cars is excellent, and it’s becoming easier to find charging points, too.
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People thinking about buying an electric vehicle (EV) have a lot to consider. Most consumers think of cars as major purchases. Plus, they’re usually new to electric vehicles, which can lead to some initial hesitation. After all, it’s still easier for a person to find a gas station than an EV charger in most places. People also must consider whether an EV fits with their travel habits and long-term plans.
Once people think about those specifics, they often realize that electric vehicle ownership will improve their lives. Here are some compelling reasons why.
It Supports A More Sustainable Future
Perhaps the biggest sustainable selling point of electric vehicles is they don’t have tailpipe emissions like gas-powered cars do. However, some people wondered if EVs might ultimately be comparably worse for the environment in other ways. For example, electric car batteries require minerals already in short supply. Questions about manufacturing-related emissions for EVs and the resources required to produce ample electricity have also emerged.
Fortunately, recent research shows that, for the most part, electric cars align with sustainable aims. Cambridge University researchers confirmed that electric cars are the better choices for the planet in all but about 5% of the world. They have the most positive impacts in places with substantial energy from renewable sources.
The investigation also revealed that even the least-efficient EVs would soon use fewer emissions than gas-powered cars. That’s because electricity generation is gradually becoming less carbon-intensive as technologies improve.
Elsewhere, a Yale University team learned that electric cars have fewer indirect emissions from supply chain activities than vehicles that use fossil fuels. The researchers also said that it’s particularly beneficial for consumers to invest in electric vehicles when the nations they live in have already taken steps to reduce fossil fuel use. The United States is one of the nations they mentioned seeing a potential payoff.
Climate change can seem daunting and discouraging for many, especially if people don’t know how to start making positive changes. Buying an electric car is an excellent personal choice that helps the planet’s future.
It Saves Money Over Time
The upfront cost of an electric car is often higher than a gas-powered one. However, U.S. taxpayers can claim a credit when purchasing qualifying vehicles. It’s worth up to $7,500 on eligible electric vehicles purchased from 2023 to 2032.
Plus, gasoline is one of the top expenses for many households. Families may spend thousands of dollars a year to keep their cars fueled. Electric vehicles eliminate the need to visit a gas pump.
Ford has a Mustang SUV that boasts several hundred miles of range per charge. Charging an EV typically costs money. However, drivers can find free options before going on trips. It’s becoming easier to find charging points too. People planning on visiting some of the amazing state parks in the United States soon will appreciate that many have EV charging infrastructure. Disney World does, too.
EVs typically need less maintenance than conventional cars, which is another money-saving point. That’s because they don’t need oil changes and have far fewer moving parts than non-electric vehicles.
The overall cost of ownership outlook for people with electric cars is excellent. A 2020 Consumer Reports study found owners could save up to $10,000 over the electric vehicle’s lifetime compared to if they had gas-powered models. The research also indicated the fuel savings alone could be at least $4,700 over the first seven years of ownership.
It Results In A Satisfying Purchase
It’s terrible when someone’s excited to buy something but quickly regrets the purchase after receiving and starting to use it. Buyer’s remorse is understandably even more severe when investing in something as substantial as an electric vehicle.
Fortunately, research suggests most people who buy EVs feel happy that they made that choice. A survey from the nonprofit Plug In America found 90% of current EV owners polled were likely or very likely to buy another when they needed another vehicle.
Also, a January 2022 study from J.D. Power revealed first-time EV owners are almost as happy with their purchases as those who’d previously bought electric cars. Plus, people experiencing EV ownership as something new were even more pleased than previous owners regarding the service experience, styling and driving enjoyment of their electric cars.
Purchasing an EV can also help people feel happy about buying something with positive benefits beyond themselves. Harvard researchers discovered increasing EV adoption in major metropolitan cities could reduce ill health and deaths resulting from tailpipe emissions.
People who feel satisfied by leaving behind a better world for their kids will also find that electric vehicles help them do it. One 2022 study reported that a third of EV drivers who are parents switched to those automobiles due to pressure from their kids.
Additionally, more than 82% of the children in the study say they want to drive electric or hybrid cars when they’re old enough. Also, more than 78% of parents said they’d buy an electric or hybrid car if they needed a new automobile within the next three years.
Now Is The Time To Consider An Electric Vehicle
These are just some of the many aspects that can make an electric vehicle a life-changing purchase for all the right reasons. However, switching can require some lifestyle changes and budgeting tweaks, too. People who are still unsure may want to rent an electric vehicle from a local provider first. Doing that can give them a more realistic perspective of ownership compared to a dealership test drive.
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children, or doing her part to save the planet.
