Interest in electric cars has been growing since the first model was released in the last decade. However, many prospective car buyers and enthusiasts have misconceptions about their efficiency and still compare them with gas cars. A look at the key features and concerns about each car will help you get a clear understanding of their capabilities and which to choose. An electric car is a type of car designed to be propelled by one or several electric motors using energy from rechargeable batteries. Gas cars are quite popular and run on gasoline but in an internal combustion engine (ICE). Electric car technology is still growing, and there is a lot to expect from vehicle manufacturers. On the other hand, gas vehicles have been in the market for more than 100 years, and each company has multiple options to choose from. With this in mind, there are a number of things to look at and differentiate electric vehicles from gas cars. Have a look:
Car Range
The Electric car technology is still new, and a handful of vehicles to compare to the gas vehicle range. Like
you use your gas car to drive for long distances, electric vehicles also come with a range that can be driven
for about 300 miles a day. Such capabilities have led to the availability of EV charging options. You just need
to plan your trip and know the routes to use.
A gas vehicle will have a range of 250-300 miles before you have to refill. Car owners will have ample time
before they spend money on fuel. Owning a gas car is, therefore, quite convenient, and gas stations are easy
to find.
Charging/ Refueling
Electric cars have to be charged for day to day use. EV charging is an imperative aspect of this amazing
technology. Electric vehicle owners can charge their model at home and work or charging stations.
Countries that fancy electric vehicle technology provide public EV charging networks, but you will require
ad-hoc access. It can take as little as 30 minutes or more than 12 hours to charge your electric car. Factors
that affect EV charging include:
- The state and size of the battery
- The maximum charging rate of the vehicle
- The maximum charging rate of the charge point and
- Environmental factors like the temperature of the day
Battery Range
You will require the best battery in the market for your vehicle. The range of electric vehicles in the market
will depend on the type and number of batteries used. Lithium-ion based batteries are a favorite choice
among many vehicle owners thanks to their energy density and high power. Other types of batteries that are
a bit cheaper include nickel-metal hydride and zinc-air battery types that are much lighter.
Maintenance
Electric cars are less costly to maintain than gas cars. EVs don’t come with many parts that require regular
maintenance and replacement. However, you will have to keep the tires and brakes in good condition to use
your vehicle effectively. Gas vehicles will cost more to maintain as they come with many components that
you have to keep in good condition.
Electric Vehicles are the Future
Renewable energy will change the industry of electric cars, and this is an opportunity too big to overlook or
ignore. More people are buying electric vehicles as they ate more efficient than gasoline-powered cars. EVs
are also environment friendly as they have no emissions at the tailpipe.
More EV manufacturers are looking for better ways to pair these cars and renewable energy. Through
managed charging, it’s much easier to control the time of your electric car to align with clean energy
availability and other requirements. Car owners can also undertake EV charging paired with on-site
renewable energy generation.
Charging with on-site renewables will include the use of on-site solar energy systems and improved
batteries. Some manufacturers are also pursuing technologies such as autonomous park-and-charge that will
make it easy to charge electric vehicles. Other incredible energy storage methods are coming and will lead to
the advent of devices that can charge EVs faster, increase the energy storage capacity, and lower volatility.
Other non-carbon realizing renewable sources of transportation include the use of solar cars and hydrogen
cars.
To Sum Up
With the emerging car technologies, it’s wise to look at the key difference between electric vehicles and gas
cars. A look at the pros and cons of each vehicle will offer car enthusiasts robust information to rely on and
make worthwhile investments. The good thing is electric cars are the future, and car lovers should be willing
and ready to make the switch.
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