What Are The Pros & Cons Of Electric Vehicles?

There’s no denying it: electric vehicles have arrived, and they’re here to stay. Since the first mass-produced car emerged in 1901, automotive technology has advanced significantly, with the internal combustion engine (ICE) at its core. However, as we reach the limits of our planet's tolerance for ICEs, a new frontier in automotive technology awaits discovery, led by electric power. Today, you can easily visit a car dealership or browse online to purchase a brand-new, fully electric vehicle.

What Are The Cons of An Electric Vehicle?

Your first silent drive in an electric vehicle can be a moment of self-admiration, knowing you're joining the revolution against combustion engines and contributing to saving the planet, one kilometre at a time. However, there's a catch—this privilege is currently limited to those who can afford it. Saving the planet, for now, is a luxury reserved for the financially able.

What am I referring to? The first major drawback of electric vehicles: is their purchase price. As of September 2019, the most affordable new EV in Australia is the Hyundai IONIQ, priced at approximately $50,000 on the road. This cost places electric vehicles beyond the reach of many new car buyers in the country.

And that's without considering the nearly $200,000 models from Jaguar and Tesla. While entry-level prices are expected to decrease as production scales up and the technology becomes more mainstream and cost-effective, for now, the high price remains a significant barrier for most potential buyers.

Electric Vehicle Driving Range

The second drawback is range, often leading to what is known as "range anxiety." This concern is particularly prevalent among new or prospective electric vehicle (EV) owners, who worry about depleting their battery before reaching their destination or returning home safely. 

In Australia, the anxiety is heightened by the lack of widespread infrastructure, such as charging stations on every corner. However, it's not all bleak. Vehicles like the Tesla Model X, which offers a range of 550km, alleviate some concerns, though $190,000 might be the price for that peace of mind.

More affordable options like the IONIQ offer only 250km on a full charge. While that's sufficient for a trip to the local greengrocer and back, you'd only get a quarter of the way from Brisbane to Sydney before recharging.

Electric Vehicle Charging Time

This leads us to another drawback: charging time. Imagine you're on a road trip from Brisbane to Sydney, and after your first 250km, you run out of charge. In a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car, you would simply stop at a petrol station, refuel in five minutes, and continue your journey.

But with an electric vehicle like the IONIQ, you'd need to wait about five hours to fully recharge and gain another 250km of silent driving. This, of course, also depends on finding a charging station, which can be a stroke of luck or a challenge.

If you own a Tesla and can locate a supercharging station, you can achieve a full charge within one to two hours. The range you obtain, however, will vary based on your specific model. 

After covering your first few thousand kilometres, you might consider scheduling a service for your car. But where should you go? Are independent mechanics equipped to perform the necessary checks and services on your EV, or are you limited to visiting the dealership only?

Electric Vehicle Servicing

The fourth drawback regarding maintenance may hinge on whether your local independent mechanics are equipped with the tools and diagnostic equipment necessary to service EVs according to manufacturers' standards.

The Pros of an Electric Vehicle

Now that we’ve got all that out of the way, there’s gotta be some pros right? The first advantage of electric vehicles is how much you can save on running costs and maintenance.

Odd, right? I just went on about how much it costs to buy one, and now I’m telling you how you can save money if you buy one. Don’t worry, I did some investigating and compared the servicing costs of an EV against its petrol counterpart.

Same car, just different power units. Long story short, the EV was cheaper to service at each interval, and the servicing costs were more consistent, meaning it would be easier to budget for each service. Click on the link below to see the full breakdown.

Servicing Costs

Running costs for an EV are significantly cheaper. When considering cost per kilometre, charging an EV can be as low as one-third the cost of filling up with petrol. However, it's important to be mindful of charging times, as electricity rates can vary throughout the day.

Every EV requires a large battery for power. Although these batteries are quite heavy, they contribute to a low centre of gravity due to their flat shape and placement along the car's underside. This design reduces the likelihood of the car rolling over in certain situations.

Electric vehicles (EVs) hold the promise of technological advancement. As we stand on the brink of bringing self-driving cars into the mainstream, it's clear that EVs are making this possible. These autonomous vehicles are expected to offer numerous benefits, including reducing road congestion, decreasing accidents, and allowing commuters to reclaim countless hours otherwise lost to travel.

Environmental Impact of An Electric Vehicle

Lastly, consider the environmental benefits. Electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero exhaust emissions, significantly reducing pollution. However, the extraction of materials like lithium and copper for their batteries can have adverse effects on the environment.

Don’t worry, as technology advances, experts will find more efficient and environmentally friendly ways to source these materials. Additionally, charging your EV with renewable energy sources like solar power could make it a true zero-emission, fossil fuel-free solution for the planet.

If you're considering purchasing a new car and have a budget of at least $50,000, the choice of whether an electric vehicle (EV) suits your needs is yours to make. As EV technology advances and infrastructure improves, many of the current drawbacks are likely to diminish. However, until then, these are challenges you'll need to navigate.