You have been hearing a lot about electric cars and are ready to dive in and research whether this type of car is right for you. Knowing the pros and cons of operating a vehicle powered by electricity rather than gasoline is critical before making such a big buying decision.

Electric cars improve the country’s energy security

According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, a division of the U.S. Department of Energy, America’s transportation sector accounts for 70% of its energy consumption and 30% of its total energy needs. When more people drive electric and hybrid vehicles, it can help the U.S. economy by reducing fuel costs and diversifying fleets.

Reduced emissions

Another major benefit of switching to a fully electric car is the reduced emissions it produces compared to a gasoline-powered vehicle. Some models of electric cars have no tailpipe emissions at all. However, you should make sure that your community has installed at least one charging station before buying an electric vehicle. You will lose the benefits of improved energy security and reduced emissions if you must drive a long distance to charge your car each time.

Charging stations

As the demand to do something meaningful about the climate crisis grows louder, car manufacturers have caught on and struck deals with cities and municipalities to put in more charging stations for electric cars. Just 41,000 charging stations were available across the country by the end of 2021. That number jumped to more than 100,000 a year later. Here are some other benefits you might appreciate if you buy an electric car:

• Electric vehicles operate quieter than a gas-powered vehicle
• You can install a charging station on your own property
• Once you get past the initial investment, electric cars are known to cost less to maintain than gas-powered cars.
• Charging is considered less expensive than fuel.

Obstacles while traveling

Long-distance travel in an electric car can be challenging due to the need to locate charging stations. Below are some other things to think about when planning a trip of more than a few miles.

• Getting to a full charge can take several hours
• Climate conditions in the cabin, such as those occurring on a very hot or cold day, can impact the maneuverability of your electric vehicle
• Hooking up your own charging station can be challenging in large urban locations

One thing to also consider if the eligibility for a tax credit of up to $7,500 for certain electric vehicles purchased after January 1, 2023.

For all the benefits of purchasing and driving an electric car, you still need to determine whether it’s the right option for you.