Nowadays, buyers are faced with a very wide choice when it comes time to changing their vehicle. Of course, they can go with the traditional approach, the one that guides them to a gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle.
However, the time has come to make a shift that others have made in recent years: to an electrified vehicle.
Identify your driving habits before switching to an electrified vehicle
Before making a choice, the first thing to do is to identify and understand your driving habits.
Pinpoint your car's consumption
- Do you drive short or long distances on a daily basis?
- Do your driving habits change drastically on weekends compared to weekdays?
- Do you have easy access to a charging station?
- What about the infrastructure in your area?
The answers to these questions are crucial, as they will help you decide which type of electrified vehicle to choose. For example, if you rarely drive more than 50 km per day, a plug-in hybrid will be the best solution in terms of value for money. If your daily commute is more like 200 to 300 km per day, a model that no longer has a combustion engine will definitely be the best solution.
The advantages of an electric car
- 1. The electric car is economical to use
With an electric car, the first obvious advantage is the end of dependence on fossil fuels. Imagine that from the moment you become an owner, you will no longer have to pay for gasoline or diesel fuel. And if the slightly higher purchase price makes you hesitate, take the time to do some calculations; you'll quickly see that it won't take too long to make your transaction advantageous monetarily.
- 2. The environmental impact of an electric car is very limited
Unlike combustion-engine vehicles, electric cars do not emit air pollutants or CO2.
- 3. The conversion bonus and the ecological bonus for the purchase of an electric vehicle
In France, you can benefit from up to €6,000 in bonuses for the purchase of a 100-percent electric vehicle with a range of more than 50 km. From July 1, 2022, €1,000 will be deducted from it, to reach a maximum bonus of €5,000.
- 4. The electric car is silent
Thanks to the absence of a conventional gearbox, electric cars are almost silent - a real asset for the peace and quiet in your town! Extra care will need to be taken vis-à-vis pedestrians, who may not hear your EV coming.
- 5. The electric car requires little maintenance
Its propulsion system being simpler than a thermal-engine vehicle, you won't have to change the transmission or the oil. Also, the brakes get much less wear. The only change to anticipate will be that of the battery after 8 years of use. Good to know: some car brands offer to lease a battery instead of buying one.
The disadvantages of electric cars
As for the fears most often expressed about electric vehicles, certain beliefs can and should be debunked.
- 1. Charging your electric car
Some people understandably fear getting stuck somewhere with their electric-powered vehicle. But with charging networks multiplying everywhere, this possibility is less likely and shouldn’t limit you. What's more, modern electric vehicles generally offer between 400 and 500 km of freedom. Add to that the fact that the multimedia systems that equip them list for you the places where you can recharge while you're on the road, even suggesting the best routes to reach them.
- 2. Recharging time for your electric car
You have two choices when you own an electric vehicle: charge your electric car at home, either on a outlet or via a home charging station. Those who have a powerful terminal at home (reinforced or wallbox) and who make short and medium trips will only have a very short charging time. The charging time will depend on the power available:
o Classic socket at home: between 5 and 6 hrs
o Home terminal: 2 to 3 hrs
o External terminal at public station at a supermarket or a gas station: depending on the power of the terminal, 30 min or 1 hr will be enough
As for those stories about the fire risk associated with electric vehicles? A recent study sets the record straight.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) say that electric vehicles suffer fires far less often than those with combustion engines. According to the study, for every 100,000 gasoline-powered vehicles, 1,530 models suffer fires. But for every 100,000 electric vehicles, there are only 25 fires on average.
There are many benefits to consider if you choose an electrified vehicle. Car manufacturers are committed to change; it's up to you to be part of the solution.