Why Drive Electric?

Affordability

Typically, driving an electric vehicle costs about half as much as a conventional car for the lifetime of the vehiclePlugIn America (2020) averages that charging your EV is equivalent to filling up for $1 per gallon of gasoline, or like driving a vehicle that gets over 130 miles per gallon (AFDC, 2019). Although initial purchasing costs of electric cars tend to run higher than their conventional counterparts, these prices can be offset by fuel savings, federal tax credit, and state and utility incentives.  Use a cost calculator to compare annual costs associated with your current vehicle versus going electric. 

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Maintenance

Spark plugs, transmissions, timing belts, oil filters… the list goes on. Internal combustion engines have many moving parts that require expensive and continuous upkeep. Can you imagine never having to get an oil change again? The battery, motor, and other parts of the electrical system requires little to no maintenance, and brake systems have an extended life thanks to regenerative braking. The advanced batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle and can even be recycled after they wear out. 

Environmental Impact

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2018), transportation generates the largest share of greenhouse gases at roughly 30%. The largest sources include passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks such as minivans and pickup trucks which account for over half of these emissions. Electric vehicles produce zero tail pipe emissions while driving, meaning they won’t emit harmful gases and can improve air quality as they grow in popularity. While these cars still have a carbon footprint, EVs in Georgia average 65% less emissions than conventional cars. Install a solar panel at you home charging port and you can drop your emissions close to zero. 

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Performance

Don’t make any mistake underestimating electric vehicle performance. Electric motors have a controlled torque of 0 RPM, meaning they have instant acceleration from a standstill stop. EVs also use regenerative braking, which means stepping on the brake can recover up to 10-15% of energy that would have been otherwise wasted in conventional braking system and turns it back into fuel!

ENERGY SECURITY

Depending on gasoline for transportation means depending on foreign oil and a finite supply. Increasing the amount of energy efficient, electric cars on the road are a crucial part in minimizing the need of imported petroleum. Because there are multiple sources used to generate electricity, we can create a resiliency benefit that relies on domestic generation and boost our nation’s energy security.

EV Myths & Myth Busters

Just the opposite! Widespread electric vehicle adoption is actually driving down electricity rates.

 In an eight year study (2012-2019), Synapse Energy compared the new revenue utilities collected from EV drivers to the cost of the energy required to charge those vehicles, plus the costs of any associated upgrades to the distribution and transmission grid and the costs of utility EV programs that are deploying charging stations for all types of EVs. EV drivers brought in an estimated $806 million more than the associated costs. Due to “revenue decoupling,” utility shareholders cannot pocket the extra profits, and instead the money is returned to utility customers in the form of lower rates and bills (NRDC, 2020).

With proper management, the grid has the capacity for the transportation sector to be dominated by electricity. Part of this is due to the vast majority of EV drivers charging during off-peak hours (night time) when there is plenty of spare energy on the grid. 

As research continues to unfold, electric vehicles prove to be no more dangerous than conventional cars. In fact, they actually benefit public health by reducing the number of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere.

A common concern when it comes to charging safety may be inclement weather. Electric vehicle manufactures deliberately design charging ports to withstand water intrusions and the most hazardous weather conditions. To date, there has been no issues regarding precipitation and EVs.

Electric cars prove to be a safe and reliable form of transportation that benefit air quality and are growing in popularity. For any other concerns, contact us and we will be happy to dispel other EV myths.

Taking the first steps are always the hardest. The good news is Drive Electric Georgia is here to provide you with a roadmap for an easy and successful transition. Many drivers end up becoming EV enthusiasts and advocates once they make the switch! The biggest difference for new EV owners is installing residential charging ports or growing familiar with nearby charging stations. You will shortly get the hang of your new vehicle and be contributing to a clean and improved future!

An increasing number off electric vehicles have 4-wheel or all-wheel drive capabilities. Paired with instant torque and zero-emissions, EVs are becoming the preferred off-roading vehicle.

No matter how the electricity is generated, EVs prove to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half compared to combustion engines. They have zero tailpipe emissions, and can be charged through renewable sources that reduce emissions even further. 

When using a DC Fast Charger (DCFC), an EV can go from empty to full in a matter of 30 minutes. This means if you’re running short on time you could get roughly 100 miles in just 10 minutes…and just a couple dollars. 

Depending on the make and model, EVs can have a range anywhere from 150-600+ miles per charge. While combustion engines average around 350-400 miles per tank, EVs are quickly catching up. The majority of electric vehicles manufactured in 2020 have a range of over 400 miles per charge.