Are Electric Cars the Better Choice?

As gas prices have risen, many people have begun to seriously consider switching to an electric or hybrid vehicle. While there are some obvious advantages to going electric while gas is five dollars per gallon, there are other issues to take into consideration before making the switch.

Are Electric Cars Better than Traditional Gas-Powered Cars?

In many ways, electric cars are less costly and more efficient than gas-powered vehicles. The obvious benefits start at the pump. Electric vehicles require no gasoline, and hybrid vehicles use less gasoline than their old-school predecessors. Electric cars are, on the surface, more environmentally conscious than gas-powered vehicles, too. Many electric vehicles require much less maintenance, and so have a lower daily cost to drive.

What Are The Drawbacks to Electric Vehicles?

The first drawback to an electric vehicle purchase is the cost. As more and more car companies add electric vehicles to their line-ups, the cost is starting to come down, but generally, the initial purchase price of an electric vehicle is going to be higher than their gas-powered counterparts. Sometimes the difference can be as much as $10,000. There may be programs in your state that can offset that cost, but you’ll want to investigate those before you purchase. Another drawback is that the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles is not fully in place, and you may find yourself having to search high and low for a charging station. Something else to keep in mind is that while electric vehicles have fewer mechanical systems to fail than gas-powered cars when something does fail, it can be much more expensive to repair.

Which Should I Choose?

You must weigh the pros and cons as they apply to you, your family, and your lifestyle. If you drive only short distances, an electric car may be much more efficient than a gas-powered one. If you drive long distances, you’ll need to take into account the refueling options on your journeys.

No matter what type of vehicle you choose, consider bringing it to King’s Auto Service in Raleigh, NC, for maintenance and repair.