- 0 comments0
- 1 view
By Team Biliti Electric
What is more exciting than thinking about the future? Living in the future. Yes! Technology has evolved to such an extent that everything you have ever thought about, imagined, manifested, or logically curated is somewhere out there.
Along those lines, there are certain ideologies that date back to the 19th century but are gaining momentum now. One certain ideology/technology is about electric vehicles, which have traveled all the way from the 1800s to 2020, way before Tesla was actually there.
Let’s deep dive to understand what an EV is and what its benefits and types are.
What is an Electric Vehicle?
An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that uses one or more than one electric motors for propulsion. It could be powered by a collector system, with electricity from extravehicular sources. Or it can be powered autonomously by a battery (sometimes solar batteries or solar panels on the roof). They are either partially or fully powered by electric power
You can find these electric vehicles as road and rail vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, electric aircraft, and electric spacecraft. EVs are now a viable, everyday mode of transport, offering many benefits to individuals and businesses alike.
What are the benefits of Electric Vehicles?
1. They have a low running cost
The cost of maintaining an electric car is much lower than fuel-powered vehicles. This is because EVs have fewer moving parts as compared to regular cars. EVs have single-speed transmissions and regenerative braking. They don’t require an oil change.
It is seen that an electric car can save, on average, $1,000 in fuel every year. To fully charge a 60-kilowatt-hour (kWh) EV with more than 230 miles of range at home is less than $8. Most EV battery packs last more than 200,000 miles. This is less than a 10% degradation in power capacity. The only thing you have to do to maintain an EV is to buy new windshield wipers and tires.
2. They provide better performance and comfort
Since EVs do not require gear shifts, they are quick to accelerate. They also work extremely well with batteries stored below the floorboard, providing a low center of gravity and ideal balance. Electric cars have the ability to recharge using energy from braking. This is called regenerative braking. This attribute makes EVs sporty and efficient cars, especially for the city.
EVs provide a quieter and more comfortable ride than most combustion engine vehicles because of the combination of the electric motor. It has no vibration and, due to the lack of a gear shift, makes for a smooth ride. When comparing EV Vehicles Vs Gas Vehicles, EVs enjoy a great demand due to their reduced impact on the environment. And in the future, there are said to take over gas-powered vehicles; meaning they are safer and more powerful when it comes to performance, comfort, and more importantly the Earth.
3. They are convenient, practical, and very safe
Electric Vehicles can go up to 335 miles without recharging and can be charged at home, work, and on the road. EV owners have the flexibility to charge whenever and wherever they want. Many employers provide EV charging as an at-work amenity so that you can charge while your car is parked and you are at work.
EVs are the safest cars on the road due to their small electric motors, which allow for car designs with larger crumple zones. They also have ample storage space.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Vehicle?
4. They are better for our planet
EVs do not emit any fossil fuels, and they are more than twice as clean as combustion engine vehicles. They average 75 miles per gallon equivalent, including emissions from electricity production, while traditional combustion engine cars average less than 25 miles per gallon. These metrics have improved and will continue to improve as the power sector continues to reduce the emissions intensity of generation resources.
When it comes to talking about if electric vehicles are really safe for the environment, there is certainly no doubt. Studies have shown that they produce fewer emissions when driving in comparison to gas cars. Importantly, EVs require much less maintenance and damage done by gasoline-powered cars is often not reversible with an EV.
Also, electric vehicles can travel much longer distances on a single charge than gas-powered cars and they often get better fuel economy ratings as well. This is due in part to the fact that they don’t need oil changes or tune-ups like gasoline-powered cars do.
5. They offer a high resale value
Electric vehicles have gained popularity when compared to the last two to three years. All thanks to the skyrocketing fuel prices, low running costs, and zero tailpipe emissions. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than standard cars, but they also tend to have longer lifespans due to their low maintenance costs. The sleek designs and cutting-edge features also make them popular with consumers.
And, since EV technology is still relatively new, there is always the potential for innovations that could further enhance the resale value of these vehicles. One such boost to the EV segment is also the impressive warranty period on the batteries and a higher resale value after completion of one year.
According to experts, the acquisition cost would be 20 to 30 percent higher when compared to ICE vehicles, but the depreciation value of an electric vehicle would be less. Talking about the depreciation value of an EV, it is high and ranges from 20 to 25 percent in the first year. However, electric vehicles will be a valuable asset to the second user/buyer because the cost per kilometer is now one-third to half of a CNG, and one-sixth to one-seventh of a petrol/diesel vehicle.
Also Read: Interesting Facts About Electric Vehicles
6. Grants from the government(s) for buying EVs
EVs are hailed as the future of mobility for their eco-friendliness, being noise-free, and being a sustainable alternative to fuel-run vehicles. However, the cost to own EVs has been a widespread challenge in terms of adoption. With governments all over the world offering grants to EV buyers, the demand for EVs is ever-growing. In the USA alone, buyers can get a tax credit worth up to $7,500 when purchasing electric and plug-in vehicles.
7. They are quiet and easy to drive
Except for high-end electric cars and, perhaps, fake-induced sound resonators in electric sports cars, EVs produce no noise. They do not have a combustion engine under the hood, and there is no exhaust noise, resulting in a more comfortable driving experience than with the conventional variants. In addition, compared to traditional automobiles, they are simpler to drive.
8. Free parking, and no congestion charges
Many areas all over the world have introduced Clean Air Zones, all in a bid to encourage people to opt for electric vehicles. The biggest benefit an EV owner enjoys, is a free-of-cost entry to these areas, while traditional vehicles pay a hefty amount to enter such areas. Interestingly, some countries, including the USA, are discouraging non-EV vehicles from entering such areas to protect the area from pollution. Also, EV owners get the privilege of free, dedicated, and on-priority parking at various bays.
9. High performance
EVs offer high performance with quick acceleration technology. Compared to combustion engine cars, EVs have a faster response time and can take off quickly from a stop. This allows them to reach their maximum speed more quickly, making them more efficient. Moreover, they also come with great handling technologies, thanks to the batteries positioned at the center of most EV vehicles. It helps lower the center of gravity, which eventually distributes equal weight, and offers top-notch stability.
10. Better for our health
A switch to EVs has a great impact on improving health outcomes in the bigger picture, all over the world. It helps in reducing air pollution-related illnesses, and deaths.
According to the American Lung Association, the jump from standard vehicles to electric transportation would roughly save about 6,300 lives a year and helps avoid more than 93,000 asthma attacks, and 416,000 lost working days for a full year by 2050.
What are the types of Electric Vehicles?
There are mainly three types of EVs:
1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): These vehicles run entirely on electricity. These are very efficient compared to hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
2. Hybrid Electric Vehicle:
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): These vehicles use both an internal combustion engine (petrol) and a battery-powered motor. The petrol engine is used both to drive and charge the battery when it runs out. These vehicles are not as efficient as fully electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): These vehicles have a plug and an internal combustion engine as well as a battery charged from an external socket. The vehicle’s battery can be charged with electricity rather than the engine. PHEVs are more efficient than HEVs but less efficient than BEVs.
3. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV): These vehicles use electricity, which is produced from chemical energy. For example, hydrogen FCEV.
EVs are very much the change needed in society not only for the environment but also for technology. In the next 10 years, EVs will be part of most people’s households as they tend to perform better and give you the best safety.
Here are a few FAQs often surrounding EVs:
1. Are Electric Vehicles more reliable?
EVs are cheap to run, and they should be more reliable too, as they are much simpler than conventional cars.
2. Do Electric Vehicles break down less?
Since an electric motor is able to slow itself down, the use of brake pedals is reduced. Therefore, brake pads and rotors last longer.
3. Is it okay to charge EVs all the time?
Electric cars can handle extended periods of inactivity very well. Manufacturers have built-in safeguards to prevent the electric vehicle from being overcharged, over-discharged, or overheated.
4. What is the battery life of EVs?
The battery life of an EV will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Most manufacturers offer an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty for their EV batteries.
5. Does an EV lose charge when parked?
Yes, but it is very minimal. It can be added over time.