5 Things You Didn't Know About Electric Cars

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As we hurtle into the era of clean energy and eco-conscious driving, electric cars have taken centre stage, leaving behind a trail of myths and mysteries.

Electric cars are more popular today, but there’s still a lot that people don’t know about them. In this blog post, we will share five things you may not have known about electric cars.

For example, did you know that the first electric car was invented in 1832? That’s right, electric cars have been around for over 100 years! They were actually more popular than gasoline cars in the early 1900s, but they were eventually replaced by gasoline cars due to their shorter range and longer charging times.

But things have changed a lot since then. Electric cars are now much more efficient and have a longer range. They’re also more affordable, thanks to the declining cost of batteries and government incentives.

If you’re thinking about buying an electric car, here are five things you didn’t know about them:

Electric cars have a longer history than most people realize, dating back more than 100 years. In fact, electric vehicles (EVs) were among the earliest automobiles to hit the roads in the late 19th century.

Electric cars were popular around the 1890s and early 1900s due to their simplicity, ease of use, and quiet operation. They were seen as a practical alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles, especially for urban commuting.

One of the first successful electric cars was built by Thomas Davenport in the 1830s, and by the late 1800s, electric cars were gaining traction in major cities like New York, London, and Paris.

In 1900, electric cars accounted for around 28% of all vehicles on American roads. Interestingly, during this time, electric cars even set several land speed records, with the Baker Electric achieving an astonishing 80 miles per hour in 1902.

However, electric cars faced tough competition with the mass production of gasoline-powered vehicles and advancements in internal combustion engine technology.

The discovery of large oil reserves and the subsequent decline in gasoline prices further hindered the widespread adoption of electric vehicles throughout the 20th century.

As a result, electric cars took a backseat for many decades until the resurgence of interest in sustainable transportation in the 21st century.

Today, we are witnessing a renaissance of electric cars, with advanced technology and a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability propelling them into the mainstream once again.

When it comes to efficiency, electric cars have a clear advantage over their gasoline counterparts.

An electric vehicle’s efficiency is determined by its energy consumption and how much of that energy is actually used to power the car.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Energy, electric cars convert about 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. In comparison, conventional gasoline cars only convert about 12% to 30% of the energy from gasoline to power at the wheels.

This significant difference in efficiency means that electric cars can travel much farther on the same amount of energy than gasoline cars. Electric vehicles use an average of 25 to 40 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per 100 miles, while gasoline cars consume about 2.5 to 3.5 gallons per 100 miles.

This means that electric cars can be up to three times more energy-efficient than gasoline cars.

One of the most thrilling aspects of driving an electric car is its exhilarating instant torque.

Unlike traditional gasoline cars that need a moment to rev up, electric vehicles deliver their power the moment you hit the accelerator pedal. It’s like being launched forward by a hidden rocket booster!

Picture this: you’re at a stoplight, and as soon as the light turns green, you press your foot on the pedal, and boom! You’re off like a flash, leaving the combustion engine cars in your rearview mirror.

The zippy acceleration of electric cars is no illusion.

The Tesla Model S, for instance, can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, making it one of the quickest production cars ever made.

Even more affordable electric vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Bolt, provide a smooth and swift ride, proving that electrifying performance is not just reserved for luxury models.

But the thrill doesn’t stop with speedy takeoffs.

Electric cars also offer a serene and quiet driving experience. Without the rumbling of an internal combustion engine, you’ll enjoy a blissful whisper-quiet ride, allowing you to savour your favourite tunes or have conversations without raising your voice.

Say goodbye to that noisy engine roar, and say hello to the peaceful hum of electric power.

Not only do electric cars add a dash of excitement to your daily commute, they also offer the benefit of regenerative braking.

When you take your foot off the accelerator, the electric motor reverses its function to slow down the car, converting the kinetic energy back into electricity and recharging the battery in the process.

It’s like tapping into a hidden energy reserve, making every drive more eco-friendly.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are like the superheroes of the automotive world. They don’t need oil changes, and their engines have fewer moving parts, which means less wear and tear.

Say goodbye to those messy oil spills and frequent visits to the mechanic!

With fewer components, you’ll spend less time and money on maintenance, freeing up more time for the things you love.

Studies have shown that over the lifetime of a car, EVs can cost significantly less to maintain compared to their gasoline counterparts.

According to Consumer Reports, electric cars can save owners up to 50% on maintenance and repair costs over five years. The simplicity of the electric drivetrain and the absence of traditional engine components that require frequent replacements contribute to these substantial savings.

Modern electric vehicle batteries are also designed to last thousands of charging cycles, providing reliable performance for many years. With proper care and regular maintenance of other vehicle systems, you can expect your electric car to serve you faithfully for a long time.

The price of electric cars has been coming down over the years. They are now more affordable for the average consumer. The declining cost of batteries, government incentives and rising demand fuel the adoption.

For example, the average price of an electric car in the United States was $45,000 in 2015. By 2022, the average price had dropped to $35,000. This is a significant decrease, meaning electric cars are now more affordable for a broader range of people.

The declining cost of batteries is one of the most significant factors driving down the price of electric cars. Batteries are the most expensive component of an electric vehicle, and their cost has steadily decreased in recent years.

BloombergNEF reports that the average price of a lithium-ion battery pack has dropped by nearly 89% since 2010. As a result, automakers are passing these savings onto consumers, making electric cars an increasingly attractive option.

Government incentives and tax credits have also played a pivotal role in making EVs more budget-friendly.

Many countries and states offer financial incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, from tax credits and rebates to reduced registration fees and access to carpool lanes. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost of an electric car, making them a tempting choice for budget-conscious buyers.

For instance, the federal government in the United States has offered a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for eligible electric vehicles since 2008, depending on the battery size and the manufacturer.

While the Inflation Reduction Act changed the rebate and incentive program, numerous state and federal incentives for EVs still exist.

Electric cars are the future of transportation. They’re more efficient, better for the environment, and more fun to drive than gasoline cars. And as the price drops, they’re becoming affordable for everyone.

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