Advantages of Electric Cars

Electric vehicles have pros and cons, but in general offer performance, economic, and convenience advantages over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.

EV Economic Savings

EVs save drivers money in two key areas: fuel and maintenance.

• Electricity prices equate to only $1–2 per gallon gasoline equivalent, meaning that EV owners can save an average of $700 per year over owning an internal combustion vehicle.
• With no oil changes or exhaust systems to repair, total maintenance costs can be up to 40% less over the vehicle’s life.

Environmental Impact of Electric Cars

EVs have a mixed environmental impact when compared to their internal combustion counterparts. The net effect seems to be positive, but it’s a good idea to weigh all the following factors.

Environmental Positives

• EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means they do not emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other pollutants that contribute to smog and health issues.
• Efficient electric motors convert over 77% of electrical energy into driving power, much higher than a gas engine’s efficiency.
• Even when accounting for the emissions from electricity generation, EVs typically have a smaller carbon footprint than gasoline cars. This is because electric motors are more efficient than internal combustion engines, and the electricity grid is increasingly being powered by renewable energy sources.
• By reducing reliance on petroleum, EVs can contribute to national energy security. The United States, for example, still imports a significant amount of petroleum, and EVs can help reduce this dependency.
• As the electricity grid becomes cleaner with more renewable energy sources, the life cycle emissions of EVs will continue to decrease, making them even more environmentally friendly over time.

Environmental Negatives

• The manufacturing process of EVs, especially the production of lithium-ion batteries, can be emissions-intensive due to the energy required to extract and process raw materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
• The environmental benefits of EVs can vary depending on the source of electricity used to charge them. In regions where electricity is generated from fossil fuels, especially coal, the life cycle emissions advantage of EVs may not be as strong.
• The initial environmental footprint of EV production is greater than that of gasoline cars, primarily due to battery production. Concerns about the environmental impact of mining for battery materials and the end-of-life disposal or recycling of batteries are significant.
• The extraction of minerals required for EV batteries can have environmental impacts, including habitat disruption and pollution. However, the demand for these minerals is still less than the demand for fossil fuels.

EV Performance Benefits

Electric vehicles offer several key performance advantages over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles:

• EVs provide full torque instantly, delivering faster acceleration from 0 mph than ICE vehicles. Their simpler electric motors can utilize 100% of their power immediately.
• EVs convert over 77% of electrical energy from the grid to power the wheels. ICE vehicles only convert 12–30% of gasoline’s energy into driving power.
• EV batteries lower the car’s center of gravity, enabling better weight distribution, cornering, and rollover prevention.
• Electric motors produce little noise, eliminating the need for loud mufflers and enabling a quieter, more serene ride.
• The simpler drivetrain of EVs requires less routine maintenance such as oil changes. Regenerative braking also reduces wear on brakes.
• EVs do not store flammable gasoline internally and their stability reduces rollover risk.

EV Convenience

EV owners can conveniently plug in and charge at home nightly. Pre-conditioning warms or cools the interior before driving while still plugged in. Their exceptionally quiet motors contribute to peaceful neighborhoods without engine noise.

EV Future Trends

Here are some trends we can look forward to in the near future with electric cars.

1. Mass adoption and market diversity: as costs decrease, EVs are becoming affordable for more consumers globally. EVs could constitute a large portion of new car sales by 2030, potentially surpassing internal combustion engines in some regions. The EV market revenue is projected to reach $623 billion worldwide by 2024, with a steady 9.8% annual growth expected through 2028.
2. Advancements in battery technology: developments in solid-state, silicon anode, and lithium-sulfur batteries aim to improve density, lifespan, sustainability, and charging speed. Battery recycling is also being explored.
3. Greater diversity: the number of EV models available has surpassed 500 in 2022, up from below 450 in 2021, providing more consumer choice. This trend is expected to accelerate.
4. Technological innovations: vehicle-to-grid connectivity, advanced driver assistance systems, innovative motors, and other emerging technologies will make EVs increasingly attractive to consumers.
5. Improving prices: falling battery materials costs could improve EV profit margins and consumer affordability over time.
6. Increasing efficiency and range: over the past decade, average EV efficiency has increased by 15% and the range has doubled. We can expect both efficiency and range to continue to increase.
7. Innovations in charging: future innovations such as wireless charging and ultrafast charging will enhance the EV experience.

Electric Vehicle Brands

New EV brands continue to emerge, and traditional car brands continue to enter the EV market. Here are the brands that manufacture electric vehicles.

Brands That Make Electric Vehicles Only

• Tesla
• Lucid
• Rivian
• Canoo
• Lordstown
• Nikola (heavy-duty EVs)
• Workhorse
• Karma

Brands That Make Both Internal Combustion and Electric Vehicles

• Ford
• General Motors
• Hyundai
• Kia
• Volkswagen
• Audi
• Porsche
• Nissan
• BMW
• Mercedes-Benz

What are the Best Electric Vehicles on the Market?

The following electric vehicles are frequently cited as best in class in the electric vehicle market.

1. Tesla Model 3: Tesla’s Model 3 is often praised for its long range, high performance, and access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. It offers a good balance of range, charging speed, and overall efficiency.
2. Hyundai Ioniq 5: Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 has been recognized for its ultra-fast charging capabilities and distinctive design. It also offers a spacious interior and advanced technology features.
3. Kia EV6: The Kia EV6 shares its platform with the Ioniq 5 and is praised for its performance, range, and charging speed. It has a sporty design and a high-quality interior. The Kia EV6 Wind is a popular trim.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E: The Mustang Mach-E combines the iconic Mustang brand with electric performance. It has been noted for its driving dynamics, range options, and user-friendly technology.
5. Audi e-tron: the Audi e-tron offers a premium interior, advanced technology, and a smooth ride. It’s a luxury SUV that provides a balance of performance and comfort.
6. Volkswagen ID.4: the ID.4 is Volkswagen’s entry into the electric SUV market, offering a practical range, spacious interior, and intuitive infotainment system. It’s designed to be a family-friendly electric vehicle.
7. Chevrolet Bolt: the Chevy Bolt is an affordable option in the EV market, offering a competitive range and a compact size that’s ideal for city driving.
8. Nissan Leaf: the Nissan Leaf is one of the world’s best-selling electric cars, known for its affordability and reliability. It’s a good entry-level option for those new to electric vehicles.
9. Lucid Air: Lucid Motors’ Air is a luxury electric sedan that boasts impressive range and performance figures, along with a high-quality, tech-forward interior.
10. Rivian R1T: Rivian’s R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that offers off-road capability, innovative storage solutions, and a range suitable for long trips.

What are the most affordable electric cars?

Budget electric cars start in the high-$20K range (new) and go up from there. Here are the new MSRP prices for some of the more affordable EVs on the market:

• Nissan Leaf: starts around $27,400; the longest-range affordable EV at almost 150 miles per charge and includes basic autonomous driving aids.
• Chevrolet Bolt EV: starts around $31,500; spacious subcompact hatchback with 250+ mile range and DC fast charging capable.
• Mini Cooper Electric: starts around $33,900; iconic compact model with zippy handling and 114-mile range.
• Kia Niro EV: starts around $39,500; 201 horsepower crossover SUV with 239 miles of range.
• Mazda MX-30: starts around $34,000; stylish subcompact crossover with a 100-mile range and unique suicide door design.

How Many Miles Per Charge Can An Electric Vehicle Go?

Electric vehicles offer driving ranges spanning 100 to more than 500 miles per charge. Range varies based on vehicle type, battery size, efficiency, and conditions. Let’s look at some specifics

Range of Compact EVs

• Chevrolet Bolt EV: 259 miles
• Hyundai Kona Electric: 258 miles
• Mini Electric: Offers a real-world range of between 100 and 120 miles
• Peugeot e-208: 200 miles o

Range of Electric SUVs

• Tesla Model X: 348 miles
• BMW iX: 324 miles

Range of Subcompact Electric SUVs

• Hyundai Kona Electric: 258 miles
• Kia Niro EV: up to 253 miles

Range of Electric Sedans

• Tesla Model 3: Up to 358 miles
• Hyundai Ioniq 6: 361 miles

Range of Electric Luxury Sedans

• Lucid Air: 516 miles (highest-range EV on the market)
• Mercedes-Benz EQS: 405 miles

Range of Electric Pickup Trucks

• Rivian R1T: 328 miles
• GMC Hummer EV: 329 miles
• Tesla Cybertruck: estimated 250–340 miles

How to Make Your Home EV-Ready

If you’re going to be an electric vehicle owner, you’ll need to make your home charging-ready. Key steps include the following:

Home Charging Infrastructure

Install a home EV charger, also called an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), for convenient overnight charging. The EVSE gets mounted in a garage, carport, or outdoor area based on home layout and charger weatherproof rating.

EV chargers range from $350–$700 depending on charging speed, connector type, and smart features. Certified electrician installation runs $500–$2,500 for the approximately 3-hour process.

Electrical Service Checks

Your existing electrical service must be assessed to see if it is adequate for the added EV charging load. Homes with under 100-amp panels may need to be upgraded to larger capacity electrical service. This can cost $3,000 or more.

Smart Energy Management

EV chargers allow connecting the vehicle to the electrical grid via smart charging capabilities. This allows homeowners to control charging times to optimize electricity costs and battery health. Energy management platforms provide battery and charging insights.

Choosing the Right EV Charger

• Home electrical panel capacity: an electrician should evaluate the panel capacity by completing a load calculation to determine available space for an EV charger. Homes with 200A+ panels often have sufficient room, while 100A panels frequently need upgrading to accommodate higher amperage EVSE units.
• Your car’s onboard charger size compatibility: your car’s charger electricity acceptance rate, ranging from 3.6kW to 19.2kW, must align with the amperage of your home’s EVSE charger. For example, an 11.5kW onboard charger matches well with a 48A home EVSE charger.
• Compatible charger selection: basing the EVSE selection on the vehicle’s onboard charger size enables optimal charging. The charger electricity output calculated from voltage and amperage should meet the vehicle’s input rating. Charger capacity varies among models. Make sure your system is aligned. Examples:
• Toyota RAV4 Prime: 3.3kW
• Lucid Air: 19.2kW
• Volvo XC90: 3.7kW
• Lexus RZ 450e: 6.6kW
• Tesla Model Y: 11.5kW.

Once the right charger amperage is determined based on the home’s electrical capacity and the electric vehicle’s maximum onboard charging rate, select an appropriate Level 2 wall-mounted charger. Consider the following factors:

1. Charging connector type (J1772, NACS, Tesla) to match the vehicle’s charge port. Adapters allow flexibility across standards.
2. Hardwired or plug-connected installation depending on the situation.
3. Smart capabilities like charge scheduling, power sharing, and connectivity preferences.
4. The vehicle’s charge port type—J1772 and Tesla being common up until recently versus the newly emerging NACS standard—should be matched by the EVSE unit or an adapter used if there’s incompatibility.

When installing a Level 2 charger, you’ll need to decide between hardwiring it to your home’s power supply or using a plug-in attachment. Here are the pros and cons of each:

1. Hardwired home EV chargers get permanently connected to your home’s electrical wiring by an electrician. No plug is used that can be unplugged; the wiring is directly integrated. Hardwiring usually costs less money and lets more power flow for faster charging. But it means that the charger stays fixed in that location.
2. Plug-in home EV chargers use an attached cable and standardized “NEMA” plug, like those powering appliances or dryers. The plug lets you conveniently disconnect and potentially move the charger. However, a plug connection may restrict electricity capacity compared to direct hardwiring.

Here are some well-respected home charging stations. Do your research to ensure compatibility with your EV.

1. ChargePoint Home Flex: offers up to 50 amps of power and can deliver a range of 37 miles per hour of charging. It’s also WiFi-enabled, allowing you to control and schedule charging from your phone.
2. JuiceBox 40: provides 40 amps of power and can deliver a range of 30 miles per hour of charging. It also has WiFi connectivity for remote control and scheduling.
3. Siemens VersiCharge: offers 30 amps of power and can deliver a range of 22 miles per hour of charging. It’s not WiFi-enabled, but it does have a delay function that allows you to schedule charging.
4. Bosch Power Max 2: provides 40 amps of power and can deliver a range of 30 miles per hour of charging. It doesn’t have WiFi connectivity, but it does have a compact design and is relatively affordable.
5. Tesla Wall Connector: offers up to 48 amps of power and can deliver a range of 44 miles per hour of charging. Only compatible with Tesla vehicles.

Where is the Best Place to Buy an Electric Car?

If you’re planning to buy an electric car, you have the following options:

1. Buy a new EV from a dealership: for brands that use the dealership model, such as Ford, Nissan, and GM
2. Buy a new EV directly from the manufacturer: for brands that use the direct-to-consumer model, such as Tesla, Polestar, and Rivian
3. Buy a used EV from a dealer
4. Buy a used electric vehicle from a private seller

If you’re buying new and know which vehicle you want, your choice is made. You’ll be buying from a dealership or directly from the manufacturer—depending on your chosen brand’s distribution model.

If you’re buying used, you’re usually better off buying from a private seller. Here at PrivateAuto, we make the private-party transaction easy and secure. Skip the dealer documentation fee and markup and get more EV for your buck when you transact peer-to-peer on PrivateAuto.

From instant payments to secure communications, we give you the power to drive the deal on your terms. That’s why we’re the best place to buy a used car (including an electric car) online.

We have a wide selection of non-electric vehicles for sale as well. Browse our full selection of vehicles for sale by owner.