Experts believe that nearly 18 million electric vehicles will be shipped by 2024. By 2030, more than half of vehicle models will be electric. It’s easy to see why. Electric vehicles mean fuel savings, lower maintenance, and better performance. Furthermore, they’re better for the environment. If you’re still trying to decide whether an electric vehicle is right for you, it helps to know what to expect in the coming years.
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Lower Operating Costs
Traditional vehicles require more maintenance than electric vehicles since they need oil and filter changes at regular intervals. Experts say that people who own electric vehicles save an average of $1,300 in maintenance costs each year, not to mention an additional $800 in fuel costs. Overall, someone who finds a new Acura for sale and drives an electric version for nine years may save as much as $19,000 in that time.
Better Battery Technology
As more people buy electric vehicles, manufacturers are looking for ways to improve their battery power. Good battery performance is essential for a good experience and factors into the vehicle’s driving range and how long it takes to charge it. In coming years, artificial intelligence could even make charging an electric vehicle take just the amount of time it would take to stop at a traditional gas station.
Better Range
If you ask current consumers why they don’t own an electric vehicle, many will say it’s because they’re afraid it won’t have the range they need to carry out daily tasks or take it on long-distance drives. Those who already own them say they’re finding it’s not a problem. Things are changing, too.
More charging stations are being added across the United States and upcoming electric vehicle batteries will have a range of more than 600 miles on a single charge.
Lower Purchase Prices
Industry experts believe more people will switch to electric vehicles in the coming years because of the cost savings on maintenance. Furthermore, overall costs are equalizing as well. Federal tax credits play a significant role, but initial costs are lowering as well. An electric Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to start at just $42,000 while the XLT will be around $55,000. Other upcoming options are the Tesla Cybertruck at just under $40,000 or the GMC Hummer at just under $80,000.
More Recycling Options
Currently, recycling batteries from electric vehicles is complex, slow, not environmentally friendly, and often expensive. However, that is expected to change in the coming years. U.S. Bipartisan infrastructure law is funding new second-life technologies and EV battery recycling options.
Sustainable lithium battery packs already have a second life in mind, and researchers from the University of Maryland create zinc batteries that have a biodegradable electrolyte. This makes them able to decompose naturally.
Consider Your Options For the Future
Why spend thousands of dollars per year on repairs and gasoline when you can help the environment and your wallet with an electric vehicle? Next time you plan to purchase a new car, shop around and consider going electric.
Appreciate it!