Whether you are looking to buy a new electric car or simply rethink the way you drive, there are a number of benefits to consider. For starters, you will be able to enjoy a cleaner environment, faster response times, and a quieter driving experience.
Quieter driving experience
Compared to their combustion-powered predecessors, electric cars are a bit quieter. There isn't much active driving noise, but the motor still makes some noise when idle. Some electrics even offer back-up beeps or horns for a safe and alert drive.
While they're not quite as quiet as they once were, there are some things you can do to make your car as quiet as possible. For example, the German startup VI-grade has developed NVH simulators that let vehicle developers experience noise levels through virtual prototypes. They also have a number of innovative noise-canceling tires that integrate a thick layer of polyurethane foam in the tire.
While an electric car may be quieter, it doesn't mean that it's safer. In fact, a study published in a recent issue of Applied Materials found that an electric car can pose a special hazard to pedestrians. In particular, if your EV is backing up in a crowded parking lot, you might not see a potential hazard in time to react. In addition, there's the possibility of being injured by other road users.
It's no secret that electric vehicles are getting more attention from consumers. They offer an eco-friendly alternative to gasoline-fueled vehicles and boast incredible acceleration. However, the hype can get a little out of hand. Among the benefits of a battery-powered car is the lack of mechanical parts, which means less weight. In addition, many new models feature wireless connections to cell phones, allowing drivers to answer calls and texts without needing to stop the engine.
Similarly, the absence of an internal combustion engine means that drivers will hear more environmental noise. But if they're used to the sound of a gas-powered engine, that could be an unpleasant surprise. The good news is that there are some things you can do to mitigate noise, namely by using lightweight materials, such as aluminum. In fact, there are many startup EV manufacturers that are turning to aluminum to save weight.
For instance, some electric vehicles use radar-based sensors to warn the driver when they're near an object. These systems are effective at low speeds, but they would be useless at higher speeds.
Cleaner environment
Electrified cars are more environmentally friendly than gas-powered vehicles. Not only do they produce less greenhouse gases, they also have fewer tailpipe emissions. EVs also do not use motor oil or brake fluids. They can be recharged repeatedly, reducing their impact on the environment.
The electric vehicle market has grown rapidly in the last few years. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, the U.S. market for electric vehicles is set to double in 2021 to 6.6%.
The battery that powers an EV is made up of many minerals. It requires refining and extraction from far away countries. Mining these minerals is linked to pollution and environmental degradation in areas like Indonesia and China.
Using all natural materials and manufacturing EVs with organic and eco-friendly materials can minimize the effects on the environment after production. The process of EV production is not as environmentally friendly as ICE production, however.
While EVs are considered the cleanest form of transportation, the manufacturing process is not without its environmental downsides. Unlike ICEs, the batteries used in EVs require refining, processing, and transport. They also contain a large number of metals.
A white paper recently released by the International Council on Clean Transportation found that electric cars reduce emissions significantly compared to combustion engines. The report looks at all aspects of the vehicle's life cycle, including fuel/electricity production, material extraction, use and maintenance.
Another study conducted by Cornell University measured the environmental impact of a fleet of passenger EVs on air quality. It was published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews in March of 2023.
The study found that medium-sized EVs have a lower climate impact in Europe and India than gasoline-powered vehicles. Similarly, it found that the average EV would emit about half the lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of a conventional vehicle.
A Reuters analysis also suggests that the full benefits of EVs will take decades to be realized. The analysis used Argonne's GREET model, similar to the one used in the European assessment. The model was developed for the EPA to use to develop an online program to help consumers estimate their EV emissions.
Reliability
Despite their high reputation, electric cars are not as reliable as some would expect. In fact, a recent survey from Which? magazine reported that nearly one in five petrol and electric cars reported at least one fault during 2014. In fact, that figure is expected to rise to one in ten by the end of 2021.
In addition, the reliability of the latest generation Nissan Leaf isn't as great as its predecessor. Approximately 9% of the owners of the previous model have reported problems. However, repairs are usually quick and free of charge from Nissan dealers.
According to Consumer Reports, EVs are less expensive to repair and maintain than gasoline or diesel vehicles. In addition, a recent survey shows that EVs have a higher rate of software and exterior problems.
The study, which surveyed 25,000 vehicle owners, found that more than half of the faults were resolved within a week. But, the report also notes that most faults aren't caused by the batteries or motors. Instead, they are caused by the car's infotainment system and other features.
The newest EVs, like the Nissan Leaf, MG ZS EV, and Tesla Model X, haven't done so well in CR reliability surveys. In fact, the Tesla Model Y has been the subject of an incredible accident in China, killing a motorcyclist and leaving a young woman dead. The car also had misaligned body panels and a human hair embedded in its paint.
While some models are more dependable than others, the overall reliability of EVs has improved over the last few years. The Nissan Leaf has climbed to sixth place in the list of most reliable electric cars. The Chevrolet Bolt and Kia eNiro are two other top-rated EVs.
In addition to these models, other top-rated EVs include the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight. Some EVs, like the BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz e-class, haven't done as well.
It's important to note that this survey isn't a complete picture of EVs. A recent survey of more than 48,000 UK car owners found that the most reliable fuel type is conventional self-charging hybrids. The next most reliable are plug-in hybrids.