It is likely that you or someone you know owns an electric car in 2022. These vehicles are slowly becoming the norm, both because of their eco-friendly efficiency on the roads and how cheap they are to run. However, electric cars still pose a mystery to some drivers.
The only way to know whether buying an electric car is the right move is to learn more about them. Therefore, this article will go through everything you need to know about electric cars.
History
A lot of drivers will think of Tesla or Toyota when they think about electric cars. While these models are certainly popular on today’s roads, these models are far from the first electric car ever to be introduced. In fact, these cars are about one hundred years past the original design.
The very first electric car to hit the market was released in 1890 in the state of Iowa. This vehicle could barely reach sixteen miles per hour, and the whole enterprise mainly worked to prove that an electric car was possible. It would take a while for the concept to be picked up by a high-profile manufacturer, though. Finally, in 1996, General Motors released what can now be considered the first modern electric car, the EV1.
Braking Adds Miles
Everyone knows that electric cars still need to be charged. Just as a diesel or petrol car needs to take regular trips to the gas station for a re-fill, so too must your new electric car. However, there are other ways to recharge the engine, even if it is only for a small amount.
Electric vehicles are designed to be as energy efficient as possible. As such, developers are always trying to think of eco-friendly ways to keep their cars running for longer. One successful method involves your brakes. Every time you bring your electric car to a stop, the brakes will regenerate some more energy for the engine. Therefore, braking can help your electric car stay on the road for longer.
They Aren’t Silent
A common concern for many motorists was that the original electric cars on the market were silent. While this feature was certainly good for noise pollution, it did pose a danger for pedestrians. Part of crossing the road involves listening out for cars, especially if there is a blind corner nearby. The silent nature of the electric car made this action impossible, which meant that these cars could cause a nasty accident if other pedestrians or drivers weren’t paying attention.
Fortunately, electric car manufacturers have listened to these concerns and rectified the issue. While an electric vehicle still won’t growl like a normal petrol engine, a site like LV Electrix will inform you that these vehicles whir to alert passers-by of their presence. Therefore, these cars are no longer as dangerous as they were once perceived.
Charging Stations
Another common concern for drivers thinking about making the switch to an electric car is charging points. Many electric car owners now have charging points installed in their homes; however, this isn’t a possibility for some. So, can you reliably keep your electric car topped up with juice?
The short answer is yes. If you wanted a more comprehensive answer, then you may be surprised to learn that there are more charging stations in the UK than petrol stations. Experts have estimated that there are over forty-two thousand charging points in nearly 15,000 locations. As such, you probably won’t be at a loss for options the next time you need to recharge.
Lifespan
As a driver, you will rely on your car for a lot of things. Therefore, it is a good idea to invest in a vehicle that will last you a long time. With electric cars being so new, it is understandable if you are unsure of their average lifespan. However, you don’t need to worry about that. The average electric car will serve you for up to 200,000 miles. That should keep you going for eight years or so.
Jumpstarts
You may have been in this awkward situation before. Your car won’t start, and the only way to get moving again is by jumpstarting the thing with another vehicle. This process is incredibly quick and can get you out of a jam when you need it the most. But can you do something like this with an electric car?
It is possible to jumpstart an electric vehicle in the same way you would another model. However, it is a rare occurrence since most electric car engines will always seek out ways to keep themselves charged. As such, it is highly unlikely that they will end up in a situation where they require a jumpstart in the first place.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many advantages to driving an electric car. What’s more, designers are still trying to work out some of the kinks, so these vehicles will soon be future proofed too.