Have you been toying with the idea of buying an electric car? If so, you may have millions of questions and second-thoughts about your decision. Electric cars are preferred as they run on electricity and not diesel or gasoline, like conventional vehicles. These vehicles use electric motors that are powered by electric power from a fuel cell or batteries. At the same time, all electric vehicles (EVs) will not run in the same way; for instance, the plug-in hybrids can have either an electric or diesel-powered engine.

Why are electric cars popular today?

As far as greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution are concerned, these EVs are far cleaner than any conventional vehicle. The degree of cleanliness will depend on the electricity source and the kind of vehicle. For example, battery-operated electric vehicles that run on clean electricity grids will emit greenhouse gases like a car with 1000 miles every gallon. But, if charged with only renewable energy like wind or solar energy, the operations can be completely emission-free. While it may cost you a fortune to buy an electric car, the upfront costs are often brought down by state incentives. The costs of refueling are far less, and this indicates that the total cost of ownership may be much lower. So, switching to electric cars can guarantee high savings.

How do electric cars work?

Electric cars can function when plugged in to charge points by taking electric power from the grids. This power is then stored in their rechargeable batteries, which powers the electric motors that turn the car wheels. This allows electric cars to accelerate much faster than regular vehicles that have fuel engines, and this is why they are much lighter to drive. Charging electric cars is easy; you can simply plug it into any public charging station, or you may use your home charging unit.

Types of electric cars that you can consider buying

• Plug-in hybrids
  These guarantee lower refueling costs and superior environmental performance compared to standard vehicles. They can be recharged from outlets, and you can use the gasoline only for long road trips. To use this type of electric car, you do not need parking space to plug the car in, and a regular 120V outlet will suffice. A majority of plug-in hybrid electric cars are passenger vehicles, and buyers will not typically require space to accommodate more than five people, and they will probably not need towing abilities.
• Battery-electric cars
  BEVs or battery-electric vehicles are fully electric cars using rechargeable batteries but no gasoline engines. These will use electricity alone for fuel purposes, and, therefore, it is essential that the battery range is compatible with what the vehicle is going to be used for. Recharging these electric cars is simple, as there are many public charging stations these days. Such cars have zero tailpipe emissions, and they use electricity instead of gasoline, making them the most environment-friendly cars. This type appeals to climate-conscious buyers and large households. For those drivers who want to drive fuel cell vehicles, there are benefits of long driving ranges and fast refueling time. But these cars will need hydrogen refueling stations that are not easily found.
• Hybrid electric vehicles
  The HEVs are powered by both electricity and gasoline. The electrical energy comes from the car’s braking system and recharges the battery. This process is referred to as regenerative braking, wherein the motor allows the car to slow down and uses some energy converted into heat by brakes. These cars will start off using their electric motors, but then, the engine cuts in, and the speed accelerates. Both motors are regulated by internal computers.

Advantages of buying electric cars

• Noiseless driving experience
  If you want a buttery-smooth riding experience without noises, you should opt for an electric car. This is because such vehicles do not have too many moving parts; the electric motor is the only moving part. Today, although petrol engines produce far less noise than earlier, you will still feel loud vibrations. But in electric cars, both are missing.
• Explosive torque
  The conventional petrol engine will produce torque only at a particular RPM range. Moreover, because of the design, the torque starts off low, then peaks, and finally decreases again. Petrol engines are also likely to experience output loss since multiple parts are needed for transmitting this torque. But, in electric cars, you can get maximum torque directly at a standstill position. This starts to slow down when you move towards the higher RPM range because of EMF. Since there is only a single intermediate part between the motor and wheels, you can enjoy a very high output.
• Easy driving
  When it comes to maneuvering electric cars, it is far easier than conventional vehicles where there are multiple gears. Commercial electric cars are fitted with a transmission that has a single long gear; there is no stalling problem as with petrol cars. So, you do not require a clutch mechanism, and you can run the vehicle with an accelerator, brake pedal, and steering wheel.
• Regenerative braking
  This feature is extremely useful because, in regular vehicles, braking leads to wastage of energy, as it releases frictional heat. But, in electric cars, this energy is utilized for charging the batteries.
• Zero pollution
  Cars that run on gasoline will generate power by burning fuel and the by-products released are carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and many other suspended particles. These are harmful when inhaled and pollute the environment. For diesel vehicles, the extent of pollution caused is even higher. Since electric cars do not depend on fuel combustion for operations, they only convert the battery energy to rotate the electric motor that, in turn, spins the wheels. As a result, there is zero pollution, and these cars run on clean energy.

Things to remember when buying electric cars

• Long recharge time and limited range
  If you plan to travel long distances in these cars, you may face myriad problems. Most of the cars in this category have usable range issues; they typically have only a range of 400-450 kilometers when the battery is fully charged. If you wish to explore the high torque, you may find that the range is even lower. Moreover, you will not find charging stations everywhere you travel. And even if you do, these cars need almost 10 hours to get fully charged.
• Increase in electricity demand
  These cars will need electricity to run. You can use clean and green electric sources like wind and solar power plants, but these make up a small percentage. Most electricity is derived from thermal power plants. With more and more electric car models coming out, the demand for electricity will go up. This, in turn, will cause an increase in coal amounts that have to be now burned to meet this demand. So, governments have to arrange for investments in cleaner sources first; otherwise, else the source of power is not really green.
• Costly upfront investments
  The initial investments for electric cars are high, and even the most affordable models are priced around $30,000 to $40,000. Luxury models will cost more.
• No free electricity
  You will find your energy bills steadily climbing because your car must be electrically-charged regularly.
• Hazards
  Sometimes, being in a completely silent car can be dangerous because you do not get to hear the noises of the vehicles behind you. So, the chances of accidents cannot be ruled out.
• Less capacity
  Today, most electric cars can accommodate two passengers and not a big family with kids.
• Battery replacement
  Depending on how much the battery has been used, you may need to get it replaced every 3-10 years.

Ten best affordable electric car models that you can consider buying:

• 2020 Tesla Model 3
  This sporty car offers a considerable amount of space, considering its footprint. While this model encountered many teething problems, there have been remarkable improvements in its production. There is almost complete reliance on its touchscreen interface that can be a tad distracting, but this model has aced all tests and won over critics once they have got behind its wheels.
• Kia e-Niro
  This electric car model is pocket-friendly and designed for families. It is fitted with a 64kWh battery that allows it to travel smoothly for about 230 miles with a one-time charge. It seems to score ahead of its competitors because it is a practical and easy-to-drive vehicle. It is spacious compared to other electric cars in the same price range, and it can handle far more sophisticated features than most others.
• 2020 Nissan Leaf
  This model has undergone recent design tweaks, making it an improved electric car than it originally was. So, the Nissan Leaf is quieter, offers better driving satisfaction, and is far more comfortable to ride in. The car may be slightly hard for taller individuals in the absence of a telescope steering wheel.
• Audi e-Tron
  This is a conventional Audi model that does not make an attempt to stand out or act radically. It can accommodate five people and comes with a 605-liter boot. The striking features of this electric car include keyless entry, 360-degree cameras, LED headlights, adaptive air suspension, and charge points on either side of the car.
• Volkswagen ID.3
  After the Golf and Beetle, Volkswagen is marketing the ID3 as the next people’s car. The ID3 competes against the BMW i3 and Nissan leaf and marks Volkswagen’s debut in the realm of EVs, proving that the company is taking electro-mobility seriously. This model is a five-seater hatchback with a motor under the wheels and a spacious boot. It can offer about 200 miles for a 45kWh battery back.
• 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV
  This was the only non-Tesla car to provide a range of 250 miles before the Kona and Niro arrived. The cargo space is slightly small and the front seats slightly firm, but this car is known for delivering an exceptional all-electric driving range and superior performance.
• Peugeot e-208
  This is one of the most visually stunning EVs, and it comes at an excellent price. It provides an excellent mix of style, practicality, value, performance, usable range, and driver appeal. This car model is known for its dashing interiors and stylish bodywork. Moreover, this car offers a suppleness that is not usually found in other small electric cars that struggle to keep their mass on roads.
• Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh
  This Hyundai flagship car offers a much bigger electrical storage than many others in its category. It is known for providing a much better accelerative performance compared to its closest rivals.
• 2020 Jaguar I-Pace
  This electric car model provides a futuristic look and style both outside and inside. It stands out because of its sophistication, comfort, and poise. Features like responsive steering and immediate acceleration make this car both a luxury EV and a sports car.
• 2020 Tesla Model Y
  This is the most recent vehicle in Tesla’s electric car lineup and will appeal right away to the diehard Tesla fans. The layout and structure are very similar to the Tesla Model 3, but Tesla Y has an SUV-like stance. It is expected that a third row will be added to it soon, so it can accommodate seven people comfortably. It will also make this model the least costly 3-row EV in the market.

Should you buy a used EV?

Some people may not mind buying an inexpensive used car, and some may even want to go for a used EV to reduce their carbon footprint. But, this decision may not be good for everyone. On the one hand, you can get a good bargain because the EV’s diminished resale prices will appeal to you. Savings will vary, but usually, you can buy used EVs for almost 72% less than new ones. Buying a used EV will offer you a smooth driving experience, and it will not emit tailpipe emissions. So, it will not harm the environment.

Used EVs have an even lower carbon footprint than new ones. The cars will need less maintenance because they have limited moving parts. However, you must be careful because there are high chances of battery performance getting reduced when you buy a used electric car. Any battery-powered device’s performance can fade with time. The performance drop is not as dramatic as with smartphones, but it will happen over the years. Finally, technology can get outdated with time, and with EVs, the effects are more because the range and battery performance are continuously improving.