Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as people are looking to save money on gas and help the environment. This initiative is being pushed by many car companies releasing new electric car models. But are electric cars worth it, or is it just a gimmick that automotive companies use to sell more cars?
As someone who runs an automotive company, you must not only sell but educate and inform your customers. While EVs have a clear advantage, their disadvantages are often glossed over. This article will go over both the pros and cons of electric cars so that consumers can make an informed decision about whether or not they are right for them.
What are EVs?
Before we can proceed, let’s first have a brief introduction to EVs. As the name suggests, electric vehicles are powered by electricity instead of gasoline. The battery is recharged by plugging it into an outlet, and it can last an average of over 100 miles on a single charge.
Why Are People Switching Over to EVs?
As of the moment, EVs are nowhere near as ubiquitous as gasoline cars. In the US, it’s estimated that only about one percent of all passenger vehicles are electric. Despite this, their popularity is rising, with sales increasing by about 50 percent every year. There are several reasons for this:
- EVs are much cheaper to operate than gasoline cars. The cost of charging an EV is about the same as running a household appliance, like a washing machine. In contrast, the gas price has been rising in recent years and shows no signs of stopping.
- EVs are better for the environment. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, EVs produce about half the carbon emissions of gasoline cars. This means that EVs are better for the environment now and will become increasingly important as we look to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- EVs are becoming increasingly more practical. As battery technology continues to improve, EVs can travel further on a single charge. In addition, an ever-growing network of charging stations is making it easier for people to recharge while on the go. In addition, many new EVs are being equipped with features like self-driving and autonomous parking, making them even more convenient.
- Save big on fuel. With the rising cost of gas, electric cars are looking more and more appealing to budget-conscious drivers. According to research, electric vehicle owners are likely to spend about 60% less to power their EVs. This level of convenience, budget-wise, will also translate to an annual savings of about $800 to $1,300. In addition, the US Department of Energy also created a calculator that lets you compare the costs of owning an EV to a gasoline car.
- Save big on maintenance. Apart from fuel, electric cars are also cheaper to maintain. For example, electric cars have far fewer moving parts than gasoline cars, meaning there are fewer opportunities for something to go wrong. In addition, electric cars also don’t require oil changes, which can add up to big savings over time.
What are the Disadvantages of EVs?
Despite their many advantages, there are also several disadvantages to electric cars that are often overlooked.
- High initial cost. One of the biggest deterrents to owning an EV is its high initial cost. The average price of a new EV is about $30,000, which is about twice the price of a new gasoline car. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the high initial cost of EVs is offset by their low running costs. In addition, many states and countries offer incentives like tax rebates to encourage people to switch to EVs.
- Limited range. Another downside of EVs is their limited range. The average EV can only travel about 100 miles on a single charge, which may not be enough for long road trips. However, this is slowly changing as battery technology continues to improve.
- Slow charging times. Another downside of EVs is that they can take a long time to charge. For example, it can take about seven to eight hours to charge an EV on a standard 7kW household outlet. However, this is slowly changing as well, with the advent of faster-charging stations.
- Less resale value. EVs also tend to have lower resale values than gasoline cars. This is because battery technology is constantly improving, so older EVs are quickly outdated. As a result, people are often reluctant to buy used EVs.
Why Use DATAMYTE?
Whether EVs are good or bad, there’s no denying the fact that their sales are going up each year. For automotive companies, that’s a positive sign indicating that more and more people are willing to make the switch to EVs. To take advantage of this rising trend, you need to use DATAMYTE.
DATAMYTE is a quality management platform that makes your EV manufacturing duties easier. The DataMyte Digital Clipboard, in particular, is a useful tool that will help you get started with EV manufacturing and ensure that every process is carried out correctly. With the DataMyte Digital Clipboard, you can:
- Monitor your process in real time
- Collect accurate and real-time data on your EV manufacturing process
- Reduce scrap and rework
- Improve first pass yield
- Take advantage of Industry 40.0 technologies
- Create workflows dedicated to your EV manufacturing process
- Create a comprehensive EV checklist for better decision-making and quality control
- Collaborate with your team in real time.
- Generate reports for better analysis.
If you’re looking to get into the EV manufacturing business, or if you’re already in it and want to improve your process, then you need DATAMYTE and its reliable Digital Clipboard. Request a demo now and see how we can help you!
Conclusion
So, are electric cars worth it? For consumers, the answer is still up in the air as they need to weigh the pros and cons of owning one. But for automotive manufacturers, the answer is a resounding yes. With the help of DATAMYTE, you can take advantage of the rising trend of EV ownership and improve your manufacturing process simultaneously. Request a demo today to learn more!