Top Benefits of Driving an Electric Vehicle

If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, or just looking for a change, you may be considering making the switch to driving an electric vehicle (EV). Though there may be some downsides, such as charging availability, there are many benefits you may experience if you choose to purchase an electric vehicle. The perks of being an electric vehicle driver can vary from saving money, to positively affecting your community and the planet. Here’s everything you need to know about the perks of being an electric vehicle owner.

Environmental Impact

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If caring for the environment is important to you, switching to an electric car is an essential change that may help you make your life more green. There are many factors to consider when you’re thinking about the environmental impact of an EV, but it’s important to know that they usually produce fewer emissions than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. How good your EV is for the planet can depend on factors like how the electricity you use is produced, and how long you keep and drive your car.

Even though producing the batteries for electric transportation does create a large amount of emissions, it’s usually less than emissions from driving a gasoline-powered car. If you want to enhance your positive effect on the environment, you may pair other green efforts with your electric vehicle. For example, if you can install solar panels at home, you may reduce your reliance on coal for electricity and make your EV truly environmentally friendly.

Fuel Savings

The price of gas is always fluctuating, and it can change quickly depending on the current market. When gas prices increase, having an EV may help you avoid paying more for your commute. Though buying an electric vehicle may cost you about 10 to 15 percent more than the average gasoline-powered vehicle, you can make up part of that money at the pump.

For example, the Ioniq 5 is one of Hyundai’s electric vehicles, and on top of winning World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, and Electric Vehicle of the Year, the Ioniq also has an estimated range of about 300 miles. To fully charge your Ioniq at home, it may cost you about $5.75, while at a charger it may cost up to $15.

A standard vehicle in the US may average about 25 miles per gallon, so it would take about 12 gallons of gas to drive 300 miles. If the current price for a gallon of gas is $4.78 on average, it would cost the driver $57.36 to go 300 miles. Even if you choose to charge your Ioniq at a charging station and pay $15, you could save up to $42.36 to go the same distance in an EV as you can in a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Ownership Savings

The pump isn’t the only place you can save money when you buy or drive an electric vehicle. Depending on where you purchase your automobile, you may save thousands of dollars in rebates and other incentives from the government. They may offer financial incentives for citizens to purchase EVs to relieve the demand on gasoline, and create a better local environment. Some states may offer more than others when it comes to ownership savings for driving an EV so make sure you check out how much money you can save.

For example, if you choose to purchase a 2022 Ioniq, you may save up to $7,500 in federal tax credits. The type of vehicle you purchase and when you buy it can affect the amount of savings you make. For instance, you may find higher incentives for fully electric vehicles than for their plug-in hybrid or hybrid counterparts. Check with your local government to learn more about potential financial incentives to purchase or drive electric vehicles.

EV-Specific Access

If you commute to work in your vehicle each day, having an electric vehicle may make the experience more convenient and simple. In some areas, the roads have carpool lanes that encourage people to ride together. This is an incentive that encourages people to use less gasoline and be more efficient in their fuel usage. The carpool lanes are often less busy than regular lanes, as fewer people qualify to use them.

When you purchase or drive an electric vehicle, you may gain access to the carpool lane. Some areas may even have lanes specifically for EVs, as this prompts more people to purchase these types of vehicles and avoid using too much gasoline. In addition to gaining access to the carpool lane, you may also find EV-specific parking spots in parking garages and on the street. These spots often offer charging ports you can use to keep your car charged while running errands or attending events.

Performance

The final perk for purchasing or driving an EV is the performance. Many electric cars feature powerful engines that can provide a smooth and exciting drive when compared to their gasoline counterparts. Electric automobiles may offer faster response times and quicker accelerations compared to gasoline-powered cars. For example, Hyundai’s electric vehicles offer competitive power and performance.

The 2022 Kona Electric is Hyundai’s all-electric SUV. The Kona aims to balance style, modernity, luxury, and efficiency. It offers up to 201 horsepower and can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in about 6.4 seconds. The Ioniq 5 offers up to 320 horsepower, and can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in just over four seconds. If you want to feel the speed and handling of an electric vehicle for yourself, consider test driving several different models to see how they differ in performance.

So, there you have it. That’s everything you need to know about the positive aspects of owning or driving an electric vehicle. We hope this guide has helped you understand more about what it’s like to be an EV driver. For more information, or to schedule an EV test drive today, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our dedicated team members today.