Sustainable Transportation: 10 Reasons to Switch to an Electric Car in 2024

Oscar Collins is the dedicated editor-in-chief at Modded, where he works tirelessly to provide invaluable insights into a diverse range of subjects related to green living, technology, and the environment.

Introduction

Oscar Collins has a deep passion for advocating eco-consciousness and a knack for exploring emerging trends in sustainability and tech, he has become a prominent voice in this field.

Highlights

Oscar Collins has contributed substantially to Modded, where he has exhibited a profound commitment to disseminating knowledge on green living and sustainability trends. His work is marked by its ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, engaging content, making it an essential resource for readers interested in eco-conscious living. Through his written works, he has covered a broad spectrum of topics, from the intricacies of renewable energy and circular economy to the latest technological innovations that are reshaping our environmental landscape.

Experience

Over the years, Oscar has gained extensive experience in the editorial landscape, honing his skills as a writer and communicator. His tenure at Modded, where he currently holds the prestigious position of editor-in-chief, has allowed him to steer the publication toward becoming an authoritative source of reliable, factual, and, above all, useful information on all things related to cars, sustainability, and green living.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Oscar's personal commitment to sustainable living serves as a living testament to the principles he advocates. His residence in the heart of New York City showcases the possibilities of integrating eco-conscious practices into urban life. He and his partner have transformed their living space into a model of sustainable living, adopting practices such as urban gardening, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. This hands-on experience has enriched Oscar's understanding of the challenges and rewards of green living in an urban environment.

Jun 22

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the share of electric cars in the automotive industry.

And if in 2010 they were of interest only to environmental activists worried about the Earth’s atmosphere, today, EVs are becoming a commodity of mass production.

Yes, electric models are gradually replacing classic autos with internal combustion engines (ICE).

According to the latest research, about 25% of petrol-powered car owners will switch to an electric car for their next vehicle.

The significant rise in demand is because electric transportation offers several key advantages compared to other vehicle types.

Let’s take a look at some of the top reasons to switch to an electric vehicle:

10 Reasons to Switch to an Electric Car

1. Ease of Maintenance

The design of electric vehicles is much simpler than that of vehicles with internal combustion engines.

Most often, the motor shaft directly transmits torque to the wheels and is also responsible for braking. There are no carburetors, gearboxes, and other complex elements used in conventional cars.

As a result, you don’t need to periodically change the engine oil. Plus, an electric car doesn’t require frequent maintenance, such as changing the cooling system fluid, air filter, spark plugs, and drive belts.

Servicing electric vehicles, as a rule, comes down to a mechanical inspection of the suspension and tires, changing the cabin air filter and windshield wiper blades, and topping up washer fluid.

And even if repair is necessary, it takes less time and costs less for the owner of the vehicle. On average, the maintenance of an electric car costs about a third of the amount that a car with an internal combustion engine requires.

2. Low Maintenance Costs

One of the biggest reasons to switch to an electric car is the low maintenance costs. The efficiency of an electric motor can reach 90-95%, which is much higher than its gasoline (25%) and diesel (40%) companion.

At the same time, the cost of electricity does not depend so much on the price of oil because green energy options like solar, nuclear, and hydroelectric power plants can produce it. Moreover, you can charge an electric car at night, when the cost of 1 kWh of electricity is especially cheap.

Calculations show that it will cost you several times less to drive one kilometer in an EV than in a conventional car. According to research, the owner of a Hyundai Kona Electric crossover (with a consumption of 15kW/100km) will pay around £550 to drive 10,000km.

Refueling a Hyundai Tucson with an internal combustion engine (with a consumption of 9.9l/100km) will cost about £1,200 for the same kilometers. Also, consider the difference when idling. While a regular car consumes fuel when standing at a traffic light, an electric car doesn’t.

3. Increased Stability on the Road

The main and heaviest structural element of an electric car is its battery. In many models, it occupies the lower part of the car, as the manufacturer builds it into the bottom.

Given that the weight of the battery can exceed 500 kilograms, the use of such a design solution lowers the center of gravity of the car.

As a result, it increases its controllability and stability. Thus, the likelihood that the car will roll over in any emergency is very small.

4. Increased Frontal Collision Safety

During a frontal collision, the engine located under the hood of a conventional car bursts into the passenger compartment and crashes into the driver.

Naturally, this often leads to death. In opposition, electric vehicles don’t have any heavy parts under the hood, and therefore there’s nothing to threaten passengers in the event of an accident.

Ultimately, the design features of EVs allow engineers to provide the highest level of safety, which is one of the top reasons to switch to an electric car. Indeed, electric models demonstrate the best results during crash tests, gaining the maximum number of points in them.

5. Wide Availability

The accessibility of electric vehicles has been a stumbling block in the past. Two decades ago an EV was something fantastic and impossible, but today it’s our reality.

Most brands, including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Honda, and others, have electric cars in their lineups, and their share over conventional autos is growing every year.

What’s more, you can even hire an EV nowadays. For instance, Nissan Leaf, Audi E-Tron, Tesla Model S, and Mercedes-Benz EQC are among the most popular models for electric car hire in London.

In addition, the price for such vehicles won’t scare budget-conscious drivers – you’ll enjoy cheap car hire in London starting at £35 per day for electric offers. These facts confirm the high availability of EVs for both purchase and rental.

6. Eco-friendly Approach

The problem of harmful emissions worries eco-conscious car owners around the world and makes them look for alternative transportation options. The electric car is the way out.

Travelers even prefer electric car hire vehicles to fit in with the global eco-trend away from home.

Yes, the absence of a carbon footprint is an advantage of an electric car. Moreover, governments of some countries encourage the population to use environmentally friendly technologies.

For example, owners of electric vehicles can expect a variety of benefits, such as zero vehicle tax and free car parking.

However, despite all the benefits, some people are hesitant about the green initiative of electric vehicles. Are they truly environmentally friendly?

Take a look at this video by SciShow to find out why electric vehicles really are better for the environment:

7. Quiet Driving

For most of us, a powerful car means the loud roar of its motor. However, an electric car doesn’t have such sound sources as an internal combustion engine (ICE).

That’s why EVs have an incredibly low noise level, which is simply unattainable for vehicles with ICEs.

Unfortunately, not everyone considers this a big advantage. Pedestrians may not notice a fast-moving car due to the lack of a characteristic sound. Therefore, engineers equip many models with preventive sound amplifiers.

8. Fast Acceleration

Electric vehicles show incredible acceleration dynamics. So, Tesla Model 3 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds, although the engine power is only 283 hp. What’s the secret?

The fact is that the electric motor develops maximum power even at low speeds, while the internal combustion engine can achieve it only in a very narrow speed range. This allows rapid acceleration without having to wait for the engine to rev up, as is the case with internal combustion engines.

Also, electric vehicles are more energy efficient than conventional vehicles. This means less energy will be lost as heat or friction. As a result, more efficient use of energy makes it possible to reach higher speeds.

9. Excellent Aerodynamics

Even people who are not well-versed in car brands will recognize Tesla at a glance. All thanks to its recognizable design with streamlined shapes and smooth edges. However, the main goal of the developers wasn’t so much aesthetics as ergonomics.

Electric vehicles don’t have an exhaust pipe at the back, nor do they need a radiator at the front. That’s why designers can give their creations such a shape to ensure minimal air resistance.

For example, the Tesla Model 3 has a drag coefficient of just 0.21, a value not available to any mass-produced car with an internal combustion engine.

10. Alternative Refueling Options

Any owner of an ordinary car periodically visits a gas station. Although electric vehicles also have specialized charging stations, in theory, you can charge them at home from a regular outlet.

Today, an EV battery may last for several hundred kilometers, which is more than enough for a day of city driving. And if we are talking about Tesla Model 3 or Model Y, you can drive them up to 580 km and 507 km, respectively.

This allows you to safely go on a long journey or not charge the batteries for several days in a row in city driving conditions.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Switch to an Electric Car

More and more people are taking advantage of the many reasons to switch to an electric car, and EVs are slowly pushing other cars into the dustbin of history.

Currently, the only problem with electric cars is their relatively high cost, which doesn’t allow them to occupy the lowest sectors of the car market. Nevertheless, experts believe that almost all cars will use electric motors by 2050.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much cheaper is it to charge an EV than to fill a regular car?

Although the difference lies in the technical characteristics of the cars, it will be 2 to 6 times cheaper for you to charge an EV than to fill up a regular auto. Also, driving style and environmental conditions matter. Colder weather and intense acceleration will shorten the EV range with the same charge. Read the full guide to learn more.

Why are electric cars more stable on the road?

The location of the battery at the bottom of the body is the main reason for the excellent stability of the EVs. In this case, the center of gravity approaches the ground, which improves the car's behavior when cornering, accelerating, and braking. Read the full guide to learn more about electric vehicle stability.

How often do you need to charge an electric car?

For calculation, proceed from the distance traveled per day and the range of the car on a single charge. When driving up to 100km a day in the city, you need to charge the car once every few days. And if you're going on a long trip, recharge as needed. Read the full guide to learn more about charging electric vehicles.