Maintaining an EV Is Often More Affordable Than a Conventional Car

In response to the federal government’s Clean Air Act, 11 states will require sales of Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) to account for roughly 7 to 10 percent of total auto sales by 2025, according to the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers. The sales of Electric Vehicles (EVs), a type of ZEV, have been steadily rising over the last few years, and thanks to this development, they will only continue to increase. Just as in-car tech has improved over the years, so has the way we burn fuel while we drive our vehicles. Fortunately, drivers don’t need to fear an increase in service and maintenance costs when they make the switch from a standard vehicle to an EV.

EVS Are for Everyone

For years, owning and operating EVs seemed almost unattainable. Seemingly reserved for the very wealthy, EVs came to represent the top one percent, causing many average people to avoid looking into purchasing them. Over time, EVs have become more affordable to own and maintain. Now, they are even saving drivers on costs associated with gas-guzzling cars and trucks. Electric motors are much simpler than internal combustion engines, which you can find under the hood of most standard vehicles. This means there are fewer moving pieces, which leads to less frequent breakdowns on the road. Many EVs come with smart systems that tell drivers exactly how much energy they are expending. This helps preserve energy and save on electric charges.

Calculating Your Costs

According to Kelley Blue Book, the five-year cost to own a luxury sedan is often no lower than $50,000. This includes all vehicle-related costs, from fuel and insurance to maintenance and vehicle depreciation over time. To compare, most EVs are $20,000 cheaper to own and maintain over five years. When it comes to understanding the potential cost of ownership of an EV, start with knowing how to calculate appropriate costs for basic auto maintenance and repairs. EV drivers save cash in a number of ways. Instead of stopping to fill up your gas tank, you can simply plug your car in at home for a recharge. Most EVs have greater driving range than standard cars, and some states even cut EV owners a break on road taxes.

No Charge To The Climate

There are benefits to owning an EV that extend beyond your bank account. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, EVs generate fewer emissions contributing to climate change around the globe than standard vehicles. For those who care about taking care of our planet, driving EVs is a major step to take in terms of reducing your carbon footprint and making a difference in our world’s ecological systems. It might not seem like much, but every trip you take to the supermarket can mean the difference between polluting and protecting the very community in which you live.

When it comes to owning and maintaining EVs, the possibilities are endless. The cash you save on regular service trips to the mechanic and fuel will make a nice savings cushion for when you decide to take a road trip or even trade your vehicle in for a newer model.