According to the Climate Change Authority in 2020, transportation emissions accounted for 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Australia.
While it’s undeniable that gasoline-powered automobiles dominate the market, other options that don’t rely on combustion and greenhouse gas emissions are viable alternatives.
Bicycles, for example, are great for shorter distances. However, if you want to cover a lot of ground, electric cars are seen by many as the future of automotive transportation.
Here are six reasons why the electric car is the better option.
1. Electric Cars Produce Zero Tailpipe Emissions
As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing global issue, more and more people are actively seeking out ways to curb the acceleration of the deterioration of the planet.
While lobbying for large-scale policy changes is important, individual consumers can also make a difference by reducing their carbon footprint on an individual level.
One way to do this is to switch to an electric car. Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means that they don’t contribute to air pollution directly.
That said, there are still some wastes associated with electric cars, as the electricity needed to charge them often comes from precious fossil fuels found deep in the earth.
However, once renewable energy solutions have been put into place, electric cars can undeniably become a front-runner in terms of sustainable transportation. It’s only a matter of time before we see a more widespread shift to electric cars.
2. They’re Easier To Maintain
When using a gas-powered car, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. The engine may overheat and break down, the oil may need to be changed, and the spark plugs may need to be replaced from time to time.
With electric cars, however, there are far fewer moving parts. This means that fewer things can go wrong and they’re generally much easier to take care of. This can lead to fewer maintenance costs and replacement costs and a lower price tag when looking at the car’s entire lifecycle.
That said, some of these gas-powered car parts are replaced with specially-designed EV parts that may be more expensive, so it’s important to do your research before making the switch. Fortunately, most EVs have highly-efficient electric engines, so you won’t face this problem too often.
Nonetheless, if you want to protect yourself in case of damages, it’s crucial to insure your vehicle. Learn more about electric car insurance.
3. No Need To Spend Gas Money
Gas is getting more and more expensive, especially considering the destabilized socio-political climate across the world.
But for EV consumers, the inflation of gas prices won’t be as big of a problem. Instead of having to spend money on gas, electric car users will be able to charge their cars at home or work with little to no extra fees. On top of that, you’re saving a few minutes of the day by not having to stop by gas stations every so often.
All you need is a reliable source of electricity, and knowledge of EV charging stations, and you’re pretty much set.
And since you’re no longer spending gas money, you can better predict your monthly expenses. This means you’ll never have to make a pit stop for gas in the middle of a long journey.
4. More Car Makes In The Future
One of the greatest things about traditional vehicles is the sheer number of makes and models available on the market. What people don’t know is that there are plans by EV companies to ramp up the production of electric vehicles to compete with the variety offered by gas-powered cars.
In the next few years, there will be many more EV choices for consumers to pick from. This will constantly grow as the technology improves and more companies jump on board. While many of us are familiar with EV sedan makes, hatchbacks, pickup trucks, and vans are on the verge of becoming more widely available in the market.
5. Better Energy Efficiency
Aside from eliminating the need to use gas to power its engine, electric cars are also much more energy-efficient than their gas-powered counterparts.
According to the Australian Energy Council, the motor of electric vehicles are 85-90% more efficient than that of a gas-fired motor engine. Not only does this mean that you’re using fewer resources to fuel your rides, but it also translates to fewer emissions and pollutants released into the atmosphere.
This is a crucial step in mitigating climate change and preserving our planet for future generations. And in the future, EV emissions are only expected to dip even further. It’s estimated that EV emissions will fall between 3 per cent and 10 per cent annually. And considering the evident inefficiency of motor engines, this is a very welcome change.
6. Tax Rebates And Other Financial Incentives
The Australian government has recently passed the Electric Car Discount Bill, which states that electric cars that don’t exceed the luxury car tax threshold are free of both fringe benefits tax and import duty.
This can amount to a saving of around $5,000 on the purchase price of an electric car. On top of that, EV owners in NSW are eligible for a $3,000 EV rebate and a stamp duty exemption.
Even outside the Australian landscape, governments are pushing for the adoption of EVs as it truly is a more efficient and environmentally-friendly means of transportation.
