Electric cars are everywhere you look. Sales of electric vehicles are soaring while those of conventional gas cars are declining. If you drive, it’s hard not to feel a little curious about getting one. The considerable benefits of EVs are well established, and yet some drivers remain hesitant about making the switch—which makes sense. Embracing anything new involves growing pains. When you haven’t owned or even driven an EV before, questions about everything from battery range to locating chargers on the road arise. Thankfully, this is no longer new technology, which means there’s an easy answer for any EV-related concern—and so many reasons to choose one. Here are a few.
1. Electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions
Cutting emissions from cars reduces air pollution that contributes to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory illnesses. It also reduces children’s trips to the emergency room due to asthma attacks. And zero tailpipe emissions reduce the number of older adults who struggle with lung disease and other chronic conditions. Win-win-win.
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2. Electric vehicles create minimal carbon pollution
Even with zero tailpipe emissions, EVs are still associated with some carbon pollution, mostly related to how the electricity used to charge them is generated. As in, electricity emissions from coal or natural gas sources create more carbon pollution than electricity from renewable resources like solar or wind. EPA says that even accounting for electricity emissions, EVs are “typically responsible for lower levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) than an average new gasoline car.” Input your zip code here to learn about the energy mix in your region.
Also, the handy (and even fun!) Beyond Tailpipe Emissions Calculator—created by EPA and the Department of Energy—estimates the greenhouse gas emissions associated with charging and driving an EV or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) where you live. Select an EV or PHEV model and add your zip code to learn about its CO2 emissions—plus how they stack up against those from a gasoline car.
3. There’s more than enough electricity to power EVs
Yes, more EVs means more demand for electricity. But it’s OK; research has shown that there’s enough electricity available to cover the EVs entering the market—and for years ahead. In California, where 35% of new car models in 2026 have to be zero-emissions, with a goal of getting up to 100% in 2035, state officials say that the 12.5 million more EVs expected by then will not strain the grid.
Supplying more electricity will require a number of things nationwide, including new grid infrastructure that is currently being built out, thanks in part to electricity transmission provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Managed charging at lower-demand times of day can also help prevent overloading the grid. Also, as renewable energy sources continue to make up a larger and larger part of our nation’s energy mix, depending on where you live, daytime solar charging and storing energy will also help the grid handle more and more EV charging.
4. There are many different ways—and places—to charge an EV
You can pretty much charge your car like a phone these days: at home and in a run-of-the-mill outlet. To charge faster than that, small electrical upgrades and specific charging cords are needed. Many models are sold with the needed cords, and depending on what kind of building you live in, upgraded outlets and charging stations may already be installed and available to inhabitants.
EV range depends entirely on your car’s make and model, but most drivers choose cars with enough range for typical daily travel, which EPA estimates is approximately 50 miles a day. Many EVs now boast a range of above 250 miles, fully charged. Longer range models are currently in the works.
If you’re driving a route beyond your battery’s range, there are a variety of ways to recharge en route. More options are coming too, because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, including an investment of up to $7.5 billion to build out a national network of electric vehicle chargers along highways, and in communities and neighborhoods. Each new EV driver will want to figure out the best ways to charge their own car—and there are many apps to help them.
5. EV batteries are built to last
EV batteries aren’t the same as gas vehicle batteries; they’re specifically designed to last the lifetime of an EV and, as a result, have very low failure rates. While they do tend to lose some of their initial range time as they age, battery technology has continued to improve in the last decade and a half since modern EVs first hit the market.
It’s worth noting that battery manufacture is another source of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electric vehicles, but EPA says that over the course of a car’s lifetime, GHGs emissions associated with EVs are typically lower than with a gas car. Recycling batteries can also reduce emissions associated with EVs—and recycling technology continues to improve too.
6. EVs are safe
All cars and trucks sold in the United States must meet specific federal safety standards, including electric ones. In addition, EV battery packs have to meet their own standards. Also, EVs are designed with safety features that shut down the electrical system when they detect a collision or short circuit. While there is some concern about how EVs fare in floods, car makers specifically design lithium-ion batteries to be water-resistant. If an EV is submerged in saltwater for an extended period, wear and tear or corrosion could allow it to seep into the battery and cause a fire. This is rare and not an issue with freshwater flooding.
7. Driving an EV may save you money
Sticker prices can seem high for EVs. Crunch the numbers for the specific EV you’re looking at to determine its actual cost savings. The current thought is that EVs are cheaper to own over a five-year period than similar gas vehicles, depending on the car. Consumer Reports compared several EVs to fuel-efficient hybrids (not full gasoline cars) and took into account energy costs, tax credits, maintenance (it’s a lot less on EVs…), plus hidden discounts, and even regional considerations. EVs performed very well.
This report didn’t take into account that reducing air pollution helps with the climate crisis, reduces emergency room visits, ameliorates respiratory diseases, and can boost kids’ capacity to pay attention at school, among other huge wins. All of these are categorically priceless.
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