From Guest Blogger Maria Hughes: Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

According to those in the know, the EV revolution is just around the corner. But, despite a greater number of models available, improvements to batteries and increased mileage ranges, many drivers remain unconvinced of the benefits of switching to a fully electric vehicle. To help you decide whether they’re the best type of car for you, we’ve compiled this list of pros and cons.

Better for the environment
There’s no denying it: electric cars are more efficient and emit fewer greenhouse gases than traditional combustible engines. A reduction in harmful pollutants is beneficial to not only the environment but to the general health of the population. Not only is air quality improved but electric cars are quieter to run, leading to a reduction in noise pollution.

Cheaper operational charges
On average, running a vehicle on electricity is 50% more cost effective than running it on gas. Although most electric vehicles are generally more expensive than their combustible engine counterparts, a crossover point generally occurs around the 50,000 miles mark, at which point the EV owner has earned back the upfront cost and will see cheaper operational costs for the vehicle’s life. Many countries also offer significant tax advantages and grants to incentivise users to make the switch to electric.

Performance
With an increasing number of new models entering the market, performance levels have increased exponentially. Batteries have become more streamlined, with cars also lighter as a result.

Cons

Limited range
Range is often cited as a key barrier when it comes to purchasing an electric car, with drivers afraid of being left stranded when batteries run out. Whereas early models undoubtedly had very limited ranges, sometimes as little as 30 miles per charge, things are definitely improving as technology develops and more and more models become available. Tesla’s new Model 3 runs for up to 220 miles per charge and even mid-range models, such as the Nissan Leaf will take you 107 miles on a single charge. Considering the average American drives 37 miles a day, this is plenty of juice to take* you to and from work and include a stop off at the grocery store.

Higher upfront cost
Purchasing an electric vehicle isn’t cheap. This can be attributed to several things, but the main culprit is the high cost of the materials from which the battery is comprised. The good news is that improved production processes will likely bring about a reduction in costs by 2020. In the meantime, be prepared to pay more than you would for a traditional combustible engine car.

Lack of infrastructure for charging
The fact that electric cars have been somewhat slow to take off in popularity can in part be attributed to a lack of charging infrastructure The number of charging stations is growing at an exponential rate and many new housing developments will come with charging stations installed as standard.