The e-Niro – Is an Electric Car Right For You?
The e-Niro offers an impressive 280 mile electric driving range in a practical, comfortable and relatively affordable package.
EVs eliminate trips to the gas station and have minimal moving parts, so maintenance is usually less frequent than in traditional vehicles. Use regenerative braking to capture energy when slowing down and avoid unnecessary acceleration to maximize mileage.
Cost
Many buyers look at a vehicle’s mileage per gallon or fuel tank size to determine whether an electric car makes sense for them, but there is another number to consider: the cost of electricity. Electric vehicles use less energy than gasoline-powered cars, and they can be charged for much cheaper.
EV drivers are often able to enjoy double the miles for their money compared with gas-powered vehicles. This is because EVs get up to speed with nearly zero electric car emissions and burn about half as much fossil fuel per mile. And since there is no spark plug to replace and the engine doesn’t need oil changes, EV maintenance costs are typically significantly lower.
Additionally, EVs are often able to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, which can make charging even more affordable. And, thanks to their batteries, EVs can even regenerate some of the energy they consume during driving by recovering kinetic energy through braking systems.
However, the cost of electric vehicles can vary significantly depending on where you live. For example, a recent report from the Texas Public Policy Foundation concludes that EVs would cost tens of thousands of dollars more without generous taxpayer-funded incentives. This includes regulatory credits from federal and state fuel efficiency programs, as well as tax exemptions for EV buyers. In addition, state policies on the installation of home charging infrastructure play a big role in determining how expensive or inexpensive it will be to own an electric car.
Range
For many people, range is an important factor when choosing an electric car. A long range means they can go much further between charges – and this could save them money in the long run as they don’t need to spend on petrol or diesel at fill ups.
Most of the latest EVs can travel over 200 miles on a charge and some even exceed this mark. The most cutting-edge models can even achieve 400-500 miles on a single charge if you drive efficiently. This is mainly due to the batteries being more powerful and less expensive than they used to be.
The battery size and the car’s weight also affect its range potential. This is why some EVs are available in different models with different sized batteries. In general, the larger the battery, the greater the range.
Another important factor is how you drive your car. Keeping speeds low will help you maximise the range of your EV, as will using regenerative braking to slow down your vehicle. This helps to recover energy to the battery for use on your journey and is a great way to reduce your fuel consumption.
It is also worth noting that EV batteries will degrade over time, though this is not as much as it would be in an ICE car. For this reason, you should expect to have to replace your EV battery around 15-20 years after it is installed.
Emissions
The emissions produced by an electric car depend on where the power for charging comes from. If the electricity is sourced from renewable energy, then the emissions are significantly less than those from a petrol or diesel car. In contrast, if the energy used to charge an EV is generated from fossil fuels, then the emission will be higher than those from a petrol or diesel car.
MIT researchers have estimated that EVs produce up to 25 percent less carbon than hybrid vehicles when powered by the United States’ low-carbon electricity grid. However, they say that these stats can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the distance the vehicle drives and its energy source. For example, if an EV is charged in hydropower-heavy Washington state, the vehicle will emit less than a similar hybrid vehicle. However, if the EV is charged in coal-heavy West Virginia, it will create more emissions than a comparable hybrid car.
The emissions from an EV also depend on where the batteries are made, Paltsev says. Some of these emissions result from the transporting of raw materials to production facilities, but he adds that electric vehicle improvements in energy efficiency and switching to renewables are likely to decrease these emissions. Moreover, the number of multilateral initiatives and pledges focusing on electromobility is increasing rapidly, he adds. These efforts are expected to reduce manufacturing emissions further over time.
Maintenance
Many car enthusiasts and automakers claim that although EVs cost more to buy, they save on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run. However, there are many factors to consider before making such a claim.
For example, a recent study by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy found that EVs require about six cents per mile less in maintenance costs than comparable gasoline-powered cars. But it’s important to remember that these numbers are based on averages. The exact maintenance costs for a given electric vehicle will depend on how, where, and when it is driven.
One big maintenance expense associated with EVs is battery replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars. Fortunately, most EVs are covered by their manufacturers’ warranty for up to eight years or 100,000 miles. This is significantly longer than the standard four-year manufacturer’s warranty for conventional cars.
In addition, EVs usually need to be taken to an expert mechanic for regular maintenance and fluid changes. They will need to have their coolant flushed every two months, and their batteries should be recharged or replaced at the recommended intervals. Similarly, they will need to replace their windshield wipers and cabin air filters, and they will need to get their tires rotated. Depending on the model, a wheel alignment may also be necessary.
