Why are Electric Vehicles better than their petrol or diesel counterparts?
If you’re reading then you’re probably already sold on the idea of driving an EV. But, just in case, here’s our top ten reasons why HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs are so much better than ICEs!
There’s less maintenance
All-electric vehicles (EVs) require less maintenance than their petrol/diesel counterparts. As an example, for the first 150,000 miles, the new Chevy Bolt will only need the tyres rotated and the pollen filter replaced.
Less energy, more efficient
In terms of fuel or energy, pound for pound an EV will use less and cost you less to run than a petrol/diesel car. For example, on average an electric car such as a Nissan LEAF will cost $2-3 to fill up with electrons and give you up to 150 km in range. Also, if you take advantage of solar or the many free charging stations popping up around the country then it becomes even cheaper.
Solar Panels & EVs
Go together like a horse and carriage. If you have solar panels on your roof then why not charge an EV with them? In many Australian states, the feed-in tariff used to be great (up to 60c per kWh) whereas now it’s simply a pitiful (5c per kWh). Instead of giving that surplus energy away for nothing, make the most of it. The Zappi solar aware charger is a great way of maximising your own generation sources with minimum effort. To find out more about the Zappi watch this informative and entertaining video.
Silence is golden
While many of us enjoy the sound of a straight six (Barra) or V8 there’s nothing like the near silence you get when driving an EV. How’s the serenity?
Instant torque
From zero revs per minute a EV will deliver maximum torque. From this, you’ll gain your EV grin.
Pre-heating & cooling
Most EVs have this great function (that you can often control from your smart phone). Stand in the kitchen and heat or cool your EV in the garage. Head out and hop into a car at a perfect cabin temperature. No more burnt bums in summer or rubbing your hands in front of heater vents in winter.
You have a full tank of gas electrons
When you’re home, you should ABC – always be charging. This means that every time you leave home your EV will have plenty of charge.
Less emissions
Yep, even if the electricity is generated by a brown coal power station.
No warming up the car
On those cold winter mornings, you just switch it on and go, go, go.
Less component wear and tear
Regenerative braking is a great example of this – many EV owners report rarely changing brake pads. Where’s the foot brake again?
EVs to the power rescue
Ever lost power at home? Could be thing of the past, with many modern EVs are now capable of Vehicle to Home (V2H) power. The energy stored in your electric vehicle could be used to power essential devices until the power is restored.
Classic Sundays
Hang onto your petrol or diesel classic car for those relaxing weekend drives down the coast. You’ll soon be reminded how much you used to spend on fuel!