There are many reasons switch to an electric vehicle. Here are just some of them:
Environment
About 30% of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions come from the transportation sector, a big part of this is ground transportation. GHG emissions contribute greatly to climate change. Electric vehicles don’t use gas and zero tailpipe emissions – they contribute to clean air and a reduction in our GHG emissions. Since our electricity is not yet 100% renewable, there will be a level of indirect emission. However, there are significant efforts to decarbonize our energy production so electric cars become even cleaner over time.
Driving Experience
Electric cars are quick, fun, quiet, and smooth. Imagine a space ship going into warp. One moment you’re here, the next, your WAY over there. The experience is difficult to describe although there are countless youtube videos of people delighted by the experience of instant access to torque and the wild acceleration that you get with an electric car. You get this without the noise, vibration, and exhaust smell that you’ll find with a gas car. Instead of controlled explosions, you get the whirl and whine of the electric motor.
Cost Advantage
You’ve probably heard this before – electric vehicles are more cost-effective to own. The electric vehicle has fewer moving parts and require a lot less maintenance than a typical gas car. There is no engine oil, radiator, transmission, timing belt, water pump, oil filter and many other items that are associated with a traditional car. In addition, brakes last a lot longer in electric vehicles as regenerative braking is used to slow them down.
Electric vehicles are also more efficient. They use most of their ‘fuel’ (stored electricity) – their efficiency is rated at around 60%. Regular gas cars are around 20% efficient – most of the energy in gas cars are wasted as heat.
Goodbye Gas Pump
For many electric vehicle owners, fueling plugging in a charge cable after parking. It’s a series of plugging in and unplugging, similar to what is done with a mobile phone. This offers the advantage of time savings and not having to deal with the hassle and hazardous fumes of the gas pump.
There are many more!
There are many more reasons to drive electric. Join us at an upcoming Drive Electric Week event to learn more. We’ll be at the Waimea KTA on September 14, from 9am-1pm, and The Home Depot in Hilo on September 21, from 9am-1pm to share the latest electric cars and and answer your questions.