Electric Cars vs Gas Cars
Spanning longer than a full century, Chevrolet has continued to lead the industry in terms of developing and launching new automotive technology. Electric vehicles, commonly abbreviated as EVs, were once thought of as a futuristic dream – fit for cartoons or movie screens. However, the debut of the Chevrolet Volt and Chevrolet Bolt shattered conventional thinking of how viable electrification could be as a primary mode of transportation. Today, Chevrolet continues to push the limits of innovation with the arrival of the all-electric Blazer EV, Equinox EV, and Silverado EV. Even after learning about all the benefits of driving an EV, it’s completely understandable that many new car buyers are hesitant to make the transition to an all-electric vehicle while giving up their conventional vehicle. With so many EV as well as gas/diesel choices available across the entire Chevrolet model range, you might wish you had a helping hand to make the right decision based on your specific needs. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place! Schumacher Chevrolet has created this handy guide that highlights the advantages of EVs vs traditional models to help you shop smarter and with complete confidence.
Advantages of Driving an EV
Switching to an all-electric vehicle has never been more convenient or cost-effective thanks to the growing portfolio of Chevrolet EVs. No matter if you crave the versatility of the Blazer EV and Equinox EX or you’re eager to experience the remarkable capability of the Silverado EV – there’s never been a better time to make the switch. Listed below are just a handful of the key advantages that come from driving an EV instead of a conventional type of vehicle.
Environmental Benefits
One of the most obvious benefits that comes from driving an EV is the undisputed fact that you’re doing your part to help the environment. It’s certainly an easy concept to understand that we collectively all prefer to enjoy clean air and experience a healthy ecosystem. EVs help reduce pollution and smog levels since they produce zero tailpipe emissions. With more and more drivers switching to EVs, the benefits will only continue to add up in the coming years.
Sustainable/Renewable Energy
Different from how gasoline and diesel fossil fuels are produced and refined, electricity is able to be generated using a number of different ways including renewable solutions. Producing electric power using water, wind, or solar methods is one of the most effective ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Furthermore, electricity is typically less costly to generate in comparison to fossil fuels. Many EV drivers report that their total energy costs are often as little as ⅓ to ¼ as much as gas or diesel-powered vehicles.
Less Maintenance
Spending less on routine maintenance is yet another perk that comes from driving an electric vehicle. Since EVs don’t use oil, you won’t ever have to open your wallet to pay for oil changes ever again. Collectively, EVs tend to have fewer moving parts in comparison to a model with an internal combustion engine. Another surprising advantage is the fact that EVs are easier on brake components as well, requiring less frequent brake maintenance.
Smooth Power Delivery & Effortless Acceleration
There’s simply no other way to explain the effortless acceleration and smooth power delivery of an all-electric vehicle other than to experience it for yourself. From a dead stop, an EV will throw you to the back of your seat with its instantaneous acceleration. Even more impressive, this power comes in a smooth wave with zero vibration, rumble, or mechanical noises typically produced by an internal combustion engine. Combining exhilaration with refinement, EVs deliver a truly unrivaled experience behind the wheel.
Available Tax Credits & HOV Lane Access
Although each state is different, your EV could potentially qualify for additional savings and credits in the form of tax incentives. These rebates and incentives do vary by model and region, please consult your tax professional for specific advice regarding these savings. Additionally, EVs typically qualify for access to HOV (high occupancy vehicle) carpool lanes. That’s even if you’re driving by yourself!
Advantages of Driving a Conventional Vehicle
Longer Range & Zero Charging Anxiety
While the infrastructure for EV charging continues to grow, there’s simply no substitute for the total driving range and refueling process of a conventional vehicle. Depending on how much fuel the vehicle’s tank can hold and its expected MPG, it’s certainly possible to expect anywhere from 400 upward to even 800 miles of total driving range on a single tank. Better still, it’s never too difficult to find a gas station to refuel in all but the most rural areas of the country. Instead of spending hours waiting to recharge, you can fill your tank with fuel in a matter of minutes and be back on the road.
More Vehicle Choices
Even though more and more types of EVs continue to debut on the market, conventional models still dominate the list of choices available to buyers. Currently, electric models are skewed towards high-end luxury models or commuter-level models. Other classes of vehicles such as heavy-duty pickup trucks don’t currently feature any electric vehicle options yet. Certain brands either offer a limited supply or zero EV models in their lineup. Shopping for traditional vehicles gives you more options and more freedom to find a model that suits your preferences and budget.
More Affordable vs Electric
Select a specific model of vehicle and compare the price tags for conventional trims against the EV variant. Conventional models remain significantly cheaper at this point in time. This is due to a number of factors, the most significant of which include the high costs of materials associated with the batteries required by EVs. While these costs may level out in the future, choosing a conventional model will be less expensive to purchase upfront.
No Battery Degradation Concerns
Another disadvantage that comes from driving an electric vehicle is the fact that batteries degrade over time. As time goes on, an EV will experience a loss in its total driving range. Driving a conventional gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle means that you won’t have to worry about losing range over time. True, you’ll have to pay for routine maintenance like oil changes to keep your engine running. Compared to the cost of replacing an entire EV battery, a conventional vehicle has the edge here.
EV or Conventional – Which is Right for Me?
After you’ve seen the advantages that come from driving both types of vehicles, you may still be curious about which type is right for you. Below, we’ve listed a few examples of where each vehicle is best suited for a specific lifestyle. Thankfully, the Chevrolet model lineup has options for all types of driving habits!
Click Each Statement Below to Reveal Answer
“I live in the city but still have a short drive to work. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities and certainly want to do my part to help our environment.”
EV – You’re a great candidate for an all-electric vehicle. Simply charge your vehicle overnight and it will be ready for your morning commute. You’ll still have plenty of range to explore the outdoors on the weekend while taking comfort in the fact that you’re helping to lower emissions.
“My job requires me to travel long distances on short notice and I love taking impromptu road trips with my friends and family.”
Conventional – While it wouldn’t be impossible to adapt to driving an EV, a conventional vehicle might be the better choice for you. Not having to plan your schedule and driving needs around charging stations means you’ll have the freedom to hit the road whenever your job or thirst for adventure demands!
“I work from home part-time and don’t drive much. My family already has a larger vehicle to transport the kids and tackle weekend DIY projects.”
EV – While the choice is ultimately yours, we’d suggest making the switch to an all-electric vehicle. Your EV would be great for saving money at the pump so you can plan your next family vacation. EVs are ideal for driving around town and can handle longer distances if necessary.
“I’m a performance enthusiast and love the thrill of driving. There’s nothing like the feeling of hitting the open road and the wind flowing through your hair.”
EV or Conventional – Do you love the feeling of being thrown back in your seat as you stomp on the throttle and grip the steering wheel? If you’ve never experienced an all-electric vehicle, you’ll be surprised at how remarkably quick and agile they are. Convinced there’s no replacement for the rumble and muscle of a performance vehicle? Test drive both vehicles side by side and you might be surprised at how thrilling driving an EV can be.
