The Truth About Electric Cars

Reduce, reuse, and recycle. We hear see the commercials, read the articles, and hear the rants almost every day about the horrible condition of our environment. Global warming is a topic of much debate, as is America's dependence on foreign oil. But what can we do about it? How can we help to stop Earth from slowly being destroyed? Electric cars may be the answer.

Electric vehicles create less pollution than a typical gasoline-powered vehicle, thanks to the lack of a gasoline engine. Electric cars create less noise pollution too. In fact, the easiest way to tell if a car is powered by gasoline or electricity is by listening to it. Electric cars are almost completely silent.

How Do Electric Cars Work?

Obviously electric cars have an electric motor, not a gasoline engine. The motor is powered by a controller, and the controller is powered by rechargeable batteries. A special mechanic will be needed after buying an electric car. Your mechanic may be very good at working on gasoline-powered vehicles and their transmissions, water pumps, and engines, but that he is good with electric vehicles. One of the first things that you may want to consider having your new mechanic due to your new car is installing windshield wiper replacements. It is possible to get heated windshield wipers on electric vehicles. This is a definitely a step in the right direction, and may help some non-believers have a little more faith in these cars and their ability to survive cold temperatures.

The Cons of Electric Cars

Rechargeable batteries are not the most reliable. Think of a cell phone battery. A brand new cell phone can typically last a decent length of time, but the quality of the battery slowly diminishes after two years of heavy use. A full charge may last 100 miles when the vehicle is brand new, but the same cannot be said after 10 years of daily use. Another popular complaint in regards to electric vehicles is the lack of charging stations. It is difficult to go on a cross-country trip in a car that can only go so far without being plugged in. Some gasoline stations do provide electrical charging docks, but not many. Even if you are able to locate a charging station, a full charge can take hours to complete. This is not exactly practical on most trips. It can also be difficult and expensive to get a special outlet installed at your home. This will mean a visit from a specialized electrician before buying the vehicle. And charging an electric car can be nearly impossible if you live in an apartment or condominium. Take these cons into consideration before making such a large purchase.

Is an Electric Car Right for Me?

If you are looking to make an investment in the future of this planet, then an electric car may be for you. Always make sure that you have a reliable charging station at home, and that there is a qualified mechanic in your area. He may even be at your dealership. It is good to look into nearby charging stations at gasoline stations as well. But in general, an electric vehicle may be perfect for you if you normally only drive short distances every day. Make sure that the car's battery will last long enough to get through a typical driving day for you, and it always helps to have a back-up plan for longer trips. Buying your first electric car is a big decision, but most people will find that they meet their needs quite nicely.