Benefits of an Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles offer owners several benefits – here’s a brief overview of just a few of them.

Broadly, the benefits offered by electric vehicles can fall into three key categories, namely the driving experience, environmental benefits and ownership costs. Let’s have a high-level look at each of these in turn.

Driving experience – smooth and refined

Electric motors inherently produce much less noise than internal combustion engines, and this means that an electric vehicle will generally be quieter than a comparably priced internal combustion engine vehicle. Electric vehicles also typically use single or dual speed transmissions that produce less noise than the droning commonly associated with CVT transmissions that are often mated to combustion engined vehicles.   

Note, however, that this view must be qualified in several respects. Sound from the engine and motor is not the only source of noise inside a vehicle cabin, and the absence of engine noise may amplify the perception of other noises entering the cabin, such as wind whistle and tyre roar if the vehicle does not have adequate sound insulation.

An electric motor also produces significantly less vibrations than a combustion engine, and this contributes further to the general sense of refinement commonly associated with EVs. Reduced vibrations contribute to a more serene and calm cabin, and unlike combustion engines, an electric motor does not continue to produce these vibrations, or other noise, when idling. 

EVs produce maximum torque instantaneously, and most EVs also offer regenerative braking which is often paired with a single-pedal driving feature where the car can automatically begin to slow down as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal. When paired with the one or two gears that most EV transmissions have, this creates a far smoother driving experience compared to the often jerky nature of dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) and some torque converter automatic transmissions that ICE cars often use. 

Environmental benefits

The most obvious environmental benefit of an electric vehicle is that it produces zero tailpipe emissions, helping to minimise local emissions and air pollution. EVs are also far quieter than comparable combustion engined cars, reducing noise pollution.

Another factor that must be considered are the overall ‘well-to-wheel’ emissions of electric vehicles. Although this footprint may usually be lower than a comparable combustion engined car, a range of factors can affect this significantly, including the materials used to make the EV and its batteries, the factory it was made in, and the ultimate source of the electricity that is used to power the vehicle.

For a more detailed discussion regarding the environmental benefits of electric vehicles, please see the article linked below.

Lower maintenance and ownership costs

A widely held belief is that EVs offer much lower running costs than comparable combustion-engined vehicles. While this may be generally true with regard to charging and refuelling costs, servicing, and other maintenance costs, the cost of ownership can vary substantially depending on your personal situation, use case and broader economic factors such as the rising cost of energy. 

For a more details analysis and other factors to consider when looking at the total cost of ownership for electric vehicles, please see the article linked below.