While the electric vehicle space is growing, there are obvious shortcomings everyone ignores.
So, while driving ranges continue to climb and charging times continue to drop, you shouldn’t look at EVs through rose-colored lenses. You might miss some essential things if you do.
Consider these 16 electric car flaws that are usually ignored but shouldn’t be.
Range Sometimes Leaves Much to Be Desired
According to one online source, the average EV range in the U.S. is just short of 300 miles. That’s not too shabby. But that range might be insufficient if road-tripping is part of the plan. You might spend more time than you like powering up at public EV charging stations.
Extreme Weather Decimates Range
Remember the average range information on the previous page? Well, extreme temperatures can decimate EV ranges. Whether it’s too hot or too cold, EV ranges will suffer.
Towing With an EV? You Better Hope It’s a Short Trip!
The U.S. News & World Report notes that towing with an EV can slash range by up to 50%. The specific amount depends on how much you’re towing. So, if the plan is to tow a trailer using an electric truck, crossover, or SUV, you had better hope the destination isn’t too far.
Going Green Costs a Lot of Moolah
While the benefits of going green with an EV are known, the upfront cost is substantial. An EV costs more than a comparable internal combustion engine vehicle. The costs are dropping in the EV space, but they’re still higher than vehicles powered by gas or diesel engines.
Charging Times Can Leave You Flustered
If you’re switching from an internal combustion engine car to an EV, one thing you’ll notice soon enough is the charging time can be painfully long. Some EV models have relatively fast 0-80% charging times. Even then, it’ll still take longer than filling a gas tank at a gas station.
EV Charging Infrastructure Is Poor in Some Regions
On the one hand, the EV charging infrastructure across the country is indeed better now than it was a few years ago. On the other hand, the availability of EV stations is still poor in some areas. If you live in a rural region with few public charging stations, an EV might not be for you.
EV Batteries Degrade Over Time and Cost a Ton to Replace
The EV industry doesn’t say as much as it should about the degradation of EV batteries. When an EV battery starts degrading, the range and the performance drop. The cost to replace an EV battery — up to nearly $30,000 — will make your head spin.
You Don’t Only Pay More for an EV — You Pay More to Insure It, Too
If your next vehicle is an EV, prepare to pay a higher insurance premium. EVs are high-tech marvels and parts are sometimes in short supply. You’ll pay an insurance premium that reflects all of this. The amount will likely be more than you pay for your gas-engine car.
EV Charging Stations Aren’t Created Equal
Another EV flaw people ignore is the compatibility issues at charging stations. In other words, depending on the EV you drive, you may be limited to certain EV chargers. A simple fix is to buy special adapters — but it’s still something EV makers should be more transparent about.
Depreciation Is a Serious Concern
While traditional vehicles depreciate, EVs take things to another level. The industry is still developing, and the technology continues to change. And problems like battery life factor into the uncertainty among car buyers. Because of the depreciation hit, resale values are unpredictable.
Expect Tires to Wear Out Faster
EVs tend to be heavier than traditional vehicles, and the instant torque puts more wear and tear on the tires. So, you can expect to go through tires at a faster clip than if you drive a traditional vehicle.
They’re So Quiet That They Pose a Risk to Pedestrians
Another EV flaw is the threat they pose to pedestrians. EVs are quiet, so they can easily creep up on people unbeknownst to them. This can be significantly dangerous for people with sight impairments. They will neither be able to see nor hear approaching EVs. Some EV makers have a fix for this. Their EVs are programmed to generate artificial sounds.
Working on an EV Can Be a Shocking Experience
Do you like to work on your cars? If so, you should be careful if you buy an EV. EVs run on high-voltage systems that shouldn’t be messed with if you don’t know what you’re doing. Leave maintenance and repairs to the professionals unless you can work on your EV safely.
Off-Roading Can Be a Problem If You’re Not Close to Charging Infrastructure
Some EVs boast impressive off-roading capabilities. But you might be limited in how much time you can spend off-roading if you’re in an area with poor EV charging infrastructure.
EV Range Estimates Are Sometimes Overly Optimistic
EV manufacturers sometimes advertise optimistic highway- and city-driving ranges. These ranges don’t always reflect real-world driving conditions. If you’re in the market for an EV, check out independent reviews from people who put electric cars through their paces.
Government Incentives and Rebates Don’t Always Apply
The inconsistency in how government incentives and rebates are applied is another flaw. They differ based on where you are, what EV you buy, and when you purchase an EV. You can avoid disappointment by researching the availability of incentives and rebates before getting an EV.
These Are 16 EV Flaws You Must Know About
If open to buying an EV, you should educate yourself first. There’s a lot to love about them, but you might regret your decision if you buy one and learn about these drawbacks after the fact.
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