Want to make the change from gas to electric? Here’s what you need to know
Gas prices are no joke and many people are looking at other options for transportation.
Over half (59 percent) of Americans told AAA they would make changes to their driving habits or lifestyle if the cost of gas rose to $4 per gallon, according to a recent survey from AAA. Somewhere near the top of that list of alternatives is electric vehicles (EV’s). Each year sees a new crop of EV’s with more bells and whistles.
If you have been dragging your feet about switching to an EV, it may happen sooner than you think.
“General Motors has pledged to stop making gasoline-powered passenger cars, vans and sport utility vehicles by 2035, marking a historic turning point for the iconic American carmaker and promising a future of new electric vehicles for American motorists,” according to The Washington Post. The company also said around 40% of their U.S. models will be all electric by 2025.
While that is a few years down the road, we researched some of the best rated electric vehicles available today and here’s what we found:
According to Kelley Blue Book, the best electric car is the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. This hybrid car is available nationwide and is “the ultimate green machine,” because it is “a hydrogen fuel cell car whose only emission is water vapor.” The car also offers an all-electric 47 mile range, a luxury brand feel, and affordable price starting at $34,995 MSRP.
As far as the best electric SUVs, Toyota takes the lead with the 2022 Toyota Rav4 Prime. This SUV is a “compact crossover with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain” that “takes fuel efficiency to the highest level possible.” As an electric vehicle, it has an impressive range of 42 miles. This hybrid vehicle is one of the most powerful options, as it can climb from 0 to 60mph in just 5.7 seconds. It also has great safety scores and a roomy interior; however the vehicle is on the expensive side at around $40,000 MSRP.
Making the switch from gas to electric shouldn’t be made without weighing the pros and cons of owning an electric vehicle.
Buying electric has many advantages:
Environment friendly: Electric cars have less direct environmental impact, as there is no release of gas into the air.
Less maintenance: They do not need oil changes and do not have an exhaust system. This is a big money-saving component.
Money back: Electric vehicle purchases come with several incentives from the government. Tax credits and other rewards make buying electric very appealing.
However, you may want to hold onto your gas-powered vehicle for a while longer.
Buying an electric vehicle means having a place, space and time for the vehicle to charge. At home, this may simply mean charging it overnight, but at a charging station, this may take 20 to 40 minutes.
If you are charging your vehicle at home, it is important to be aware of the costs of electricity. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, “If electricity costs $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, charging an EV with a 200-mile range (assuming a fully depleted 66 kWh battery) will cost about $9 to reach a full charge.”
Are electric cars worth the switch? Tell us in the comments!
