Reasons why people don't buy electric cars/vehicles

 Reasons People Don't Buy Electric Cars (and Why They're Wrong)

Are you on the fence about purchasing an all-electric vehicle? 

We’re going to separate truth from misunderstandings to help you make a more educated buying decision

Reasons why people don't buy electric cars/vehicles 

EVs Are Too Expensive

EVs tend to have higher upfront prices than similar gas-powered cars. However, electric cars aren’t necessarily more expensive to own over time. Moreover, all cars are much more expensive now than they once were

Electricity is cheaper than gas, and EVs are highly efficient, so driving an electric car will cost you much less per mile than driving a gas-powered vehicle. EVs also require very little maintenance compared to a gas car, since there are fewer moving parts and virtually no fluids to change. Moreover, electric motors work for a long time without routine upkeep. For example, the Chevrolet Bolt requires almost zero maintenance for the first 150,000 miles; though this efficient Chevy is no longer available new, it’s still a great choice for used car shoppers.

In addition to saving money on gas and service, some electric vehicles qualify for a tax rebate of up to $7,500 from the U.S. government. If you factor in these savings over the vehicle's life, some EVs are cheaper to own than gas cars.

Charging Takes Too Long

There’s no doubt it takes longer to charge an EV than it does to pump gas, but EV charging is arguably easier and cleaner. Since charging typically happens when you’re sleeping or not using your EV, charging time makes little difference. The only time it matters is on road trips, and public charging times are decreasing as charging technology improves.

EVs Don't Have Enough Range

Many of today’s mainstream and affordable electric cars offer 250-300 miles of range or more, and electric vehicle range is increasing across the board. With at least 250 miles of range, most EV owners could get away with charging once or twice a week, much like going to the gas station once a week.

There's Nowhere To Charge

The best place to charge your EV is at home. It’s cheaper and more convenient than public charging. That said, some people can’t charge at home. People who fall into this category must ensure they have access to public charging options before purchasing an electric car

Just a few years ago, EV charging infrastructure was sparse. However, thanks to many companies’ efforts, it’s expanding regularly. Public chargers are more plentiful in states like California (and other states that have adopted similar standards to the California Air Resources Board)

My Electric Bill Will Skyrocket

Yes, your electric bill will increase if you charge an electric car at home. However, the cost to charge at home is much cheaper than public fast charging and exponentially less expensive than what you currently pay for gas. Even if gas prices dropped to around $2 per gallon, charging an EV at home would save you money, especially if you charge overnight or during other off-peak hours.

Batteries Wear Out, and They're Expensive To Replace

Batteries certainly don’t last forever, and a large battery pack can cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace if it’s out of warranty and can’t be repaired. However, by the time an EV battery is degraded enough to cause concern or is out of warranty, you may be ready to replace the car itself.

An EV's Battery Cuts Into Passenger and Cargo Space

Some earlier electric cars had reduced space due to the placement of their battery packs. 

This was because the platform may not have been designed to accommodate a battery pack. 

Similarly, many of today’s hybrids and plug-in hybrids have batteries that cut into passenger or cargo space since these cars have to have room for both a gas engine and a battery, and they are often based on the design of a gas-only vehicle.

Gas Cars Deliver Better Performance

Drivers who associate performance with loud engine sounds may believe this is correct. However, most of today’s electric cars deliver better overall performance than gas cars.

It's Difficult and Expensive To Get an EV Repaired

If your local dealership doesn’t stock EVs, there’s a chance it’s not certified to fix them. However, automakers like GM, Ford and Nissan will service your electric vehicle at nearly any dealership nationwide.

EVs Often Catch on Fire

Due to a handful of highly publicized electric vehicle crashes that resulted in fires, along with a few substantial recalls, some people believe EVs are a fire hazard. 

However, every day there are countless vehicle fires from crashes involving gas cars, but since it’s so common, few make the news.

Winter Makes EVs Basically Useless

A cold spell in January of 2024 made headlines in the Midwest and beyond as EV drivers lined up at public chargers, hoping to get a bit of juice. 

In some cases, cars with dead batteries were pushed up to the chargers.