It’s safe to say that transport is a great part of everyone’s lives – and comfort is an essential part of the experience. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average American citizen spends 84 billion hours driving each year. Thanks to technology, the cars you see now are far more comfortable, reliable, and durable than those available only a few years back. While comfort and performance are at the forefront of every automaker’s priority, recent years have brought forth one more important consideration.
Yes, climate change has been the leading topic lately, as the world faces extreme weather, uncontrolled wildfires, blinding smog, and rising sea levels.
So should you consider getting an electric vehicle or not? Here are some things to keep in mind before saying yes to that new car.
1. The Weather
Did you know that the cold weather negatively affects your electric vehicle’s range? Yes, the Idaho National Labs have found out that the freezing temperatures can lower the vehicle’s range by 25%. So, if you generally do not travel a lot during winters, this shouldn’t be a problem for you.
2. The Heating and Cooling Capacity
An important part of being comfortable in your ride is the temperature fixes it provides. During the winter, it should have an excellent heating capacity and during summers, an excellent cooling one. A 2019 study based on five electric vehicles shows that 20-degree weather can lower the range of the vehicle by 41% if the heater is on and 17% range is lost if the air conditioner is working on a 95-degree sunny day.
3. The Battery Life
This has to be the number 1 issue when it comes to people switching from a traditional vehicle to an electric vehicle. But battery technology continues to improve almost daily, allowing you to have access to greater storage capacity. So, before signing the contract and putting down that down payment, you should consider the range that you need. If you usually transport close by then it shouldn’t worry you too much.
There you have it! These are a few things to remember before selecting your new EV. Plus don’t forget how reliable, convenient, easily maintained, cheap, and environmentally-friendly electric vehicles are.