The Electric Car Revolution
Well, we once thought we’d all be flying in small private jets like in the cartoon “The Jetsons”, but that hasn’t happened… yet. We are well ahead of the cartoon characters in “The Flintstones” running in bare feet singing “YaBaDaBaDo!” though. We’re kind of in between those two scenarios – we have electric cars now! And with that comes new worries about electric car repair.
There are a few different types of electric cars, and how an electric car works will vary depending on the type of car it is:
- HEV: Hybrid Electric Vehicles are motorized by both an internal combustion engine and used the battery-stored energy for an electric motor. This electric car can’t be charged with a battery charge, but instead requires regenerative braking and an internal combustion engine.
- PHEV: Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles are motorized by batteries and either gasoline or diesel that powers an internal combustion engine. This type of electric car charges the batteries through both charging equipment and regenerative braking.
- EV: All-Electric Vehicles are plugged into a charging point, using the same electricity we do for our homes and store the electricity in rechargeable batteries that make the car move.
Do electric cars need repairs often?
The EVs cars (all-electric) require less maintenance because the battery, motor, and all associated electronics require little to no maintenance. There are fewer fluids that need to be checked or have routine maintenance, like motor oil and with the regenerative braking, less maintenance is needed. Because there are fewer moving parts, electric car repairs are fewer too.
The maintenance needs HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrid electric vehicles) are comparable to conventional vehicles. An EV (all-electric vehicle) requires fewer maintenance needs for all the same reasons, and they have fewer moving parts than a conventional gas-powered engine. In all types of electric-powered cars, the manufacturers have designed these vehicles with safety at the core and vehicle maintenance second.
Are electric cars expensive to repair?
Well, you know that purchasing an electric car will cost you more than purchasing a gas-powered car, But, in the long run, when it comes to electric car repair and maintenance, you’ll save money.
A study that was conducted found that with fewer moving parts, by the 3rd year of ownership, they were the more economical choice of vehicles. Here are some numbers to consider:
- Fuel-powered car over 3 years ownership, $800 in service and repairs.
- Electric-powered car over 3 years ownership, $500 in electric car repairs and services.
That is a saving of over 30% less, however, in the first year of electric car repairs, the diagnostic costs made them the more expensive choice.
Is charging an electric car cheaper than gas?
Like anything, when comparing costs of ownership, there are several factors to be considered, and that is true of electric cars. The following factors should be considered when answering this question:
- The type of engine is a key factor role.
- The size of the vehicle is a consideration too. The heavier the car, the more fuel to make it move.
- Per vehicle fuel economy as to how far it can go on a certain amount of fuel.
- Government regulation and the taxes you’re paying at the pump.
- For the electric car, home charging versus public charging stations.
- Energy prices versus EV charging.
- Fast charging options costs.
What are the pros and cons between an electric vs hybrid car?
When it comes to making the purchase, it is a personal choice, however, we have do have some pros and cons for you to consider before purchasing a hybrid car:
The Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- Saves money
- Quiet
- Less maintenance
The Cons:
- Higher upfront to purchase
- Electric car repair and maintenance is rare but can be expensive
- Still produces fossil fuel emission
What is the most reliable electric car?
Each year, car manufacturers are coming out with more models, giving you the choice between the average car, luxury, or even a sports style. Here are seven of the most popular electric cars on the streets for 2022:
- Kia Niro EV
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Honda Insight
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Nissan LEAF
- Toyota Prius Prime
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
What is the lifespan of an electric car?
There have been Tesla owners reporting over 400,000 miles, but every driver will have a different experience, just as with gas-powered cars. The average lifespan of an electric car has been reported to be fifteen years with over 160,000 miles on the road.
In Closing
Just like with solar panels and wind generators, electric cars and electric car repair have created new industry needs, like how to repair electric cars. For students that a 4-year college degree isn’t the way to go, technical school to learn how to repair electric cars is starting to be noticed.