4 ms·
The environmental stuff is actually just the icing on the cake - EVs have a number of advantages over internal combustion and the disadvantages keep getting sma
by simonsquiff 13y ago
The environmental stuff is actually just the icing on the cake - EVs have a number of advantages over internal combustion and the disadvantages keep getting smaller.
-awesome acceleration due to instant torque and no gearbox
-amazing handling due to low centre of gravity (heavy batteries at the bottom)
-quieter
-minimal servicing / repair costs due to much simpler drive train with fewer moving parts and no fluid
-more internal space (no crank shaft etc - especially in the back row this makes the middle seat so much more comfortable without a big bulge between your feet)
-more external space (e.g the Tesla S has a front trunk (frunk) where the engine normally is)
-safety factor - extra crumple space with the frunk and no engine to go into your legs in front on collision
-cheaper to run especially in high gas cost areas like Europe
-some areas have perks like using the HOV or bus lane
-convenience factor of 'filling up' at home
The environmental stuff is all goodness (and other responses have illustrated how this still holds even in coal dominated areas) but for many is not the driving factor.
Obviously EVs are not for everyone. My analogy is that they are like SSDs - better in every way except size (range) and cost, and therefore not viable for some...but that will rapidly change as the technology moves on.
- amalag 13y agoOne issue that still has to be solved is for people like me to charge them without a garage. Swapping batteries is interesting, I wonder if it will become a cheap reality.
- tgcordell 13y agoThis is a huge issue that doesn't get a lot of airtime. Many urban city dwellers rely on street parking. What solution is around for them to charge their vehicles? I love the concept Tesla is pushing, but this problem has me vexed.