With the Chevrolet Volt and the Nissan Leaf all the rage these days, 2010 has been considered the year of the electric vehicle. Its benefits are numerous, the most obvious being increased fuel economy, zero emissions, a quieter ride, and less sophisticated construction with simpler engine systems and no transmission. However, the same attention has been paid towards the disadvantages of electric vehicles.
Here are the top disadvantages of electric vehicles.
Reduced range
Electric engines are the kings of limited mileage range. The Nissan Leaf has been claimed to go up to 100 miles per gallon and the Chevrolet Volt 40 miles per gallon on all electric power with an alternative gas engine up to 300 miles. Although both ranges offer plenty of comfort for daily commutes, the road trip will turn into a nightmare as anxiety kicks in with no place to recharge. A complete battery recharge takes up to eight hours and there are limited quick charge plug in stations available across the country.
Less power
Electric engines will be forever the gas engine´s ugly cousin, with top speeds maxing out at 70 mph (even less for smaller electric vehicles) which make them a poor bet with highway driving. Out running a car to make a quick lane change is going to be a hard bet.
Expense
Electric cars are a lot more costly than gasoline powered cars within the same range. The Nissan Leaf clocks in at up to $33,000 and the Volt is estimated at $40,000. Both are outrageous priced for hatchbacks with limited room. You can thank the $10,000 lithuim ion batteries needed to run the electric motor. What´s more, insurance rates will be estimated to be higher for electric cars than gas powered cars due to the danger of running out of power in a bad spot, its higher cost, and the dangers associated with electricity. Lastly, maintenance costs as a result of new technology and developing skills between mechanics makes electric cars even more of a costly proposition.
Small amounts of pollution
Although electric vehicles are classified as green cars, purists will not appreciate the toxicity of batteries. Not all electric production is derived from renewable energy sources.
Electric vehicles have a long way to go before stepping out into the mainstream as researchers develop new technologies, boost the availability of plug in stations, and other disadvantages that make electric vehicles an interesting proposition but not ready for prime time.
