Pros and Cons of Electric Cars

Answering questions regarding the pros and cons of electric car versus conventional depends on how you view many of the considerations. In the current economic situation, the electric car may have some advantages but on the other side of the coin have definite disadvantages.

Conventional cars are coming off the assembly line somewhere every day with many choices of makes and models. Currently, only Nissan has a total electric car and not even all Nissan dealerships have these on their showroom floor.

In terms of fuel costs, the estimated cost of of charging is round $2.75 for 100 miles of use. While fuel costs may fluctuate, keeping an eye on the fuel gauge is easier than remembering how many miles have been traveled and mentally calculating how soon another electric battery charge will be needed.

Many experts feel electric cars are more eco-friendly since they have no emissions polluting the air we breathe, to be totally eco-friendly, electric cars must not pose a drain on natural gas resources.

Refueling must definitely be a prime consideration. While larger cities and towns are beginning to have electric charger locations, it could be many years before small towns offer this service and for rural areas it could be never. Even with home-charging systems it can be both costly and time consuming since a 100volt outlet requires 20 hours for maximum electric battery charge. Even using a 220volt outlet requires at least 10 hours charging time versus 5 to 10 minutes to fill a gasoline tank.

Price of Electric Cars

The price of an electric battery over those used in conventional cars is another important consideration to be weighed. Even if the average battery whether electric or gasoline powered vehicle has the same use-life, how many vehicle parts businesses stock an electric charger? Currently little research is available answering the question of how adverse weather conditions will effect the amount of charge available.

Little research is available related to safety of electric cars and their occupants. Safety testing for conventional cars and their various accident-prevention features are a matter of record versus the number available for electric vehicles.