The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road on Long Island continues to rise every year. EVs are practical, help to reduce emissions and save you money. Electric cars run at least partially on electricity. Unlike conventional vehicles that use a gasoline or diesel-powered engine, electric cars and trucks use an electric motor powered by electricity from batteries or a fuel cell. The cost to refuel an electric car can also be a fraction of the cost of gasoline, meaning that electric cars can have a lower total cost of ownership. Under certain circumstances, switching to an electric car can save hundreds of dollars a year in fueling costs, compared to even the most fuel-efficient conventional cars. Because there are many positive benefits to electric cars, the numbers will continue to grow.
According to an article on Forbes.com, “The auto industry is going to be offering more and more plug-in vehicle options. Bloomberg notes that an expected 127 battery-electric models will be introduced worldwide in the next five years. BMW sold 100,000 plug-in vehicles in 2017 and is aiming for 500,000 in total by 2020 and GM CEO Mary Barra says the company will sell over a million electric vehicles a year by 2026, and turning a profit doing so. Believe it or not we are getting closer to the day when it won’t be if you drive electric, but which electric do you drive.”
Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles provide many benefits to Long Island residents including:
- They are energy efficient. EVs convert about 59%–62% of the electrical energy from the grid to power at the wheels. Conventional gasoline vehicles only convert about 17%–21% of the energy stored in gasoline to power at the wheels.
- They are environmentally friendly – EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants.
- Performance benefits – Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration and require less maintenance than internal combustion engines.
- Reduced energy dependence
- Reduced noise – EVs are surprisingly quiet
- Reduced maintenance and service – Electric cars have far fewer moving parts, so they will require much less maintenance. You won’t have to worry as much about oil changes. You will not have to visit a mechanic very often.
According to The United States Department of Energy, “Fueling with electricity offers some advantages not available in conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Because electric motors react quickly, EVs are very responsive and have very good torque. EVs are often more digitally connected than conventional vehicles as well.” EVs can also reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change and smog, improving public health and reducing ecological damage.