Experts shared that electric vehicles are not always cheaper than their petrol and diesel competitors. However, there are ways to save a lot.
Many people believe that electric vehicles help save money, unlike their internal combustion engine competitors. Experts from Consumer Reports toldwhich cars are more economical.
Electric cars are much more environmentally friendly than petrol and diesel cars, but they are much more expensive. To improve the situation, many countries offer discounts on the purchase of electric vehicles. Global sales of electric cars are gradually improving. Many drivers are switching to electric vehicles.
Also an important role in the future growth of electric cars will play a ban on the sale of gasoline and diesel cars in the European Union from 2035. Automakers will have to gradually switch to the production of exclusively electric cars.
The experts found out how much the operation and maintenance of electric vehicles costs on average, and whether they are really cheaper than gasoline and diesel cars. They also gave some tips on how to save money for owners of electric cars.
Why is an electric car more profitable than a car with an internal combustion engine:
Reliability
EVs don’t have most of the parts that ICE cars have.
Photo: Freepik
Many car enthusiasts are in no hurry to switch to electric vehicles, as they are not too knowledgeable about their maintenance. The question of their reliability also remains open, since even large manufacturers have serious mistakes.
Theoretically, electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain due to the absence of an engine, transmission, and fuel and exhaust systems. Despite this, the repair of some parts can be very expensive.
Experts noted that the first electric vehicles Audi, Chevrolet and Hyundai had problems with batteries. It took years to correct many of the shortcomings.
Fortunately, automakers offer replacement warranties for parts like batteries and electric motors. However, they may not always be in stock, which is why repairs will take a long time.
To save money, experts advise choosing only proven models that have been on the market for several years. They have the least assembly and power plant problems.
Saving on electricity
Charging electric vehicles is cheaper than refueling
Photo: carscoops.com
The cost of electricity is much less than the price of fuel. The main problem remains the charging speed of electric vehicles, which takes tens of times longer than refueling a gasoline or diesel car.
It is also worth considering the battery capacity of electric cars. Some models do not require too much power to fully charge, which helps save money.
tax incentives
Governments of many countries provide incentives for the purchase of electric cars
Photo: Getty Images
As mentioned earlier, electric vehicles are subject to tax incentives. Many countries encourage the transition to electric cars, making their purchase more affordable.
In Ukraine, spare parts and components for electric cars, as well as the import of such cars into the country, are exempted from paying customs duties. Thus, manufacturers can import equipment and components for electric cars with virtually no duties.
Discounts
Electric vehicles are often discounted
Photo: Pexels
Automakers often offer discounts on their vehicles to increase competitiveness. Recently, prices for electric models have been significantly reduced.
To save money, track the cost of electric cars that interest you. Over time, they may become available at a substantial discount.
Comparison of the cost of operating electric vehicles and cars with internal combustion engines:
Experts compared four popular electric vehicles in the US with their gasoline or hybrid competitors. They found out the costs of operating these types of cars.
Compact Cars – Nissan Leaf vs. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Nissan Leaf was not so economical
Photo: Consumer Reports
The Nissan Leaf electric car has long gained its popularity due to its low cost and good power reserve. However, it’s not as cheap as its Toyota Corolla Hybrid rival.
In the US, the Nissan Leaf SV Plus is eligible for at least $3,750 in federal tax credits. However, its cost is from $33,385, while the Toyota Corolla hybrid sedan can be bought for $25,145.
Toyota Corolla consumes little fuel, so the cost of buying a Nissan Leaf will not justify itself. In addition, the range of an electric car is inferior to a hybrid sedan, so the cost of charging is only slightly cheaper than filling up with gasoline.
Winner: Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Sports sedans – Tesla Model 3 vs. BMW 3 Series
Tesla Model 3 is confidently ahead of its competitor
Photo: Consumer Reports
The Tesla Model 3 revolutionized the car market with its budget price tag and long range. The nearest gasoline competitor, the BMW 330i xDrive, costs more than an electric car, and its price for refueling is not comparable to charging a Tesla Model 3.
The Tesla Model 3 (AWD) starts at $50,240, while the BMW 330i xDrive will cost at least $52,995. Thanks to the federal tax credit, the electric car will save customers at least another $2,755.
Winner: Tesla Model 3
Compact Crossovers – Hyundai Ioniq 5 vs. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Hyundai Ioniq 5 turned out to be too expensive
Photo: Consumer Reports
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric car attracts with its unusual appearance and good power reserve. Unfortunately, it’s not that cheap.
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid starts at $33,194, making it a bargain compared to the $51,020 Hyundai Ioniq 5. In addition, the electric vehicle is exempt from the federal tax credit.
Winner: Hyundai Tucson
Full Size Pickups – Ford F-150 Lightning vs. Ford F-150 Hybrid
Ford F-150 Lightning is cheaper to run than its hybrid version
Photo: Consumer Reports
The Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup immediately became popular in the US due to its impressive performance. In the Extended Range version, it is capable of driving more than 500 km on a single charge.
A hybrid Ford F-150 will cost a minimum of $69,935, while an electric Extended Range pickup starts at $80,889. It’s not covered by the federal tax credit, but it’s not so clear-cut when comparing costs in detail.
The hybrid Ford F-150 consumes an average of 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Considering that the electric version of a pickup truck can cover more than 500 km on a single charge, it helps to save a lot on charging.
After comparing all operating costs, the experts concluded that it is cheaper to own a Ford F-150 Lightning than a hybrid pickup truck. Therefore, the electric version proved to be the winner in this comparison.
Winner: Ford F-150 Lightning
Previously Focus reported that the Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover will receive an all-electric version for the first time.
