The popularity of electric vehicles has been considerably growing all over the United States, especially in Texas. Texans can benefit from purchasing electric vehicles (or hybrid vehicles) over traditional gas vehicles for a number of different reasons. Learn more in this article about a few of the many ways purchasing electric vehicles can benefit Texas residents.
1. Performance
Remaining objective and not naming any individual brands, it is noted that several vehicles in both the car and light truck markets have 0-60 times fewer than four seconds. A few even reach that speed in fewer than three seconds. Currently, the trend is to have two motors, one for each axle, that produce a great number of horsepower, often in excess of 600. Some of these vehicles run the quarter mile in fewer than 12 seconds as well.
2. Economy and Recharge Rates
Battery technology has increased at a nearly exponential rate over the last few years. Some pure electric vehicles can make 500 miles on a single charge. When it comes to hybrid vehicles, a few approach 700 miles with a full tank of fuel. These vehicles use the internal combustion portion of their power trains merely to charge the batteries instead of being attached to the wheels. That makes these vehicles much less expensive to run than pure internal combustion vehicles in a world of fuel averaging around $3 a gallon in Texas.
As well, it doesn’t take hours upon hours to charge an EV’s battery anymore. Some vehicles can stock up an additional 100 or 200 miles of range in just a few minutes. Of course, it’s still not good always to use a fast charger, but if you’re running low on a long trip, you can “juice up” a little bit on a fast charger to make it to the next hotel or rest stop.
3. Longevity
The newest batteries have a life expectancy of up to 15 years or about 200,000 miles. That’s on the same level as many internal combustion vehicles. And, the cost of replacing a battery is much less than a new vehicle.
4. Safety
The days of batteries suffering catastrophic meltdowns or explosions are largely gone. Technological advancements in both materials and battery construction have not completely removed the danger, but the rate at which they now experience such fires is no different than the rate at which internal combustion vehicles experience them.
5. No Loss in Capability
Some electric light trucks can perform the same workloads as their internal combustible engine (ICE) counterparts. One such model pulls 14,000 pounds and can haul 2,500 pounds in its bed at the same time. Of course, while performing such heavy work, it won’t get the same range as it would just driving on the road, but the fact that it can accomplish the same tasks makes it a sound choice.
For anyone living in Texas, electric vehicles should be considered and researched when purchasing a new vehicle. Not only will you be helping the Texas environment, but you will also be saving money in the long run from the gas savings alone.
