Posted on 03/17/2023 6:32:12 AM PDT by Red Badger
The infrastructure just isn't there yet.
Key points:
* Electric vehicles can be expensive to buy and own.
* My reason for not wanting to own an EV just yet has more to do with convenience than price.
* Charging stations for EVs are not yet widespread, meaning they might not be a good option for you if you take long road trips to remote areas.
These days, it's not so uncommon to see your fair share of electric vehicles on the road. And if your car has seen better days, you may be thinking of buying an electric vehicle, or EV, when the time comes to replace it.
Now, one thing you should know is that EVs aren't cheap. The average price of the top 10 electric vehicles in the U.S. is about $68,817, according to EV marketplace Find My Electric.
Within that, there's a notable range of prices. And there are also tax credits available that can help offset the cost of an EV purchase. But since auto loan rates are up right now, financing an EV purchase could still end up being a more expensive prospect than you've bargained for.
Remember, too, that more expensive cars tend to be costlier to maintain. They can also be more expensive to buy auto insurance for. So if you'd rather steer clear of those hidden costs, you may want to forgo an EV for now.
Meanwhile, in my two-car household, one of our vehicles is starting to reach its end point. We've had it since 2007, so we've clearly gotten our money's worth, but we plan to replace it as soon as car prices start to come down.
However, I can say with certainty that my next vehicle purchase will not be an EV. Here's why.
An EV won't suit my needs
When it comes to driving, I tend to go to extremes -- meaning, I find that I'm usually either driving just a few miles around town, or I'm driving hundreds or thousands of miles on a road trip. It's the latter habit that makes an EV a less-than-desirable choice.
Over the past 10 years, my family has taken countless road trips, some of which have had us clocking in 5,000 miles or more. Now, it's one thing to charge your EV at night in your own driveway when you don't need to use it until the next morning. But it's another thing to have to stop numerous times on a lengthy road trip to charge your vehicle so you can keep chugging along. And that inconvenience alone makes an EV a poor choice for my family based on our driving habits.
Also, even if we were willing to stop and sit there every several hundred miles while our vehicle charged, the infrastructure isn't there yet. My family likes to visit remote parts of the country to get off the beaten path. I've been in many parts of the U.S. where there's only one gas station every 200 miles or so. I doubt we're close to the point of seeing charging stations readily available in those areas.
Think carefully before buying an EV
The idea of an electric vehicle might appeal to you. But before you buy one, make sure one of these cars actually suits your lifestyle.
It may be nice to not have to fill up your car every week. But if you tend to take a lot of long road trips, and you tend to travel to relatively remote areas, then an EV could end up being more of a hassle.
They don't WANT you "chugging along". That's independence, They want you dependent on them for transportation, among other things. The future Pelosi's of the world won't have to worry about protests in the capitol when no one can drive there to participate in them.
As a female I definitely see dangers to the ev insofar as the time it takes to charge, running out of battery and being stranded . Or if you experience a breakdown, where does it get towed? Too many ifs. I get anxious if my gas tank is less than half full as it is. And how much it will cost to fill it . We have a Sams close by with the best prices on gas and you can’t believe how antsy people get just waiting in line for a few minutes to get to a pump.
Duplicate
Oh yes I do!
I fill up at Sam’s, Murphy’s or CEFCO.......................
A: Lack of mobility and ability to travel long distances without cumbersome restrictions.
Nope. Two different articles and authors........................
For me, it’s cost.
The cost doesn’t make sense, either financially or environmentally.....................
“....Remember, too, that more expensive cars tend to be costlier to maintain. “
I disagree unless you’re talking about Ford and GM. exception is the Lincoln town car.
I’ve owned LExus for the past 30 years. I pay for the extended warranty, and to be honest the only expenses I’ve had are things that happen like tire and wheel damage, windshields etc.
If you look at the top ten most reliable cars they’re all high end. No. 1? Is the Lincoln Town Car, that they stopped making.
Other factors involve home charging stations, mechanics, parts replacement costs (batteries) and auto insurance, probably many others. My 2 cents.
How to spot the ultimate idiot liberal:
Driving alone in an electric car while wearing a mask.
With a "Coexist" bumper sticker.
its not going to be a choice
the real goal is to get everyone on public transportation
For sure!!
My brother LOVES his Tesla but I can’t tell you the $$$$ involved with maintenance or parts replacement
EVs are yet another government enforced scam, folks, just like global warming and affirmative action.
They are safe and effective..................😜
“For me, it’s cost.”
I get really hacked off when the greeniacs say “BUT, after the $7,500 tax credit, it’s affordable.”
They socialize their green wet dream costs. We all pay their subsidy via higher taxes and sky-high inflation caused by out of control spending in DC. That is why I HATE seeing solar cells all over the place and wind farms. All I see is a $33 TRILLION national debt and growing at $2 TRILLION per year.
But, hey! It is MODERN Monetary Theory and it must work, right?
If it were profitable, it would have been done many decades ago.
The Laws of Thermodynamics will not be broken...............
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.