Key Takeaways

Pros of EV

Eco-friendly

Low maintenance

Quiet and smooth

Tax incentives

Cons of EV

Expensive

Limited range

Long charging time

Battery degradation

• EV stands for electric vehicle, which runs on electricity instead of gasoline or diesel.

• EVs are becoming more popular and affordable, but they are not for everyone.

• Some of the reasons why I am not buying EV are: the high cost, the limited range, the long charging time, and the battery degradation.

• I prefer a conventional car that is cheaper, more reliable, and more convenient.

The High Cost of EV

EVs are generally more expensive than conventional cars, especially when you factor in the installation and maintenance of a home charging station. According to a report by [Consumer Reports], the average price of a new EV in 2023 was $48,000, while the average price of a new gas car was $32,000. That’s a difference of $16,000, which is enough to buy another car!

Even if you consider the tax incentives and the lower fuel and maintenance costs of EVs, the payback period is still too long for me. I don’t want to wait for 10 years or more to break even on my investment. I want to save money now, not later. Besides, who knows what will happen in 10 years? Maybe EVs will become obsolete or cheaper by then, and I will regret buying one now. Or maybe I will need to sell my car for some reason, and I will lose money because EVs have lower resale value than gas cars. No, thank you. I’d rather stick with a conventional car that is more affordable and practical.

The Limited Range of EV

Another reason why I am not buying EV is the limited range. EVs can only travel a certain distance before they need to be recharged, which can be a problem if you are driving long distances or in areas where there are not many charging stations. According to the [U.S. Department of Energy], the average range of an EV in 2023 was 259 miles, while the average range of a gas car was 412 miles. That’s a difference of 153 miles, which is enough to drive from New York to Philadelphia and back! Also repair of EV is much expensive.

Even if you plan your trips carefully and use a [range calculator] to find the best route and charging stations, you can still run into trouble. What if you encounter traffic jams, detours, bad weather, or other unexpected situations that drain your battery faster than expected? What if you arrive at a charging station and find it occupied, out of order, or incompatible with your car? What if you forget to plug in your car overnight and wake up to a low battery? These are all scenarios that can cause anxiety and frustration for EV drivers. I don’t want to worry about these things when I drive. I want to have the freedom and flexibility to go wherever I want, whenever I want. I prefer a conventional car that has a longer range and can be refueled quickly and easily.

The Long Charging Time of EV

A third reason why I am not buying EV is the long charging time. EVs take much longer to recharge than gas cars take to refuel, which can be a hassle if you are in a hurry or on a road trip. According to the [U.S. Department of Energy], the average charging time of an EV in 2023 was 8 hours for a full charge, while the average refueling time of a gas car was 5 minutes for a full tank. That’s a difference of 7 hours and 55 minutes, which is enough to watch four movies or sleep for a night!

Even if you use a [fast charger] that can reduce the charging time to 30 minutes or less, you still have to wait longer than you would at a gas station. And fast chargers are not available everywhere, and they can be more expensive and less efficient than regular chargers. Plus, fast charging can damage your battery over time and reduce its lifespan. I don’t want to waste time and money on charging my car. I want to spend more time and money on doing things I enjoy. I prefer a conventional car that can be refueled quickly and cheaply.

The Battery Degradation of EV

A fourth reason why I am not buying EV is the battery degradation. EVs use lithium-ion batteries, which lose their capacity and performance over time and with use. This means that EVs will have a shorter range and a lower speed as they age, and they will need to be replaced eventually. According to a study by [Geotab], the average battery degradation rate of an EV in 2023 was 2.3% per year, which means that an EV with a 259-mile range would lose 6 miles of range every year. That’s a lot of miles to lose, especially if you drive a lot or live in a cold climate.

Replacing an EV battery is not cheap or easy, either. According to a report by [Edmunds], the average cost of replacing an EV battery in 2023 was $5,500, while the average cost of replacing a gas car engine was $4,000. That’s a difference of $1,500, which is enough to buy a nice vacation or a new laptop! And replacing an EV battery can take weeks or months, depending on the availability and compatibility of the battery. I don’t want to deal with these issues with my car. I want to have a car that lasts longer and performs better. I prefer a conventional car that has a more durable and reliable engine.

Summary

EVs are not for me. I am not buying EV because they are too expensive, too limited, too slow, and too weak. I think EVs are overrated and overpriced, and they are not worth the hype. I think conventional cars are better and smarter, and they are more suitable for my needs and preferences. I am happy with my gas car, and I am not planning to switch to an EV anytime soon. Maybe in the future, when EVs become cheaper, faster, longer, and stronger, and better car electronics I will reconsider my decision. But for now, I am sticking with my good old gas car. Thank you for reading my article, and I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please share it with your friends and leave a comment below. And if you didn’t, please don’t hate me. I’m just expressing my opinion, and you are free to disagree with me