In the U.S., 28% of greenhouse gas emissions were attributed to transportation in 2021. If you’re considering getting a new car, replacing your old vehicle with an electric one is one of the most eco-friendly ways to reduce your carbon footprint. There are several reasons why you should switch to an electric car.
Better for the Environment
Despite the obvious advantages of electric cars, they’re also very important to consider when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric cars don’t release emissions both while they’re in use and throughout their lifecycle. This helps mitigate climate change and air pollution and is especially beneficial for the communities most affected by transportation-related issues.
Easy to Maintain
Aside from federal tax credits, state and local governments also offer various financial incentives to help people buy electric cars.
Very Safe
Studies have shown that electric cars are as safe as their gas- and diesel-powered counterparts.
According to the IIHS, the agency that monitors the safety of vehicles, making the U.S. fleet more eco-friendly doesn’t require compromising on the issue of safety. In 2022, the organization named several electric cars as the Top Safety Pick. Some of these include the Volkswagen ID4, the Volvo XC40, and the Audi e-Tron.
Rebates and Tax Credits
The federal government provides a tax credit of up to $7,500 for electric vehicle purchases. In addition, state and local governments also offer various financial incentives to help people buy electric cars.
The Rise of Charging Stations
Some people are hesitant to buy an electric car due to the lack of charging stations. However, the number of these stations has steadily increased over the years, and it’s expected that the number of these will continue to rise as more governments invest in the infrastructure needed to support electric vehicle charging.
Several apps can help you find charging stations near you. These apps can be very useful if you live in remote areas or are traveling across the country.
E.V. Options are Becoming Available
There are plenty of electric cars for every type of vehicle, including hatchbacks, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Due to the increasing number of manufacturers planning to produce electric cars in the U.S., more options will be available to consumers.