Jolts And Volts Causing The Biggest Issues with EVs
Giancarlo Perlas June 4, 2024The biggest issues with EVs often don’t become apparent until you have begun using them. Don’t take this as a hit-piece because EVs, especially those made by Mercedes-Benz, are excellent vehicles. But they are far from perfect.
From vast differences in range to manufacturers dragging their heels, here’s what you need to know.
Costly Repairs and Checks
Electric vehicles are a totally different beast, even though they look the same. Because of this, one of the biggest problems with electric cars is just finding a qualified technician. When you do find one, you can expect to pay more. Even though they go through similar tests, such as finding electrical faults with automotive wiring diagrams, the way they work is different. There are no moving parts, and an EV is more like a computer than a traditional mechanical car!
Differences in Range
Of course, EVs operate by charging lithium-ion batteries. While some advancements are being made, the quality of batteries varies wildly. This is one of the biggest disadvantages of electric cars because the quality of the battery dictates the range. Tesla batteries are typically of a much higher quality but cost a lot more! Before you buy, it will help to research which manufacturers offer the best range with their batteries, how fast they charge, and what their lifetime is.
Charging Issues with EVs
Further to the batteries, there are also other charging issues. One of the most prominent you will face is the availability of charging stations. There is some work going into improving the overall infrastructure, and next-gen Mercedes EVs may be better.
There are around 56,000 stations in the US that charge EVs—a stark contrast to the almost 200,000 gas stations! Other problems with charging electric vehicles include charging speeds, compatibility, and the cost of charging.
Lackluster Manufacturer Enthusiasm
Okay, so there aren’t many reasons why electric cars are bad as a new choice. But they aren’t without issue. One of the main reasons is that manufacturers seem to be dragging their heels when it comes to building and marketing them despite a public desire for green technology.
There are many more EVs available, and that’s true. However, car makers are still mainly pushing combustion engine cars and hybrids without focusing on the future of electric vehicles.
More Demand for Power Grids
EVs are a step in the right direction if you want to reduce carbon emissions and be a little greener. But they aren’t as green as people think. Yes, they reduce pollution, but they still produce some pollutants.
Additionally, they are manufactured in the same unsustainable way as traditional vehicles. One of the biggest ecological problems with EVs is the demand for power grids. As we switch to EVs, the current energy infrastructure might not be able to keep up!
Summary
Expensive repairs and checks are some hidden issues with EVs you may not expect. There are also problems with the batteries, such as the range and availability of charging points. But they’re also not as green as people think and will place more of a demand on our energy grids.