The Pros and Cons of Electric Cars: What You Need to Know

Electric cars have become increasingly popular in recent years, as governments around the world take steps to ban gasoline and diesel cars. But what are the biggest problems with electric cars? Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of electric vehicles. The main advantage of electric cars is that they don't produce exhaust gases, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. However, electric cars tend to be heavier than conventional cars, and heavier vehicles are usually accompanied by higher levels of emissions not related to exhaust gases.

The high torque of electric vehicles further aggravates the problem of fine dust, as it causes greater tire wear and the dispersion of dust particles. Another issue with electric cars is their cost. Most pure electric vehicles (not hybrids) tend to be high-end luxury vehicles, which can come at staggering prices. This means that electric cars may not be accessible to everyone, which could lead to an increase in inequality.

In addition, electric cars require rare metals for their batteries, which can be difficult to source in an ethical and sustainable way. This could lead to environmental damage due to mining activities. Finally, electric cars require charging stations, which can be difficult to install in some areas. This means that electric car owners may have limited access to charging stations, which could limit their range and make it difficult for them to travel long distances.

Fortunately, the Song-Beverly Consumer Guarantee Act (also known as the Lemon Act) protects electric vehicle owners if they discover that their vehicle is defective. In addition, the EPA and DOE Beyond Tailpipe emissions calculator can help you estimate greenhouse gas emissions associated with charging and driving an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) where you live.Overall, electric cars are a quick-to-implement technological solution that helps combat climate change and improve urban air quality, at least to a certain extent. However, there are still some issues that need to be addressed before they can become a viable alternative to gasoline and diesel cars.