Is an Electric Vehicle Right for You?

There are key differences between traditional vehicles and electric vehicles that drivers should be aware of. Normal cars are powered by internal combustion engines, which use the explosive power of gasoline to propel the vehicle down the road. Electric vehicles, by contrast, just have batteries that are attached to motors. This article will compare and contrast some key features of these two types of vehicles, so that you can decide if an electric car is right for you.

Maintenance

As noted above, traditional vehicles are full of moving parts. These parts are subject to great stresses, and constantly rub against each other. Over time, cars with internal combustion engines find that they need to have parts replaced, or at least serviced. While this is, of course, a problem for electric vehicles, it is a less common issue. The (relatively) simple internal construction of electric vehicles - batteries attached to motors that turn the axle - cuts down on wear-and-tear.

Electric cars also have fewer fluids than their traditional counterparts. They do not, for example, need to have their oil changed! Some even manage to eschew liquid coolants. Over the life of an electric vehicle, you're liable to save on maintenance compared to an internal combustion engine-drive vehicle.

Regenerative Braking

In vehicles with traditional internal combustion engines, brakes apply force to slow down the vehicle. Unsurprisingly, this process generates heat and eventually destroys brake pads. As such, they need to be replaced frequently in normal vehicles. The heat energy generated by this process also just bleeds off into the world.

Electric vehicles, however, can capture some of this energy. The motor is able to run backwards on electric vehicles, refilling some of the battery's capacity. This is a more optimal use of energy, and reduces strain on brake pads in electric vehicles.

Conclusion

Electric vehicles are coming into their own. Every day more electric charging stations are installed around the world. The environmental impact of electric vehicles is well-known, and by itself is perhaps a sufficient reason to purchase one. When drivers take into account all of the other advantages of electric vehicles that this article has detailed, however, the choice becomes clear.

Luckily for Ohio drivers, BMW of Dayton has electric vehicles in stock. Our excellent staff can answer any and all of your questions, and will make you feel right at home in our dealership. Give BMW of Dayton a visit soon!