Don’t let the oil and gas industry confuse you, the roads of the future belong to EVs. Economical, technologically advanced, and a whole lot of fun to drive, the EV transition is happening before our eyes. Read on to learn how to join the millions of EV drivers on the road right now.
Understanding Electric Vehicles
It may feel like it happened overnight, but drivers have been moving to electric vehicles for years. These days, you can’t go far without seeing an EV pass by another gas station. As of 2024, EVs made up roughly 7.6% of all new vehicle sales, and that number is expected to grow substantially as the years pass by. 1
Generally, an electric vehicle is defined as any road-worthy car that’s powered at least in part by a battery-powered engine. It’s an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of electricity-powered vehicles populating the roads today. More specifically, electric vehicles can be classified into the following categories:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs): these vehicles exclusively rely on a battery powered motor in place of a traditional internal combustion engine. Again, BEVs use zero gasoline, and are commonly referred to as fully electric vehicles.
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs can be plugged in to a power outlet, but still have a combustion engine that can power the vehicle should the battery run out.
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs): an HEV can operate on both gas and electricity. These vehicles are designed to minimize fuel consumption using a process called “regenerative braking”.
Benefits of Switching to an Electric Vehicle
If you’re wondering why anyone would want to switch to an EV in the first place, read on. There are indeed a long, and growing list of benefits associated with the transition away from gas-powered vehicles both on the individual level and on the societal level. So, let’s take a closer look at the main drivers in the recent uptick of EV adoption.
- Environmental benefits: fewer greenhouse emissions means cleaner air for everyone.
- Lower operating costs: EVs are cheaper to maintain and fuel when compared to their ICE counterparts.2
- Tax incentives and rebates: as a way to push consumers to go green, many governments offer tax incentives and rebates to those who transition to EVs.
- Home charging convenience: it’s like having a gas pump at your house, without the fumes.
- Aesthetics: EVs stand out, inspiring lots of drivers to upgrade based on aesthetics alone.
- Performance enhancements: better torque, improved acceleration, and sci-fi level tech round out a long list of improvements.
Some drivers prefer the rumble of an internal combustion engine, while others are less attached to the nostalgia of the gas guzzlers they grew up with. For them, the benefits mentioned above are enough to say goodbye to gas altogether. Regardless, it’s impossible to deny the momentum of the EV market.
Top Electric Vehicle Options on the Market
The EV market has come a long way since the first Teslas rolled out of California.3 Elon Musk’s automaker remains dominant, but buyers have a lot more EV options. But don’t take our word for it, have a look at the leading EV options available today. 4
- Tesla Model Y: the best-selling EV and it’s not even close. This fully electric crossover SUV serves as a practical and economical entry point for first time EV buyers.
- Tesla Model 3: a small, luxury vehicle that’s available at an affordable price and sells remarkably well compared to the competition.
- Chevrolet Bolt/Bolt EUV: Chevrolet’s all-electric sedan and crossover SUV present a great value for EV owners looking to drive home anything other than a Tesla.
- Ford F-150 Lightning: an fully electric pickup truck that ushers the ultra-popular F-150 brand into a whole new era of driving.
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: a fan favorite for Ford-lovers and EV enthusiasts alike, the Mustang Mach-E boasts a 310 mile range and a luxurious interior.
Innovation is the name of the game here, and as such, expect the top-5 list above to shift and change as the rest of the industry catches up. Companies like BMW, VW, Rivian, and BYD aim to dethrone Tesla, and there’s a lot of reason to believe that they may do just that.
Making the Transition
EVs have come a long way, but transitioning from gas to electric still requires some additional research and preparation. So we’ve rounded out a few things you should know about EVs before you sign on the dotted line.
- Road trips require more planning: if you plan to drive long distances, understand that you’ll need to map your route accordingly. Use an EV app like Plugshare or Electrify America to keep your battery full along the way.5
- Cold weather can impact range: in wintertime, expect the range of your EV to drop as much as 25%.6
- Tires don’t last as long: EVs are much heavier than traditional ICE vehicles. As such, expect to have to replace your tires more often than you might expect.
You’ll also want to explore the efficacy of installing a home-charging system, brush up on the routine maintenance needs of the model you intend to purchase, and set your budget accordingly.
The Future is Electric
You don’t have to be an environmentalist to drool over the latest and greatest EVs on the market. These vehicles are just flat out cool. Saving money on gas and maintenance is pretty great too. Innovative automakers like Tesla, Chevrolet, Ford, and Rivian, are redefining commuting for a new generation of drivers who value cost savings, tech, and a greener tomorrow. So why wouldn’t you want to transition to a brand new EV.
Now, hopefully, you know enough to take an informed step forward. But be cautious. There’s always more to learn, especially in an industry that’s changing and evolving before our eyes. So do your research, ask as many questions as you can, and read all of the reviews before booking a test drive. The more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel about your brand new EV. And driving with confidence is the name of the game.