Electric vehicles have been around since the 1990s; however, it wasn't until the 2010's that they became mainstream in the car market. While the battle between electric and gasoline-powered vehicles rages on, more & more consumers are switching to EVs, especially with the current rise in gas prices.
Whether it be a Tesla or any of the other popular and increasingly affordable EV options, there are many positives to owning an electric vehicle. However, a consumer should be equipped with facts that show the clearest picture of a product they're in the market for.
Tesla's Batteries Are The Best In The Market
A major reason Tesla has a leg up on competitors is their batteries and battery supply chain. Through innovative manufacturing, reduction of waste, and economy of sales, Tesla's cost of battery production continues to drop. In addition, Tesla's batteries are considered to be the best because of battery partner Panasonic's cells.
As other car makers try to keep pace, Tesla continues to look towards the future with continued improvement of the battery packs and the battery chemistry. While there have been issues with overheating batteries at times, the cooling system is well-optimized and uses a fluid-glycol coolant making overheating such a rare occurrence that charging at advised levels and driving normally would decrease the chances of an overheated battery drastically.
The Tesla Model 3 Retains The Most Value
One thing to is that electric vehicles depreciate more than gasoline-powered cars due to two major factors. First, the amount of taxes paid, including federal and additional state incentives for the purchase of an electric car. Second, electric car technology evolves at such a rapid pace that ten-year and even five-year technology becomes obsolete.
Out of the top 8 electric vehicles on the market, the top 3 that retain their value best are all Teslas (per Motor and Wheels). The average range of a three-year depreciation is between 33-60% in electric vehicles. However, the Tesla Model 3 only devalues by a staggering 10.2%. This tops its cousins, the X and S series and easily dismantles the Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and Kia Soul EV.
Tesla Vehicles, Like Any Other, Have Problems
One of the most iconic electric car manufacturers and certainly most luxurious, Tesla has skyrocketed to a mainstream auto manufacturer. While it is easy to marvel at the complex machinery at work, like all automobiles, Teslas have problems. The most common are: issues with autopilot capabilities and cruise control adjustment, occasional loss of power, inability to be towed, failed power steering system, and a prematurely worn-out battery.
Fortunately, these problems are rare and are often on a case-by-case base. Tesla also continues to improve its software and build and furthermore continues to improve its autopilot capabilities. Issues like over-heated door handles can be handled by simply parking in the shade, and a worn-out battery is easily replaceable.
EV Batteries Last Longer Thank You Think
In today's age, great battery life is the best spec in a phone, and lately, that includes electric cars too. The majority of electric vehicles carry a Lithium-Ion battery that gives power to the vehicle instead of gasoline. These battery cells are built for the long haul.
While most manufacturers guarantee the batteries for at least eight years, the average EV battery has a life expectancy in the range of about 17 years (Per My EV). While most consumers switch vehicles before they hit the 10-year mark, their manufacturers provide warranties on the batteries. While the batteries are expected to last a decade if not more, the battery life is also dependent on your charging habits, speed, driving habits, where the vehicle is stored, and many more small details.
Weather And Charging Worries
While the popular consensus is that Tesla's are fast, handle well, stylish, and overall fantastic cars, there are cons like any other vehicle. For one, Teslas don't perform the best in cold climates. The battery drains at a faster pace in cold weather, and the car takes longer to warm up. Another issue is charging, and it is one of the biggest drawbacks of owning a Tesla. Unlike gas stations that are located in almost every corner of the country, charging stations are few and in-between.
However, as electric vehicles continue to rise in popularity, so will the charging infrastructure; in fact, Tesla plans on adding more amenities to its charging stations. In conclusion, most Tesla owners believe that the pros outweigh the cons, but for others, the high initial cost and convenience make owning a Tesla impractical.
The Average Lifespan Of An Electric Car
There are a plethora of factors when estimating how long a car will last. Different parts of a vehicle can wear down at a different rate, the number of miles driven can drastically vary, and overall maintenance of the vehicle play a role in the lifespan of an electric car. Since electric vehicles are newer to the car market, data is still being collected on their lifespans. However, Teslas have been driven well over 400,000 miles.
Keep in mind that these are rare cases, and while some electric car manufacturers claim to have 22-year batteries, there is not enough concrete data to conclude an exact lifespan. However, compared to gasoline vehicles: electric cars, with proper maintenance, can easily be on the road for 200,000 miles more.
Repair Costs And Updates
Tesla's do come with a higher-than-average repair cost. There are many mechanics out there. However, very few have worked with Tesla or other fully electric vehicles. While this does not apply to all Teslas, some SUV owners would like the ability to tow. The vehicles are indeed rated to tow up to 5,000 lbs, but it comes at a big hit to battery life (per Green Car Reports).
It is not due to power, but likely range. The battery would quickly drain with the added weight of a tow. Finally, since Tesla is routinely updating its software, the system can sometimes have frustrating bugs. What is worse than commuting and having your vehicle going through a patchy update?
The Many Pros Of Owning A Tesla
There is a reason for Tesla's skyrocket, the car manufacturer produces quality products. The Tesla's have a balanced combination of speed, sleekness, and state-of-the-art technology. Owners relish in the fact their automobiles are eco-friendly, save money at the pump, and Tesla even has a Biohazard Defense Mode, which ups the airflow: in case nuclear war breaks out.
This Biohazard Defense Mode has actually come in handy in various situations, most notably forest fires. Drivers are able to comfortably breathe in fresh air without inhaling all the toxins from the outside world. Besides the fact that fully charging the vehicle comes to approximately 8$, drivers also experience fewer stops at the mechanic. Tesla engines have fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance.
Tesla Produces Incredibly Safe Cars
Every Tesla vehicle has received a five-star rating in every safety category by the NHSTA, a leading authority for car safety in the United States. While Tesla has always claimed that its vehicles are designed to be the safest in the world, many car safety organizations agree. The low center of gravity makes rolling rare, and the crumple zones and siding meet the absolute top safety standards in class.
On top of the vehicle's design, its software continues to lead its peers in of safety. Tesla aims to help drivers avoid accidents in the first place. Their brilliantly designed camera systems and blind spot detection notice potential hazards before the drivers do, and if the vehicle senses an imminent collision, it will brake automatically.
Tesla's Are Fast
Everyone envisions taking their vehicle to the brink, and while it is not recommended, those that have tested the full throttle of a Tesla know what a marvel of technology it is. The Tesla Model S Plaid has a whopping 1.99 second 0-60. For those that can't get enough of cars, newer potential rivals like the 2022 Audi e-tron GT clock in at 3.9 seconds, and the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS times at 5.7 seconds.
Simply put, the Tesla Model S is the quickest production car ever made. Other models such as the Model X, Model 3, and Model Y have slightly slower 0-60 times, but compared to their peers, they scorch nearly every rival. This makes Tesla a paradox of sorts; while speed has always been a sign of potential danger, their cars are designed for extreme safety. As a result, Tesla has produced a vehicle with the perfect combination of looks, speed, and safety.