Are Electric Cars Worth It? A Complete EV Guide
Are EV Cars Worth It: Details at a Glance
- Are electric cars worth it? It's a common question with an easy answer: definitely.
- Pure electric vehicles don't rely on gasoline at all, but hybrids are versatile options that use both electricity and gasoline.
- There are different types of charging levels – EVs are best paired with Level 2 (available at your home with a simple installation) or Level 3 (public) fast-charging stations.
- Meanwhile, hybrids are either self-charging and reliant on their gas engines or externally charged via Level 2 for limited all-electric driving.
- Electric vehicles are a growing segment in many inventories, including models by Volvo Cars, Chevrolet, and Land Rover.
Why Go Electric?
An electric car is also great for long-distance driving these days, thanks to a wide range and ample nationwide charging stations built in recent years. On road trips, you'll only stop at the gas station for snacks. In fact, a Chevrolet Blazer EV can travel up to 312 miles1 on a single charge, and a Chevy Equinox EV does even better with a 319-mile2 potential. Both can usually be found in our Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford new inventory.
A few other reasons an electric vehicle is a good investment:
- EV Fuel Costs Less Than Gas. According to Kelley Blue Book®, an EV can replenish three to four miles per kWh, which can translate to something like $61 monthly for fuel when using a Level 2 charger at home.3 The current national average cost for gas at the time of this writing is $4.09,4 which can cost around $74 for an 18-gallon fill-up.
- EVs Tend To Come With Battery Warranties. Volvo EVs, for example, come with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.5 Gas-only models don't include battery coverage, and since combustion engines contain far more moving parts, powertrain warranties are more complex.
Electric Vehicles & Different Types of Electrified Powertrains
When it comes to electrification, you have options. When we use the abbreviation "EV," we're only talking about one type of vehicle: fully electric. After all, "EV" stands for "electric vehicle."
There are other types of electrified vehicles, though, such as full hybrid, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. A full hybrid vehicle relies on a combustion engine with a moderately sized battery to travel, whereas a mild-hybrid model uses a small battery and regenerative braking technology to go the extra mile. Regenerative braking is a process that captures unused energy every time you slow or stop your vehicle, storing it as energy in a battery. This gives the combustion engine a break. Neither of these two options requires external charging.
Another form of electrification is through the use of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which must be plugged in to garner a charge. However, these models can travel for a small distance on electric-only power and have the largest batteries of all hybrids.
The Goodwin Mazda new inventory, for instance, often has two plug-in hybrid options: the Mazda CX-70 PHEV (which can travel up to 32 miles6 on EV power) and the Mazda CX-90 PHEV (which travels 27 miles6 on electric-only power).
The Range Rover Sport has a plug-in hybrid edition that can travel an incredible 51 miles7 on EV-only power. You may find one of these within our Land Rover Scarborough new inventory.
Further details can change depending on the particular vehicle you're interested in. For example, new SUVs within the Goodwin's Volvo new inventory have unique, automaker-specific powertrains – the forthcoming Volvo EX60, for instance, will be introduced with the stunningly powerful P6 or P10 options.
EV Charging, Range & Technology
The process for charging your all-electric vehicle will vary depending on the model you choose and the automaker's engineering approach, but the overall details are similar across all electric vehicles: Plug in, charge up, drive, repeat. Range values are also unique to vehicles and automakers, but all will need to be charged. Charging an electric vehicle can be done in one of three ways:
- Level 1: Level 1 charging – any outlet in your home, for example – requires no additional equipment to charge but takes days to replenish an EV battery when relied on alone. This method is best used to top off the battery's potential after a quick trip up the street.
- Level 2: Level 2 charging is a great middle ground for charging. It can give you a more plentiful charge in a fraction of the time it would take with Level 1. In fact, Level 2 charging can typically get a battery from 10% to 80% charge in just a few hours. Even better, a Level 2 station can be outfitted in your home for easy charging.
- Level 3: Level 3 charging is often referred to as DC fast charging. You'll need to stop by a charging station to benefit from this method. However, it can take less than 20 minutes for some cars to get their battery from 10% to 80% charge.
Electric Cars vs. Gas-Powered Vehicles: Which Is Right for You?
Now that you know how easy it is to keep your electric vehicle charged and ready for adventure, which kind of electrification feels right? An electric vehicle may be particularly appealing for drivers who don't intend to travel far or live near a DC fast-charging station. Or if you're ready to make a long-term commitment, you can even have your home outfitted with a Level 2 charger.
Some may find a plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, or full hybrid more useful because of their versatile natures. If you're a driver who isn't sure about a full transition from gas to electricity, we recommend one of these middle-ground hybrids.
Bring Home Your Electric Car From One of Our Goodwin Motor Group Locations
We know – you're excited to bring home your gas-free vehicle. Whether that's a sleek option from the Land Rover Bedford new inventory or a luxe Volvo model, we can help you find the perfect fit.
Or you may want to explore practical options, like a Chevy Blazer or Bolt from the Goodwin Chevrolet Brunswick new inventory. Goodwin Motor Group has answers for every family and every type of driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an electric vehicle and a hybrid?
An all-electric vehicle is different from a hybrid vehicle, as it runs entirely on electric power. A hybrid vehicle uses both gasoline and electricity in some measure.
How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle varies depending on several factors, but most can charge to nearly full in less than 30 minutes when using a DC fast-charging station. A Volvo EX40 charges from 10% to 80% in just 28 minutes8 at one of these stations. A Chevy Equinox EV replenishes 80 miles in just 10 minutes9 of charging at the same location.
Are electric vehicles suitable for long-distance driving?
Yes, electric vehicles are suitable for long-distance driving. Most electric vehicles can now drive several hundred miles. The brand-new Volvo EX60, for example, will be able to drive up to 330 miles10 on a full charge, and the Chevy Bolt EV can go for 262 miles11 on a full charge.
Shop Electric & Hybrid Vehicles Across Our Dealerships
Goodwin Chevrolet Brunswick
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Goodwin Mazda
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Goodwin's Volvo
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Goodwin Chevrolet Oxford
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Land Rover Scarborough
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Land Rover Bedford
View Range Rover EV Inventory1EPA-estimated 312-mile EV range. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
2EPA-estimated 319-mile EV range. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.
3Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/how-much-does-it-cost-to-charge-an-ev/#cost-per-kwh
4Reference to this third-party review/claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For more details, please visit https://gasprices.aaa.com/
5Whichever time/mileage designation comes first. Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
6EPA-estimated range includes both city and highway driving. EV Range is based on a full charge with electric-only driving. Total Driving Range is based on a full charge and full tank with operation on both electricity and gasoline. Range will vary based on vehicle and battery condition, temperature, driving habits and other factors. Use for comparison purposes only. Actual results will vary.
7All figures are Manufacturer's fuel economy estimates. Range will vary based on several factors, including vehicle specifications, driving conditions and style, battery age or charging practices, and accessories. Actual mileage may vary.
8Charging times can vary and are dependent on factors such as outdoor temperature, battery temperature, charging equipment, battery condition, and car condition.
9Actual charge times will vary based on battery starting state of charge, battery condition, output of charger, vehicle settings and battery temperature. See the Owner's Manual for your vehicle and charger for additional details & limitations.
10Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for further information.
11EPA-estimated 262-mile EV range. Your actual range may vary based on several factors, including temperature, terrain, battery age, and how you use and maintain your vehicle.