Are EVs a Good Choice for Senior Drivers?

Senior asian Technician is charging the electric car or EV in service center for maintainance, Eco-friendly alternative energy concept

Seniors searching for a new car might wonder if an electric vehicle, or EV, is right for them. In the past, most people felt EVs were either too small and cheaply made or too expensive. The unpredictable driving range and lack of charging stations also made the average buyer hesitant to invest in one of these vehicles.

In recent years, however, that has changed. Today’s car market includes more models to choose from and easier access to charging stations across the country. If you are in the market for a new car and thinking about going with an EV, here are a few pros and cons to consider.

The Positive Side of Owning an Electric Vehicle

A few good reasons to consider purchasing an EV this time around are:

  • Environmentally conscious: Electric vehicles are better for the environment because they aren’t putting out climate-damaging emissions. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, EVs produce 60%–68% fewer emissions than conventional vehicles.
  • Improved range: Inconsistency in range made older EVs a riskier purchase. Fortunately, they can now go farther on a single charge. According to the Electric Vehicle Research Center at the University of California at Davis, EVs currently average around 250 miles, with some getting as much as 350 miles. That’s a decent range, especially for city drivers. Today’s EV batteries also charge more quickly than those of the past. Some can be at 80% in as little as 30 minutes.
  • Easier to maintain: Automobiles powered by gas have complicated engines. Depending on the vehicle model, it can require a lot of maintenance. Not so with an EV. If you go with an electric car, you’ll spend less time in the service department at your dealer, which translates to less money spent on maintenance. On average, owners of EVs can expect to save $4,600 over the life of the vehicle when compared with a gas-powered car.
  • Better looking: There’s no denying the early versions of electric cars were unattractive. Fortunately, those days are gone. While they still have a ways to go in the looks department, you’ll now be able to find more stylish EVs at every price point.
  • Fun to drive: Today’s EVs are just plain fun to drive! They start quickly and are easy to zip around in. Auto experts liken driving an EV to the fun of driving a go-cart combined with the comfort and style of a car. And who doesn’t like driving a go-cart?
  • Potential tax credits: A variety of tax credits are available for people who buy an EV. These can help offset the cost of the car. You can check the government’s Fuel Economy page to see if there are other tax incentives your vehicle might qualify you to receive. The dealership you buy the car from might also be able to help you explore tax credits you might be eligible for.
The Downside of Electric Vehicles

While there are lots of good reasons to buy an EV, it’s also important to be aware of the drawbacks:

  • Upfront expense: While EVs have become more affordable, even mid-range vehicles can create a bit of sticker shock when compared to a gasoline-powered car. On the lower end of the EV price spectrum, the BMW MINI Cooper SE electric and the Mazda MX-30 have prices in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. By contrast, higher-end electric cars like the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, Audi e-Tron GT, and Tesla Model S are close to or well over $100,000. A few manufacturers, like Ford, Volkswagen, Cadillac, and BMW, have EVs priced in between.
  • Access to charging stations: The number of charging stations nationwide has climbed in recent years, but in some areas of the country, stations are still far apart. Experts say there are currently 160,000 charging stations in the U.S. As these vehicles gain in popularity, however, there might actually be a need for almost 800,000.

One final consideration to be aware of is that home charger pricing has fallen. Most now retail for between $300 and $700. But you’ll likely incur added fees to install one in your garage. Expenses like permits, supplies, and an electrician’s time can add as much as $3,000 to your bill.

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