As electric cars steadily become more and more popular, the electric car vs gas car debate heats up. Check out these electric car facts that will make think!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to use an electric car?

If you’re searching for a new car, an all-electric model might be just what you’re looking for. Over 48 million American households can meet their daily driving needs with an electric car.

Although electric cars aren’t entirely mainstream yet, the technology continues to improve. Drawbacks that turned potential owners away before–like a high cost, performance issues, long charge time, and limited range–are quickly fading away.

More and more manufacturers have been selling electric cars and sales have skyrocketed over the past few years. Electric vehicles offer a step up from the traditional gas-powered vehicle–like smooth acceleration, a quiet engine, and instant torque.

Electric cars aren’t just for the elite these days–anybody can own one. Some car companies are going as far to commit to converting to electric car only production in the near future. Even luxury car companies like Tesla are offering more affordable electric models for their customers.

Are electric vehicles poised to take over the industry? Check out these electric car facts that will make you want to run to your nearest dealership and get one for yourself.

Interesting Electric Car Facts

Electric cars are some of the most talked about vehicles in the automobile industry today. The market is booming–electric vehicles are behind the record-breaking number of new car registrations.

But as much as you might have heard about electric cars–how much do you actually know about them? Take a look at some of these facts about electric cars, and you can decide for yourself whether gas or electric cars are the future of the industry.

1) They’ve been around for a long time

Electric cars might be seen as an example of the changing industry in the 21st century, but did you know the first electric car was actually invented almost 200 years ago?

The first prototype was created in 1832, and in 1895 an inventor developed the first six-passenger electric car.

In New York City, all taxis were once electric vehicles. In the 1920s, the combustion engine and the expansion of U.S. highways led to the electric car becoming less desirable. Now, in the 21st century, they’re finally making a comeback.

2) They’re eerily quiet

One of the first things you’ll notice while driving an electric car is the silence.

Compared to a gas car, an electric car is virtually sound free. Even when pressing down on the accelerator, an electric car glides over the road with little engine related noise.

The silence has even made them dangerous around some pedestrians, who may not know the car is on and step in front of it while it’s in motion. In order to help, Nissan added a soft whining sound for all speeds below 20 miles per hour.

Driving an electric car means you won’t have engine noise competing with your music–and you can hear the sounds of nature or busy city life outside your car. With an electric vehicle, you can look forward to a future of peace, silence, and maybe even a song or two.

3) They’re a lot of fun to drive

Electric cars aren’t just good for the environment–they’re a lot of fun too. When you step on the accelerator, the car shoots forward almost instantly.

You can also use your brakes a lot less when driving an electric vehicle. Stepping on the brakes recaptures some energy to feed back into the battery. This helps you go farther without recharging and makes for an easier ride–all you have to do is lift your foot off the accelerator and the car will slow down by itself.

4) They put gas cars to shame

Never let it be said that electric cars pack less of a punch.

Electric vehicles take energy efficiency and engine power to a whole new level. They have extremely high torque power, which means that the pickup is fast.

In the electric car vs gas car debate, comfort is where the electric car rises above its competition. Riding in an electric vehicle is comfortable, smooth, and fast.

5) They have no exhaust

Unlike gas cars, electric cars don’t have any visible tailpipe exhaust. In fact, most vehicles don’t have a tailpipe at all.

With an electric car, you can actually see the difference that you’re making in the environment. By reducing gas emissions, you’re contributing to cleaner air and a reduced carbon footprint.

Regardless of how quickly electric cars develop, each new car bought and used is a good start to improving the environment and slowing down global warming.

6) They let you skip the gas station

Electric vehicles make refueling simple.

Instead of buying gas or changing the oil, all you have to do to recharge is plug into your charging station. Electric car charger installation in your home has never been easier–and you can recharge overnight before you go to work the next day.

Although charging at home is usually enough to get you where you need to go, there are over 5,000 charging stations across the country, and more are being built every day.

Up to 80% of battery energy in an electric car is transferred directly to engine power. In a gas car, only 14-26% of the battery energy is used.

7) They can actually save you money

When it comes to picking between gas or electric cars, the cost can be a big factor.

While the overall price of electric vehicles might still look expensive compared to gas-powered cars, it can actually save you a lot of money. Switching from gas to electric will be less expensive in the long run.

Electric cars can also save you money on maintenance–fewer moving parts mean fewer things that could break. You’ll only have to worry about changing out the battery, which lasts up to 15 years and usually comes with a warranty.

Owning an electric car can get you some perks too. Electric vehicle users are eligible for a tax credit up to $7,500, and some states offer bonus incentives.

The Bottom Line

While the electric car vs gas car debates still continues–these electric car facts might give you a little more insight on why electric cars are better suited for the rapidly changing technological world.

Whether you’re already planning on buying a new car or just looking around at your options, buying an electric car means planning for the future. You can make a difference for the environment–and get a smooth, affordable ride while you do it.