Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their many advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars. Some Kenyans have decided to ditch the familiarity of the dinosaur-fueled chariots in favour of the much hyped-yet-mysterious Electric powered vehicles. From the noticeable Tesla to the taciturn Nissan Note, it’s clear that there is an increasing fondness for electric contraptions.
Here are some reasons to consider choosing an EV for your next car.
Environmental Benefits
EVs produce zero emissions, which means they don’t contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. This makes them a more environmentally friendly choice for drivers who want to reduce their carbon footprint and help combat climate change.
Cost Savings
EVs are generally cheaper to operate and maintain than gasoline-powered cars. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, and EVs require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. Additionally, many countries offer tax incentives, rebates, or other financial incentives to encourage people to buy EVs.
Performance and Efficiency
EVs have instant torque, which means they can accelerate quickly and smoothly. They also have higher energy efficiency than gasoline-powered cars, which means they can travel farther on the same amount of energy.
Convenience
Charging an EV is more convenient than refuelling a gasoline-powered car. You can charge your EV at home, work, or public charging stations. Additionally, many EVs have a longer range than just a few years ago, which means you can drive farther before needing to recharge.
Future-Proof
As more and more countries and cities move towards electric mobility, owning an EV puts you in a better position for the future. Governments worldwide encourage the EV industry through subsidies and regulations, fueled by consumers’ need for lower-emission commuting instead of fossil fuel-driven vehicles. You’ll be able to drive in low-emission zones, avoid congestion charges, and benefit from other incentives that may not be available to gasoline-powered cars. What’s more, many major global OEMs have invested in and launched EVs, and many new OEMs have attracted huge investments and launched very successful models, building the demand for EVs.
Quiet and Smooth
EVs are quieter and smoother to drive than gasoline-powered cars, thanks to their electric motors. This can make for a more comfortable and relaxing driving experience, especially on longer journeys.
Lower Maintenance Costs
As mentioned earlier, EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered cars, which means they require less maintenance. EVs don’t need oil changes, spark plugs, or timing belts, which can save you money in the long run.
Innovative Features
EVs often come with innovative features that aren’t available on gasoline-powered cars, such as regenerative braking, which captures energy when you brake and uses it to recharge the battery. Some EVs also have advanced driver assistance features, such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
One-pedal driving gives the driver control the vehicle’s momentum using only the accelerator pedal. For example, Nissan’s e-Pedal feature works by registering a hard press on the pedal as the cue to accelerate. When you lift off the pedal, it activates the braking system. The vehicle will slow down and eventually come to a complete stop. Hyundai’s version of this feature is dubbed “i-Pedal” in the Ioniq 5 model. It works identically to the Nissan’s and is classified as a regenerative braking system. The i-Pedal stops the vehicle when you use it with the shift mechanism on the left side of the steering wheel.
Battery Life
While the battery is a key component of an EV, modern batteries are designed to last for many years. Most EV manufacturers offer long battery warranties; some can last over a decade. Additionally, many EV batteries can be recycled, which reduces their environmental impact.
Range Improvements
As mentioned earlier, EV range has been improving rapidly in recent years. Many new models can travel over 200 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most people’s daily needs. Additionally, the availability of fast charging stations is increasing, so you can charge your EV quickly and easily when needed.
Electric vehicles offer many advantages over gasoline-powered cars, from lower emissions and cost savings to innovative features and improved range. As more and more people switch to EVs, the technology continues to improve, making them an even more attractive option for drivers worldwide.
While electric vehicles (EVs) offer many advantages, some challenges are associated with owning and operating them.
Here are some of the main challenges
Range Anxiety
EVs have a limited range, and this can cause anxiety for some drivers who worry about running out of charge. However, the range of EVs is improving rapidly, and many new models can travel over 200 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for most people’s daily needs.
Charging Infrastructure
EVs require charging infrastructure, and while this is improving rapidly, it can still be a challenge in most area in Kenya. If you don’t have access to a charging station at home or work, you may need to rely on public charging stations, which can be inconvenient and not always available. There are very few places where one can access charging stations in the major Kenyan towns and their environs, making it quite a hassle to own an EV in remote areas in Kenya.
Charging Time
Charging an EV takes longer than refuelling a gasoline-powered car. Even with fast charging stations, it can take around 30 minutes to charge an EV to 80% capacity. This can be a challenge for drivers who need to travel long distances or who have limited time.
Upfront Cost
EVs are generally more expensive than gasoline-powered cars, due in part to the cost of the battery. While the cost of EVs is coming down as battery technology improves and economies of scale are achieved, they may still be out of reach for some buyers. However, much is left to question in the local car market, where getting one from abroad is the most feasible option, which comes at a pretty penny.
Battery Life
While modern EV batteries are designed to last for many years, they can still degrade over time, especially if they’re exposed to extreme temperatures. Battery replacement can be expensive, and it’s important to factor in this cost when considering the overall cost of ownership.
Availability
While EVs are becoming more common, they may not be available in all areas or may have limited availability. This can be a challenge for buyers who want to purchase an EV but don’t have access to one.
Overall, owning an EV in Kenya can present some challenges, but these are largely related to charging infrastructure and range. As battery technology improves and charging infrastructure expands, these challenges are likely to become less significant, making EVs an even more attractive option (fingers crosded) for drivers.
How do electric vehicles compare to hybrid vehicles?
Electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are both types of vehicles that offer some level of electrification. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Power Source
EVs are powered solely by electric motors and use rechargeable batteries to store energy. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles have both a gasoline engine and an electric motor. The electric motor in a hybrid is primarily used to assist the gasoline engine, while the gasoline engine provides most of the power.
Range
EVs have an all-electric range, meaning they can only travel as far as their battery allows. This range can vary from around 100 to over 300 miles depending on the vehicle. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles have a gasoline engine that can provide additional range when the battery runs out.
Charging
EVs must be charged using an external power source, such as a charging station or a wall outlet. Charging times can vary depending on the vehicle and the charging method used. On the other hand, hybrid vehicles do not need to be charged externally, as their batteries are charged through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine. Plug-in hybrids also do exits.
Fuel Efficiency
EVs are generally more fuel-efficient than hybrid vehicles, as they do not use gasoline. However, hybrids can still offer significant fuel savings compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars, especially in stop-and-go traffic where the electric motor can be used more frequently.
Cost
EVs tend to be more expensive than hybrid vehicles, due in part to the cost of the battery. However, the cost of EVs decreases as battery technology improves and economies of scale are achieved. Hybrid vehicles are generally less expensive than EVs but may not offer as many features or as much performance.
Overall, EVs and hybrid vehicles both offer some level of electrification and can be good options depending on your needs and preferences. EVs are a good choice if you want to minimize your environmental impact and have a reliable source of all-electric transportation. Hybrid vehicles are a good choice if you want to save on fuel costs and have the flexibility of a gasoline engine as a backup.
Factors You Could Consider When Choosing Between an EV And a Hybrid Vehicle
When deciding between an electric vehicle (EV) and a hybrid vehicle, several factors must be considered.
Driving Range
If you have a long commute or frequently travel long distances, an EV may not be the best choice as its range may not meet your needs. In this case, a hybrid vehicle could be a better option since it has a gasoline engine that can provide additional range.
Charging Infrastructure
If you’re considering an EV, you should consider the availability of charging stations in your area. If you have access to charging stations at work or at home, an EV may be a convenient option for you. However, a hybrid vehicle may be a better choice if you live in an area with limited charging infrastructure.
Environmental Impact
If you’re concerned about reducing your carbon footprint, an EV is the better choice since it produces zero emissions. However, if you live in an area with a lot of stop-and-go traffic, a hybrid vehicle could also be a good choice since it can use its electric motor more frequently, reducing emissions.
Cost
EVs are generally more expensive than hybrid vehicles, due in part to the cost of the battery. However, the cost of EVs decreases as battery technology improves and economies of scale are achieved. Hybrid vehicles are generally less expensive than EVs but may not offer as many features or as much performance.
Driving Experience
EVs offer instant torque, which means they can accelerate quickly and smoothly. They also have a quiet and smooth ride, which can be more comfortable and relaxing. Hybrid vehicles can offer a smooth ride but may not accelerate as quickly as an EV.
Maintenance
EVs have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered cars, requiring less maintenance. Hybrid vehicles require less maintenance than gasoline-powered cars but have more moving parts than EVs.
Conclusion
Choosing an EV and a hybrid vehicle depends on your needs and preferences. If you prioritize reducing your carbon footprint and have access to charging infrastructure, an EV may be the best choice. A hybrid vehicle may be a better option if you need a longer range or have limited access to charging infrastructure.
