With the increasing concerns over climate change, automotive manufacturers are venturing into the electric car segment to minimize the carbon footprint left behind by vehicles. They are also an efficient solution for better fuel economy. However, EVs do come with some common problems that must be considered by every car buyer before making their purchase. Many EV owners tend to worry about the driving range, battery health, and charging issues. Besides these, there are some other problems that you may face with an electric vehicle.
Driving Range
Even though the car is charged before heading out, the driving range of the battery can be cause for concern for some motorists. The driving range of every model varies, and it may take some time for motorists to get used to it especially those who switch from fuel-based cars. The driving range of EVs compared to fuel-powered cars is less. If the EV is a budget car, then you can expect an even shorter driving range. Managing the driving range for the trip is a major concern and for this purpose, car drivers need to factor in whether there will be charging stations available on their route in case the car is running low on power.
Many manufacturers have responded to such concerns by adding larger batteries to the vehicle. Cars with lithium-ion batteries can improve the driving range aspect. The 2020 Nissan Leaf has a driving range of 150 miles, whereas Tesla Model 3 has a driving range of up to 370 miles.
Charging Time of the EV
As the vehicle is powered by a battery and the time it takes for the battery to be fully charged depends on the speed of the charger and the capacity of the battery itself. For example, if you are using a standard wall charger for a Tesla it can take up to 8 hours whereas with a supercharger it can be done in an hour. Many chargers on the road can take about two hours to charge a car that has been fully discharged.
With the rising popularity of EVs, there are several charging stations that are situated at spots such as shopping malls and commonly used routes for the convenience of EV car owners. The availability of such spots helps car owners follow their regular charging schedule and avoid any problems when they step out. To be on the safe side, it is always best to fully charge the car before leaving the house. Some electric car owners may also face issues such as a lack of charging infrastructure. Residents living in apartment buildings may not have any facility to charge in the parking space of the building. They will have to find an alternative to charge their cars at public spots or arrange something with a friend.
The battery of the EV generally lasts for a long time but in case it starts to depreciate it will have an impact on the vehicle. In case the battery gives out, the battery will need to be replaced which can be expensive. If the warranty of the battery is still valid when it needs to be replaced, it can help car owners save themselves from a steep expense.
Limited Vehicle Choices
Although the trend of EVs is picking up, there are still limited options available for car buyers, especially when looking for larger vehicles. However, manufacturers are picking up the pace with time and bringing in more models in the electric segment. Some vehicles entering the EV lineup include Ford F-150 and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Finding Professionals for Maintenance and Repairs
This problem may prevail for some car owners depending on their locality. Although EVs are low-maintenance vehicles, car owners still need to make sure that there are qualified mechanics in the area who can have a look at the vehicle in case of any issue.
Risk of Catching Fire
Electric vehicles run a high risk of catching fire when exposed to extreme temperatures. The operation range of EVs is generally 15℃ to 45℃. Manufacturers are working on improving this aspect by breaking down the battery into smaller cells for building a firewall to avoid thermal runaway. A thermal runaway is an extreme rise in temperature that quickly spreads to the rest of the cells and causes damage that can lead to smoke or explosion. Some manufacturers are also looking for fewer flammable components to include in the battery.
Bottom Line
In a bid to slow down the impact of climate change, encouraging more people to switch to EVs can be good idea but it can take some time for them to adjust to these vehicles. The growing popularity of such vehicles is also a positive sign that car buyers are receptive to the idea. While EVs offer an eco-friendly solution, they do have some drawbacks that car buyers will have to consider before they make the purchase. With research and innovation, there is hope that manufacturers can work on these limitations. Meanwhile, for the buyers, the common problems that can be expected from an electric car are mentioned above.
