With electric vehicle (EV) sales in the U.S. soaring past 1 million in 2023, interest in driving an electric car is demonstrably gaining traction.

If you're thinking about joining the growing number of Americans who are considering ditching their traditional gas-powered cars in favor of sustainable driving, we can help. As one of the leading residential solar companies in America, we’ve helped many EV drivers power their rides with clean energy.

Evaluating the pros and cons of electric cars is crucial if you're looking to make an informed decision about your next purchase. To make your life easier, we've compiled this helpful guide outlining the key things you should consider when deciding whether to go green.

Pros of Electric Vehicles

EVs offer a number of exciting advantages over gas-powered vehicles, making them an increasingly popular choice for environmentally conscious and budget-savvy consumers. Here are some of the reasons you should consider choosing an electric model for your next big purchase.

Tax Credits and Incentives

Many people are familiar with the environmental benefits of buying an EV, but few realize there are monetary perks as well.

The federal government offers generous tax credits and incentives to encourage the purchase of EVs. For example, under the Inflation Reduction Act, you may be eligible for a tax credit as high as $7500 when you purchase a new electric car.¹ That's a win for sustainability and a big win for your wallet.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Electric cars have fewer moving parts than conventional vehicles. This means electric vehicle drivers can save an average of 50% on maintenance and repair costs over their vehicle's lifespan compared to the owners of gas vehicles.

Fuel Cost Savings

Electricity prices in the U.S. are considerably lower than the cost of gasoline, making EVs a cost-effective choice for consumers.

Running an electric car costs an average of 5 cents per mile, compared to the 15 cents per mile average for gas-powered engines. Taking into account regenerative braking and ever-improving battery technology, you could save 60% on fuel costs each year when you decide to go green.

Reduced Emissions and Pollution

As the U.S. strives towards a net-zero 2050, electric cars are playing a crucial role in reducing our nation's carbon footprint. Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors produce no tailpipe emissions. This means they improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support America's journey to a greener future.

Quieter Operation

Electric cars are incredibly quiet, reducing noise pollution and contributing to a better driving experience. If you enjoy peace and quiet as you travel, an electric car could be the choice for you.

Renewable Energy Integrations

With smart charging technology, EV owners can charge their electric cars entirely through renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines. This makes it even cheaper to charge your vehicle and means you won’t need to take an unwanted trip to the gas station.

Related reading: How many solar panels do you need to charge your EV?

Cons of Electric Vehicles

While there are a lot of great reasons to make your next vehicle an electric car, there are some drawbacks to consider before making the switch.

High Initial Costs

Electric vehicles typically have a higher initial cost compared to gas-powered cars, which could make them too expensive for some consumers. That said, improving technology, reduced fuel costs, and the number of government tax incentives available are lowering the barriers to entry for EV ownership.

Limited Driving Range

Many electric cars have a limited driving range compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. Although battery ranges are constantly improving, with most cars efficiently managing 100-300 miles on a single charge, longer road trips may require regular stops for recharging.

Long Recharging Times

Charging an electric car takes longer than refueling a gasoline vehicle. While overnight at-home charging is convenient for daily commutes, fast-charging infrastructure is not always readily available, which can lead to extended travel times on longer trips.

Dependence on Fossil Fuels for Electricity Generation

While EVs are cleaner than traditional vehicles, their impact on our carbon footprint largely depends on which energy source is used to charge. Some states generate electricity predominantly from fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, creating an unfortunate paradox. If EVs source power from unsustainable grid electricity, they still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Until this issue is solved by adopting renewable energy sources like solar power, EVs can never be wholly sustainable.

Driving Towards Sustainability: What Does the Future Hold for EVs?

In an era of remarkable technological advancements and exciting new developments, the future of electric cars looks brighter than ever. Larger battery packs, an increasing number of charging stations, and a more comprehensive range of rebates will continue to make EV ownership more appealing over the coming years.

At SunPower, we believe sustainability shouldn’t come at the cost of affordability. If you're looking to get the most out of your EV, solar panels can help you save while you make the switch to sustainability.

Ready to learn more about how you can power your EV with clean, solar energy?

SunPower is changing the way our world is powered by making solar and storage more accessible to everyone. With nearly 40 years of dedicated solar experience, we're the top-rated U.S. solar company with over 15,000 five-star reviews.^*Based on public solar providers in the U.S. Includes average of BBB, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, BestCompany, Google, Solar Reviews and Energy Sage review scores as of 7/1/23. Based on reviews from BBB, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, BestCompany, Google, Solar Reviews and EnergySage review scores as of 10/22/23. If you're considering installing solar panels, energy storage, or EV charging at your home, make sure you talk to SunPower.

Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with SunPower by calling 1-800-SUNPOWER. Or click the Get Started button and we'll get in touch with you! Our team of Solar Advisors is here to help make your transition to a sustainable lifestyle.

_Disclaimers

_{1 Federal and state tax credits and local incentives vary and are subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its customers about specific tax outcomes. Consult your tax advisor regarding these tax credits and how they apply to your specific circumstances. You can also visit the dsireusa.org website for information on incentives available in your area.}