Tesla vehicles were once an afterthought in the automotive industry, and now they’re one of the most coveted cars by consumers. But Tesla is just one of the many electric vehicle brands that are out there, and car manufacturers are increasingly releasing EVs of their own.

Government officials and manufacturers are collaboratively increasing pressure on car owners to make the switch to EVs to help improve the environment, and there are many other reasons why you should purchase one of these vehicles in the near future. 

Electric cars were once not a reliable option for transportation, as there were limited charging stations across the globe, especially in countries like the U.S. and U.K. Now, charging stations have become much more common, and as EVs become more common, they will be more affordable to purchase for those interested. But there are various types of electric cars that a person can choose to their liking. 

The different types of electric cars

There are three different types of electric vehicles that a person can choose from when searching for a car: 

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) 
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) 
• Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) 

Battery Electric Vehicles

BEVs, or EVs, rely solely on batteries, and have no gas-powered engine parts. These cars just simply need to have their batteries recharged throughout traveling, and require very little maintenance. EVs emit zero emissions unlike the other two types since they have no fuel tank. 

Hybrid Electric Vehicles

HEVs use a combination of an electric motor and a gas engine to operate, but they typically cannot run solely on an electric motor like a BEV. The battery in hybrids are continuously recharged through a process called regenerative braking. As the motor and engine work together, less fuel is dispelled in hybrids compared to a traditional gas-fueled car. The Toyota Prius and Lexus HS are two of the few hybrid EVs that can run on an electric motor without gas, but only for a few miles before the vehicle will completely shut down. 

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

PHEVs are very similar to a hybrid, except that they have a larger battery and electric motor, allowing them to operate completely on electricity if the driver chooses so. Unlike normal hybrids, plug-in models have a charging port along with a gas tank, allowing you to charge these vehicles at home or at a charging station. PHEVs typically don’t have a regenerative braking mechanism, so you will have to charge the battery occasionally. 

Why automakers are making the shift to electric vehicles

Governments around the world are implementing goals of ceasing the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the near future. Multiple countries aim to stop selling gasoline and diesel cars by the end of 2030, and want all new cars sold after 2035 to emit zero emissions. Gas vehicles are known for their carbon emissions, and these international goals are geared to help countries provide more sustainability for the environment. 

The top reasons you should buy an electric car

You’ll receive tax credits for buying an EV 

It’s not often you’ll have the federal government pay you for buying a car, and you generally won’t find better incentives than when purchasing an electric vehicle. The U.S. will pay citizens up to $7,500 in federal tax credits on their first purchase of an eligible EV, regardless if it’s brand new or used. Each state also offers their own local incentive for purchasing a vehicle, which can make purchasing an EV much more affordable than you think. 

Save Money on Fuel Costs 

Charging an electric car is typically cheaper than paying for gas for a traditional car. A 2018 study conducted by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute showed that the average cost for fueling an electric car was $485 in a one-year span, compared to $1,1117 for gas-powered vehicles.

Charging your car at home 

Fueling an EV can be much more convenient as well, because you can purchase an adapter to charge your vehicle at home. 

Less Maintenance 

Electric cars have much less parts in them compared to their traditional counterparts, making maintenance much less of an issue. Changing oil, transmission fluid, fuel filters, and spark plugs are a thing of the past because fully-electric vehicles don’t use them. You could potentially find yourself not going to a mechanic at all for the first few years of owning an EV. 

What are the best electric cars to buy in 2022?

Purchasing an electric car will mainly depend on your personal preferences but if you’re looking to save money on charging, Tesla and Lucid are two of the top manufacturers for fuel efficient vehicles. 
The U.S Department of Energy has the 2022 Tesla Model 3 RWD and 2022 Lucid Air G Touring AWD as the most fuel efficient EVs respectively. The Model 3 has an estimated MPGe, or MPG equivalent, of 138 city / 126 highway, while the Air G Touring has a MPGe of 130 city / 132 highway. Regardless of what EV brand you choose, the perks that come with an electric car are hard to turn down.