Electric car: these are the advantages and disadvantages of electric cars!

In fact, electric cars aren’t completely “green” just because they don’t use fossil fuels. This is due to the energy consumption in production, especially for the battery. And the origin of the electricity that they consume in the company. Nevertheless, e-car drivers can claim that for themselves CO2 balance to improve road traffic – in times of Climate change feel good. The current Electricity mix in Germany, which still consists of almost 30 percent coal-fired power generation, they are not to blame. When more power out renewable sources is available, this improves the environmental balance of e-cars dramatically. However, many studies, such as the last one carried out by the American ICCT, have already confirmed that e-cars have a CO2 advantage of up to 70 percent over their entire service life compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Electric cars and plug-in hybrids (less than 50 g / km CO2 or at least 40 km range; from 2022 at least 60 km) with E-license plates can be enjoyed in some cities thanks to the Electromobility Act (EmoG) from 2015 Privileges. So they are allowed in public zones parking for free, sometimes there is Free electricity. However, in view of the growing number of e-cars and legal uncertainties, conflict situations can arise at public charging stations. In addition, there is still a lack of implementation of the EmoG in many places, which allowed Use of special tracks is practically nonexistent. Foreign countries are already further. If bus and taxi lanes were opened up for electric cars, this could save commuters with electric cars the daily traffic jam – provided that there are not too many.

No clutch, no injection pump, no exhaust system: on these and others Wear parts can do without the electric car – so it becomes in the Entertains cheaper. Others too operating cost and especially the Energy costs are sometimes so low in electrically powered vehicles that the overall comparison can even speak in favor of the electric car and against the combustion engine. There is no fundamental difference in the cost of insurance between electric cars and petrol / diesel, but more and more insurers are rewarding low-emission vehicles with special tariffs. Because of the higher acquisition costs, a fully comprehensive contract is recommended for e-cars, which also includes the most expensive component of the car with the battery. The ADAC maintains a detailed cost comparison.

It is true that electric car drivers have to forego a rich or velvety engine sound. But if you want to push hard in an e-car Power pedal who knows the feeling of unlimited freedom when noiseless sailing away. Also in terms of Furnishing Most modern electric vehicles leave nothing to be desired, the way to autonomous driving is noticeably shorter than an old diesel. And while just five years ago the range of electric vehicles was fairly straightforward, the major car manufacturers will invest hundreds of billions in alternative drives and thus their range of models in the years to come. As an e-car driver, you are also a bit of a trendsetter – according to a new study, electrics should overtake the internal combustion engine by 2030.

Driving bans for environmental reasons are relatively rare in Germany, they primarily concern older diesels – and the risk of further restrictions has tended to decrease recently. But that can change again. The German Environmental Aid (DUH) has complain submitted in more than 30 cities and municipalities so that the immission limit value for nitrogen dioxide (NO2, 40 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an annual mean) is complied with. Whatever happens: owner of Electric cars are here fine out. It looks a little different with entry restrictions in environmental zones. An OECD study found that particulate matter stronger than expected Tire, brake and road wear arises. And at least in terms of tires and road surface, e-cars are at a disadvantage because of their higher weight due to the heavy battery, so they could theoretically also be affected.

The emotional component also plays a role when buying a car. While many other customers enjoy the look, sound or image of their new favorite, electric car drivers can have a good conscience have a clear conscience. Because even if hydrogen or e-fuels are repeatedly requested as alternative drives: In the opinion of most experts, only e-cars are suitable for finding the way to decarbonisation and thus to stop or slow down climate change. Also, modern systems like the Recuperation not just the feeling, but the certainty of wasting less energy.

Even if the Prices for Electric cars and Plug-in hybrids are getting closer and closer to those for comparable diesel or gasoline engines: the difference is still noticeable. This is mainly due to the more expensive drive technology, especially the battery. Therefore, the industry is working on producing the batteries more cheaply. A milestone is a value of 100 euros per stored kilowatt hour, which VW wants to undercut with a standard battery.

Find more than 70 percent of all charging processes At home or on Workplace instead of. But not all car owners will find the necessary infrastructure there, such as a wallbox. After all, there is a subsidy of 900 euros from the state for private charging stations. Charging in public space is now at around 50,000 charging points possible (tendency rising sharply). But despite improvements (e.g. roaming offers from charging station operators), paying often remains problematic – Prices can be strong vary and in some cases considerably higher than the price of 0.30 euros / kWh to be paid for a private electricity connection.

The so-called range fear is decreasing more and more, but with electric vehicles it is usually not enough for a longer vacation trip in one go. After all, you can get around with some vehicles 500 to 600 kilometers far, thanks to the supercharger or stations for quick charging, this is also possible Charge Law swiftly. Ultimately, the route also depends on individual behavior such as driving style or the use of power guzzlers on board. Plug-in hybrids with an additional combustion engine can help. But they usually only calm the green conscience 50 kilometers away, the trend could soon tip over.

This is essential for electric car batteries lithium. However, the raw material harbors Problems with dismantling (dust blown up as a danger to animals, contaminated water, land grabbing), especially in South America, in terms of price (still too high) and in terms of disposal (risk of fire, poisonous gases). Also at cobalt proving clean supply chains is difficult. After all, work is being carried out on cobalt-free batteries, and some are said to be almost entirely without rare and expensive raw materials. the lifespan a lithium-ion battery is generally estimated to be eight to ten years, with age it decreases Storage capacity to 70 to 80 percent. But there are exceptions, such as the 1 million kilometer Tesla (drove up to 476,000 kilometers on one battery). Many scientists and engineers are working on long-lasting super batteries for 1000 and more kilometers. Experts expect the breakthrough in by 2025 at the latest Price level, as well on recycling of e-car batteries is being researched and developed diligently.

With an electric car, they are Sounds massive at low speed reduced, you can only hear the tires rolling on the asphalt. That holds Hazards for pedestrians, especially for the blind and visually impaired. Therefore, electric and hybrid cars that are being certified have had to use the so-called Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) (here is an example). Means: Up to 20 km / h “engine-like noises” and when the reverse gear is engaged acoustic signal be heard. This will not apply to all newly registered electric vehicles until July 2021. E-cars that have already been registered do not have to be converted. Apart from that, there are of course purists who miss the rich engine sound in a quiet Stromer. Others, on the other hand, are happy about the reduced noise.