FAQ – Electric Car Era

Despite the rising popularity of electric cars, thousands of people still dislike them, especially the older generation who distrust anything remotely new. Let’s take a closer look at why exactly boomers hate electric cars. Most boomers hate electric cars because they consider them to be overpriced. Some boomers have range anxiety when driving an EV and the distance the car can travel without needing a recharge, while others fear the lack of charging stations and the lengthy charge time. According to a survey on EV use, it turned out that boomers were the least likely to purchase an electric car compared to millennials or Gen-Z. In this article, we’ll explain a few of the biggest reasons why boomers are so averse to EVs and whether their dislike of electric cars is valid or not. 3 Main Reasons Why Boomers Dislike Electric Cars 1. Boomers And Range Anxiety Range anxiety is typically a concern drivers have about EVs and the distance the car will travel without needing a recharge. As a result, range anxiety is one of the most significant barriers to widespread EV adoption. According to Volvo, a majority of drivers claim that they have range anxiety when they think about an EV, which deters them from buying it. But how authentic are these claims? With most EVs capable of traveling an average of 300 kilometers on a single charge, EVs currently outperform the requirements of the majority of drivers. Most EV drivers have an electric charging station at their home or workplace, which prevents them from running out of energy. Furthermore, as the number of EVs on our roads grows tremendously, many manufacturers have made efforts to expand the driving range of their cars and are continuing to push their limits. Models from world-renowned automakers such as Kia, Hyundai, and Audi can now drive more than 400 kilometers on a single charge. The newest Tesla Model S can go 610 kilometers on a single charge. 2. Boomers Think EVs Are Dangerous One of the most common arguments boomers give against EVs is that they are dangerous and carry the possibility of catching fire. Lithium-ion batteries carry high voltage, which could cause a potentially catastrophic process known as "thermal runaway." This indicates that the battery has overheated and is radiating heat into the environment, producing smoke, fire, and possibly an explosion. However, while it is correct to assume that EVs can trigger long-burning fires due to the car’s battery tank size, there is enough evidence to support that cars that run solely on gas have a higher risk of catching fire as compared to EVs. 3. Boomers Find EVs To Be Expensive One of the biggest reasons that deter boomers from buying an EV is the cost. The initial cost of purchasing an EV is more expensive than traditional cars; however, electric vehicles are less costly in the long term due to no gas costs and fewer service and maintenance costs. If you lease an EV, the cost of an EV can decrease. According to experts, leasing an EV's battery can cost anywhere between $70 and $140 a month. Charging an EV is also cheaper than petrol and diesel. Plus, many manufacturers will replace the battery for free if it’s within warranty. However, boomers still believe that EVs cost more than regular cars. The truth is that EV prices are constantly dropping as time goes on, mostly due to the incentives from the governments and the developments being made in EV technology. Would Electric Vehicles Be A Good Choice For Boomers? We’re all well aware of the benefits of EVs in our daily lives. Not only are they beneficial for a cleaner environment but also provide a better driving experience, making them a great choice for everyone including boomers. EVs Require Less Maintenance One of the biggest reasons electric cars would be a good choice for older people is that EVs require less maintenance. Gas-powered vehicles have complex engines and require constant maintenance. With an electric car, however, it’s the opposite case. The battery, motor, and other related electrical components in an EV require minimum maintenance. Plus, the reduced need for fluid like engine oil automatically lowers the maintenance required, making EVs ideal for senior citizens who can’t take their car to the repair shop every other week. Electric Vehicles Are Easier To Drive Electric vehicles are pretty simple to operate, and this is because they are electric. As EVs don't have gears, it becomes straightforward to hop in, click the power button, select drive on the gear selector, and enjoy the ride. Since an electric engine does not need gears, there are no specific gears for the vehicle to pick. The engine rotates one way to go ahead and another to move backward — and that's all there is to it. This simple process makes driving an electric vehicle more accessible than conventional cars, and that’s excellent news for boomers who don’t want to fuss around with gears and everything else. Electric CarsInternal Combustion Engine CarsRequire less maintenanceRequires more maintenanceEasier to drive for beginnersCan be complex to drive for beginnersMore safe and reliableLess safe and reliable FAQs Q) Are EVs Good For The Environment? Yes. EVs are incredibly beneficial for the environment as they do not emit harmful greenhouse gasses. In fact, according to multiple research, the overall emissions of an electric car are nearly 70% lower than conventional cars. Q) Do EVs Have A Low Running Cost? Yes. While EVs often have higher initial purchase prices, owners may save significantly on the running costs. According to Consumer Reports research, EV owners spend 60% less on fuel than those who own conventional cars. Q) Is It Simple To Charge Your EV’s Battery? One of the most common criticisms about electric vehicles is that charging the vehicle's battery is inconvenient if you don't have access to a Level 2 charger at home. Even with the quicker Level 3 chargers available at commercial stations, charging your car may take up to 30 minutes. Conclusion While EVs grow in popularity and usage among millennials and Gen-Z, boomers are still having a hard time accepting the replacement for conventional cars. However, most of their accusations against EVs are far from the truth. The more we gain insight into the benefits of EVs, the better it is for us and our planet!