The transition from a combustion engine to an electric vehicle is a big step into the unknown for many drivers. It was the same for me. After several months of using an electric vehicle (EV), I've gained a lot of experience that I'd like to share with those considering this step. What bothers me about EVs and what do I welcome?
What bothers me about the electric vehicle?
Surprisingly, it's not the range, as many might expect. And this is despite driving across the Czech Republic and to the Alps. Yes, it's related to the fact that I don't need to drive hundreds of kilometers daily. But most drivers cover up to 50 or 80 km per day. The biggest problem turned out to be the system of charging cards and applications. While for a combustion car, you only need one payment card to refuel anywhere, the situation with EVs is more complicated.
To achieve low operating costs, it's necessary to have a separate app or card for each charging network. Charging prices can differ by up to 50% between different providers, which is a significant difference compared to the relatively stable fuel prices. This system is unnecessarily complex, and I hope it will be simplified in the future.
Another disadvantage is certainly the purchase price. Thanks to subsidies, this can be mitigated. Over time, even this argument will no longer be valid, as it's evident that electric cars are becoming cheaper, and there are already vehicles that cost the same in both electric and combustion versions.
What do I appreciate about the electric vehicle?
1. Clean operation: Thanks to a smart wallbox Zappi, I charge my electric car 90% using a photovoltaic power plant. So I'm driving practically clean, without emissions. Yes, it will be worse in winter, but with a combustion engine, I couldn't achieve this even in summer.
2. Quiet driving: Although some consider silence a disadvantage, I perceive it positively. Modern EVs emit a gentle sound at low speeds for pedestrian safety, but overall, the ride is much quieter than with a combustion engine. I don't have to wake up the street every morning when starting the car.
3. Convenient home charging: The ability to charge the car at home is a huge advantage. I don't have to go to gas stations - I simply plug in the car and go about my business.
4. Instant power: Compared to my previous diesel car, the acceleration of the electric car is on a completely different level. The immediate response to pressing the pedal is truly impressive. Even a standard electric car has acceleration similar to or better than a sports-tuned combustion car.
5. Mobile power source: The ability to use the electric car's battery as a power source for smaller appliances when camping is a nice bonus.
Conclusion
After driving almost 4,000 km (and using it for a few months) with an electric car, I can say that reality is often better than how it's presented in the media. Electric cars have their advantages and disadvantages, but overall, I'm satisfied with the transition. With falling prices and an expanding range of models, electromobility is becoming more accessible to an increasing number of drivers. Soon, cheaper electric cars with a price tag of around 600,000 CZK will start appearing. What about the Hyundai Inster? Will it surprise us?
