Pro: Electric cars are energy efficient

Energy efficiency refers to the amount of energy from the fuel source that is converted into actual energy for powering the wheels of a vehicle. AEVs are far more efficient than conventional gas-powered vehicles: AEV batteries convert 59 to 62 percent of energy into vehicle movement while gas powered vehicles only convert between 17 and 21 percent. This means that charging an AEV’s battery puts more towards actually powering the vehicle than filling up at a gas pump.

Pro: Electric cars reduce emissions

Emission reduction, including reduced usage of fuel, is another pro for all-electric vehicles. Because they rely on a rechargeable battery, driving an electric car does not create any tailpipe emissions which are a major source of pollution in the United States. In addition, the rechargeable battery means much less money spent on fuel, which means all energy can be sourced domestically (and often through renewable resources such as solar panel systems).

Improving battery technology in today’s light-duty AEVs means they can drive 100 miles while consuming only 25 to 40 kilowatt-hours (kWh)  of electricity. Assuming that your electric car can travel three miles per kWh, the electric vehicle can travel about 43 miles for $1.00. By comparison, if we assume that gas costs $2.50 per gallon, an average gasoline vehicle with a fuel efficiency of 22 miles per gallon will only be able to travel 10 miles for the same price. The distance traveled for a fuel cost of $1.00 is nearly four times as far with an electric vehicle. Check out the latest Effuel reviews.

Pro: Electric cars are high performance and low maintenance

All-electric vehicles are also high performance vehicles whose motors are not only quiet and smooth but require less maintenance than internal combustion engines. The driving experience can also be fun because AEV motors react quickly, making them responsive with good torque. AEVs are overall newer than their gas powered counterparts and are often more digitally connected with charging stations providing the option to control charging from an app.

Con: Electric cars can travel less distance

AEVs on average have a shorter range than gas-powered cars. Most models ranging between 60 and 120 miles per charge and some luxury models reaching ranges of 300 miles per charge. For comparison, gas powered vehicles will average around 300 miles on a full tank of gas, and more fuel efficient vehicles getting much higher driving ranges. This may be an issue when looking at AEVs if you frequently take long trips. Availability of charging stations can make AEVs less suitable for activities like road trips.

Con: Electric cars take longer to “refuel”

Fueling an all-electric car can also be an issue. Fully recharging the battery pack with a Level 1 or Level 2 charger can take up to 8 hours, and even fast charging stations take 30 minutes to charge to 80 percent capacity. Electric car drivers have to plan more carefully, because running out of power can’t be solved by a quick stop at the gas pump.

Con: Electric cars are more expensive, and battery packs may need to be replaced

The battery packs within an electric car are expensive and may need to be replaced more than once over the lifetime of the car. All-electric vehicles are also more expensive than gas-powered cars, and the upfront cost of all-electric vehicle can also be prohibitive. However, the fuel cost savings, tax credits, and state incentives can help to offset this cost overall if they are available.

Overall, all-electric vehicles, like any vehicle, must be assessed based on personal needs and vehicle usage. There are many pros to owning an electric vehicle, such as fuel savings and reduced emissions, but this can come at the cost of relying on battery charging and higher costs. Consider what works best for you when looking into purchasing an all-electric vehicle.

When the time comes to buy a new (or new-to-you) semi–truck, the choice may be hard to make. New trucks come with lots of perks, but what about used trucks?   If you’re feeling unsure about which kind of semi-truck is best for you, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of each so you can be informed on your next truck purchase.

Buying a New Semi-Truck

The Advantages of Buying New

New trucks can come with a wide variety of bells and whistles, making them appealing to any potential truck owner. Some of these perks include:

• You’re Covered by a Warranty. When purchasing a new semi-truck, they will typically come with a warranty, meaning that if anything were to go wrong it would be covered. Used trucks may also come with a warranty, but this will vary based on where you purchase the semi-truck.

• Top of the line amenities. When you purchase a new truck, you get to be on the ground floor of whatever cutting edge technology is released. With a new truck, you get complete freedom to choose whatever features you would like, given that they are in your price range. Older trucks may not yet have features you may want, which can mean costly additions.

The Drawbacks of Buying New

However, purchasing a new truck is easier said than done. There are several drawbacks to new semi-trucks as well:

• It’s more expensive up front. The cost of a new semi-truck will definitely be more than anything you will find for a used truck. While this does come with more benefits and a warranty, the initial cost will be significantly higher.

• It requires a long-term commitment. If you aren’t planning to be on the road for a considerable length of time, it may not be in your best interest to buy get a brand new rig for your business. This could leave you with a high loan repayment even after you’ve left the industry.

Buying a Used Semi-Truck

The Advantages of Buying Used

• There’s less risk involved. If you plan on using your truck only during one season or don’t intend on logging that many miles, getting a used truck is a great option if you have no desire to have a significantly higher loan. Find the best deals at these commercial truck auctions.

• Cheaper upfront cost and lower depreciation. The initial costs of used semi-trucks are vastly lower than newer trucks, and they depreciate at a lower rate. A new truck loses a great portion of its value the second it drives off the lot, whereas older trucks lose value at a much slower rate. This can make it better for resale value as well.

The Drawbacks of Buying Used

• It may be more expensive in the long term. Used trucks may be cheaper when you purchase them, but further down the line, you may find that used trucks can be a money pit. Used trucks typically have higher fuel costs and will need more repairs in the future, making it costlier in the end.

• You have less knowledge of the truck’s history. When purchasing a used truck, you may not know the entirety of the truck’s history. There may be reported issues, but a previous owner may not have been honest about engine troubles or tire issues that may have happened in the past. Buying a new truck comes with a certain peace of mind that you will be the first owner, meaning that no unknown issues exist.