Wondering if electric cars are indeed the way to go for you? What exactly do electric cars entail? And how different are they from conventional fuel-run cars?

• Electric cars are vehicles that function primarily using electric motors, utilizing energy stored in rechargeable batteries.
• Electric Cars are divided in to two types: All-electric Vehicle (AEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).
• All-electric Vehicle or AEVs function entirely on electric motors, powered by rechargeable batteries, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle or PHEVs are motorized by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. PHEVs can function on solely on electricity for a distance and then begin to run on fuel.
• Features of electric cars include a rechargeable battery, quieter and smaller electric motors in size because there is no need of combustion engines, clutch, gearbox, or exhaust pipes.
• The Advantages of electric cars are that they are in the long run, better for the environment, have multiple charging options, reduce sound pollution, and are smooth functioning of electric motors, and fringe benefits such as Free Parking, Free re-charging at stations, separate highway divisions for owners of electric cars.
• Disadvantages include high initial costs, running range is comparatively less, re-charging them takes time, shortage of Charging stations currently and the limited Options available to choose from in terms of brand, model, design etc.

  Electric cars or vehicles seem to be the topic of discussion these days, with growing curiosity and minimizing scepticism, people are willing to consider the possibility of an electric car or vehicle. But between the many unconventional benefits and options available presently, how do you know if electric cars are indeed the way to go for you? What exactly do electric cars entail? And how different are they from conventional fuel-run cars?

  Electric cars are vehicles that function and thrive primarily using electric motors, utilising energy stored in rechargeable batteries, compared to conventional internal combustion engines. You should also know the many types of Electric cars that exist, what they entail and what each of them means.

  Electric Cars divide into two types:

  All-electric Vehicle (AEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV).

  All-electric Vehicle or AEVs function entirely on electric motors that are powered on by rechargeable batteries, whereas Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle or PHEVs are motorized by an internal combustion engine and an electric motor stored in a rechargeable battery. PHEVs can function on electricity alone for a distance and then begin to run on fuel.

  FEATURES OF ELECTRIC CARS

  • Rechargeable battery
  • Electric motors are smaller in size compared to internal combustion engines.
  • Quieter because of the lack of internal combustion engines
  • No clutch, gearbox, exhaust pipes

  WHY ELECTRIC CARS ARE WORTH THE HYPE

  The growing world of technology invents, re-invents, or innovates one thing or another these days. The increasing discussion, and contemplation of the notion of Electric cars necessitate the need to weigh out whether buying an electrically powered automobile is worth the hype, or just one for the trend. But if you are looking for that positive nudge, perhaps consider the following:

  • Cost effective in the long run.

  Since an electric car doesn’t run on a conventional combustion engine, the costs related to maintenance and oil changes are eliminated, this substantially reduces the expenses in the long run, compared to an internal combustion engine car that requires prompt and consistent maintenance as part of its mandatory car care to ensure long term car life longevity.

  • Better for the Environment

  Without the use of an internal combustion engine, there would be no need for an exhaust, or tailpipe for the various kinds of emissions. Currently our planet is faced with numerous challenges, like pollution, global warming, endangerment & extinction of various species. Cars and car life longevity matter, but so does the “longevity” of the planet. An Electric car would help to reduce emissions, which in turn plays a role in safeguarding the environment and preserving our natural resources.

  • Multiple Charging Options

  Electric cars have many choices for charging like rapid charging, fast charging, and trickle charging (an overnight charging standard stand option in household walls). Since a conventional car uses an internal combustion engine, these options are not available. For a conventional car additional resources, time, and effort are required for maintenance and car protection and to ensure a prolonged car life longevity. 

  • Reduced Sound Pollution

  In comparison to air pollution, noise pollution might seem less important, but it remains an issue especially in areas that need silence, like areas around schools, hospitals etc.

  Since an electric car does not have an Internal Combustion Engine, the noise is considerably lesser compared to a conventional car.

  • Smooth-Functioning

  A conventional car comes is comparatively noisier, difficult to maintain and requires prompt upholding for its car life longevity because of its internal combustion engine. An electric car uses an electric motor which ensures the smooth running and functioning of the vehicle. It has lesser seasonal issues like summer or winter breakdowns, and the does not need constant checking to find and solve issues. Overall, an electric motor is easier to maintain and works with lesser interruptions.

  • Enjoy Fringe Benefits

  Nowadays, regulators’ have growing concern about fuel, pollution, etc., hence fringe benefits such as free Parking, free recharging at stations (Yes, even here in UAE!), an exclusive track for electric cars on highways are allocated to encourage people to invest in electric cars.

  ELECTRIC CARS AND ITS DISADVANTAGES

  • High Initial Costs

  While the costs of maintaining, running, and owning an electric car is substantially lower in the long run, you should expect quite a hefty cost while buying an electric car. Electric cars are considerably expensive compared to a conventional internal combustion engine-run car.

  • Running range

  In comparison to a conventional vehicle, an electrically charged car runs considerably less in range and distance. Also, you can find fuel and petrol stations every few kilometres on the roads of UAE for a fuel run car, unlike a sparsely available charging station or port for an electric car.

  • Re-charging takes time.

  Unlike filling petrol in your conventional car which can be done within minutes, charging your electrically run car would take considerable amount of time, which is especially inconvenient if you are in a hurry. An estimated average of at least 3-12 hours is required in a regular charging port or station, or at least 30 minutes in a fast-charging port for just 80% capacity. It may seem slightly challenging to find a charging station at all, let alone a station with a fast-charging option.

  • Shortage of Charging stations currently

  Looking for a Charging station would prove slightly difficult unlike looking for a gas or fuel station, which you may find every few kilometres or so. The former may not be easier to find possibly because of the current rarity of electric cars. Perhaps the future may prove otherwise.

  • Limited Options

  Electric cars are a new concept that have only recently started gaining popularity, there are not many options available as far as brand and models are concerned. Unlike conventional combustion engine-run cars, an array of electric car options is not available, primarily due to the low demand of these new-age cars. If you look for variety in your choices, perhaps the lack of options in electric cars might discourage you to shift to electric cars.

  Electric cars continue to spark conversation and curiosity amongst car enthusiasts and general population alike. Like toy cars this life-sized machine on wheels too runs on an electrically charged battery and charges instead of being filled with fuel. It is compact, quieter, less expensive to maintain in the long run, and safer for the environment. While currently the market for cars is largely dominated by conventional cars, the future will inadvertently be dominated by an energy and environment-safe option, which is the electric car.

  Irrespective of the type of vehicle you choose, car insurance plays an important role in keeping you, your vehicle, and those around you safe.  Whether you own the new age electric car, or the conventional fuel run car, insuring your car is an important step to protect your car. Contact us today to insure your electric vehicle in the UAE