It is an undeniable fact that the future of the automobile is electric. With each passing year, these electric cars are getting more and more better with tech advancement. Plus, these cars are getting cheaper and easily accessible; as a result, more customers are purchasing these electric vehicles. 

There are some general differences between these zero-emission cars and combustion engine vehicles. These differences are essential to know before buying an electric vehicle. Besides the advantages of electric cars, there are multiple disadvantages of electric vehicles on Environment and in general. We have discussed them below.

Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles on Environment

First, we will discuss the disadvantages of electric vehicles on Environment. Please keep reading to know why EVs were supposed to be the answer but now they may be the problem.

1- Electric Cars Pose a Higher Risk of Fire 

The batteries of EVs contain explosives and are flammable, like lithium-ion. These materials catch fire when overheated, short-circuited, or overcharged. According to the report, there were around 38 incidents of EV fires in the USA between 2011 and 2019. In short, Electric vehicle fire risks are higher as compared to combustion engine cars.

2- Increased Emissions by Damaged Tyres

The tyres of electric vehicles wear out way faster than those of combustion engine cars. It is because of the increased torque and heavier weight of the vehicle. In short, tyre and brake wear pollution from EVs is one of the disadvantages of electric cars.

3- It Affects the Temperature in Negative Ways

The weather might affect how nicely ICE vehicles start and run. However, fuel economy is only influenced when dealing with the heater blasting. The same goes when you run the store in the scorching summer heat. Granted, keeping an air conditioner on does consume a little more, but it does not zap the juice out of the vehicle like it does if you are having a ride in an electric car. It is another electric vehicle’s environmental impact that is considered harmful. 

4- Electric Vehicles Depend on Electricity Extracted from Fossil Fuels 

The EVs and fossil fuel electricity are deeply connected. The impact of EVs on the Environment relies on the primary source of electricity, which is needed to charge the battery. In the majority of countries, electricity is generated from fossil fuels, natural gas, or coal that emit air pollutants and greenhouse gases. 

5- Electric Cars Use Rare Earth Metals 

The motors and batteries of electric vehicles need rare earth metals like cobalt, nickel, lithium, and neodymium. All these metals are limited in supply and have adverse social and environmental impacts. The extraction of these metals includes refining, mining, and transporting procedures that consume large amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, ultimately, it generates emissions and toxic waste.

6- Electric Vehicles are Not That Environmentally Friendly

One of the significant advantages of electric vehicles is that they do not pollute the Environment. The prime reason behind this logic is that they do not use fossil fuels or generate greenhouse gases. Plus one more reason is the air we breathe is not influenced by the pollution of electric cars. 

However, it is not entirely accurate, particularly from the manufacturing side of things. The main reason behind the disadvantages of electric vehicles on Environment is the way they create lithium in battery packs. The process of making this battery pack is way more harmful than the production procedure of a regular petrol-powered car. Plus, the carbon footprint of EV production also impacts the Environment negatively.

7- Electric Cars Generate More Noise Pollution

Electric vehicles are usually known for being quieter than combustion but it is not true. It is only true when EVs are at low speeds and low frequencies. At high speeds and frequencies, EVs produce more noise as compared to combustion engine cars. It mainly happens due to tire noise and aerodynamics. Noise pollution can result in annoyance, stress, hearing loss, and sleep disturbance for humans and animals.

8- Short Battery Lifespan

Other than the disadvantages of electric vehicles on the Environment, many people are worried about the lifespan of their electric vehicle battery. The general agreement must last approximately 10-20 years and up to 150,000 miles. However, careful charging habits and a calculated driving style can help increase your battery’s service life. 

Also, if you purchase a new vehicle frequently, you will be secured by the manufacturer’s warranty. Replacing an electric battery within the warranty period will be heavy on your pockets. Hence, it is considered the downside of electric vehicles.

9- Electric Vehicles are not Apartment Friendly

There is a severe housing problem all around the world. It is not necessarily because of the increase in population, but inflation is also the reason behind it. The cost of living is increasing, and even developed countries are pushing for more apartments to be built. In this scenario, if a person likes to buy an electric vehicle, it would be challenging to keep and take their electric car. 

10- Fixing Electric Vehicles is Challenging

If you are considering an electric vehicle, ensure that you have the support of a good car repair shop. Also, it must be specialized in your vehicle type, particularly if you are buying a used one. It is because when you purchase a car, you have the help of the manufacturer, who can offer you proper maintenance and help with minor repair problems. However, you will be completely helpless if you are on the street, away from your home, and your electric car breaks down. 

11- EVs Do Not Have High Top Speeds

On average, electric cars have lower top speeds than combustion engine cars. Currently, Rimac Nevera holds the highest top speed record of 258mph. Undoubtedly, it is an astonishing number. Though the average is way below that number, you have to focus on the best cars in the market to get close to it.

12- Global Electricity Spikes and Scarcity Make EV Owners Weak

One central element that EV owners overlook is the power consumers have to get charged. Almost every night, EV owners plug their cars into an outlet that consumes extra energy from the power grid. Hence, EVs are not considered to have a positive impact of EVs on the power grid. However, if the owner has solar power to charge their EVs, it is not a problem.

13- Higher Initial Purchase Cost

Electric vehicles cost less to drive than conventional cars. The recent price gap between equivalent prototypes is approximately $10,000. However, this gap should continue to reduce as technology advances. Besides, electric vehicles tend to be less pricey over their lifetime when you factor in maintenance and gas. However, there are usually federal and state incentives and rebates that can fill almost all the purchase gap. 

14- Time-Consuming Charging

One major factor of gas over electricity is how quickly you can refill a tank. Filling up gas in conventional vehicles hardly takes two to three minutes. On the contrary, charging an electric car can take multiple hours to charge completely. However, the charging time also depends on the model of the electric vehicle. EV charging times and range issues are a cause of concern for drivers, particularly those who have to drive longer distances.

15- Very Few EVs Offer 400+ Miles Of Range

The range of EVs has always been the problem that EV owners face. The EV manufacturers have made a lot of progress in the range sector of an EV, But still, it is not comparable to that of combustion engine cars. The longest range in EV that you can opt for is a little over 500 miles in one of the trims ( In Lucid Air) and 405 miles with all-wheel-drive (in Tesla Model S Dual). Remember that these two are the best cars in the EV market. 

Conclusion

The future is undoubtedly all about electric cars, but now conventional cars are still hard to beat. It would be right if we say the advantages and disadvantages of anything depend on the needs and situations of people. Electric vehicles provide numerous benefits, but it also has some cons. The disadvantages of electric vehicles on environment are among the most considerable disadvantages of electric vehicles.

Get to know more about different electric vehicles like Audi e-tron GT, BMW i5 M60, and Polestar 3. Visit our EV blog website and gain ultimate review guides!