Is it time to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle? Coloradans are asking
With rising gas and oil prices, consumers are expressing increased interest in electric and hybrid vehicles. Seniors have been a bit more hesitant than younger age groups to make the switch – 22% of electric vehicle owners are between the ages of 50 and 64, but only 11% of EV owners are 65 or older. However, the benefits offered by EVs can be especially advantageous to seniors:
- Less maintenance: Because there is no oil and no oil filter – and also no residue buildup from that oil – EV owners don’t have to get oil changes done every 3,500-5,000 miles. The engine also has fewer parts, which means there are less items that need to be serviced.
- No warm-up needed: Since there is no fuel that needs to run thru the lines and combust, EV cars can hit the road as soon as they are turned on. That’s a definite perk for drivers used to sitting in a cold car for several minutes waiting for it to warm up, before they shift into Drive.
- Comfort: Most EVs have a low center of gravity, which improves handling, responsiveness and overall ride comfort. In addition, the battery-operated motor is much quieter than that of a gas-powered vehicle which makes it easier for those who are hard of hearing to hear external noises that may be important to driving conditions.
- Cost savings: With the price of gas nearing $4.00/gallon, the average driver (calculated at 12,000 miles/year) of a gas-powered vehicle will pay roughly $2,100 at the pumps this year. The average cost to charge an EV (on a Level 1 or home charger) to a capacity of 200 miles is $9, which equates to $540/year for a driver who averages 12,000 miles/year.
Article written by John Mathieson, General Manager, Larry H. Miller Colorado Jeep – Aurora addresses some of the more common questions being asked by customers as they contemplate the benefits of going to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
