What You Need to Know About Electric Vehicles in Houston

Houston is among the top 20 electric vehicle-friendly cities in the United States. Our large population base, diverse geography, desire to lessen dependence on foreign energy sources, and unique culture make our city a great place for electric car drivers.

According to the Houston Electric Auto Association, more than 725.000 electric vehicles have been sold in the United States.

Keep in mind that everything is a little bigger and better for electric vehicle owners in greater Houston. There are greater options to charge EVs. As of this date, Houston has almost 400 charging station ports.

Pros of Owning an Electric Vehicle in Houston

1. An electric vehicle is quiet and quick

EV cars like the Tesla Model S might seem like an expensive choice—unless you consider the advantages of owning an electric vehicle now. When compared to a gasoline-powered engine, electric vehicles offer an extremely smooth and quiet ride.

Once you test an electric vehicle, many other “regular” vehicles may seem a little clunky or outdated. That’s because electric vehicles offer high torque, or axle-twisting power and superior weight-to-power ratios than traditional vehicles. By stepping on the accelerator, power is almost instantly available to the wheels. For instance, Tesla’s Model S P 100D hits 60 mph in slightly over two seconds.

Many drivers say that driving an EV is an exhilarating experience.

2. Recharge an electric vehicle at home or at recharging stations

The cost of owning an electric vehicle may be offset by fuel savings.

Imagine: you won’t need to fuel up at the gas pump ever again. All that’s necessary to fuel the electric vehicle is to pull into the driveway or garage and push the plug into your charging outlet.

Recharging an electric vehicle is convenient and accomplished in about 15 seconds.

Now you’re ready to drive 80 – 100 miles (or more, depending on your EV model. (Note: The Nissan Leaf and the Ford Focus are in this range.)

3. Electric vehicles are cheap to operate

The cost of operating an EV may offset the initial purchase price. Electricity is relatively cheap and plentiful—and it has an enormous price advantage over gasoline and petroleum products.

EVs are fuel-efficient when compared to an internal combustion vehicle:

• The cost to operate an EV per mile is about 25 – 33 percent of the cost of gasoline.
• There’s no need to pay for routine vehicle maintenance. An EV doesn’t need an oil change because there’s no exhaust system.
• Maintenance costs needed to keep the EV are much less. To maintain the EV, make sure the tires are properly inflated and regularly rotated.
• EVs mean less brake wear and tear. Brake pads last longer.

Buying an EV means the driver no longer needs to buy gas:

• The average Houstonian spends $2,000 - $4,000 in gasoline per year.
• Fully electric vehicles, e.g. the Nissan Leaf, run on electricity. According to Green Car Reports, most EV drivers see their electric costs rise about $20 - $25 per month.
• The decision to participate in a smart charging program can reduce EV refueling costs.
• Plug-in hybrid vehicles eliminate some of your gasoline expenses.

4. Electric vehicles don’t have tailpipe emissions

The average traditional vehicle generates 350+ grams of CO2 per mile.

Many researchers say that EVs, even in regions dependent on coal, have less negative impact on the environment than conventional motor vehicles. In those regions with multiple renewable energy resources, e.g. solar, wind, and hydro, or for EV owners with home solar, carbon footprint benefits are dramatic.

Electric vehicles don’t need exhaust tailpipes. That fact allows each EV owner to know that he or she is contributing to improving the air quality for greater Houston.

5. Electric vehicles have a higher safety profile

The EV’s battery back is placed below passengers. This structural advantage makes electric vehicles easier to steer and safer than internal combustion engine vehicles:

• Experts say it’s almost impossible for the EV to explode on impact.
• EVs have a lower center of mass (due to the heavy battery pack): there’s less rollover risk.
• EV manufacturers add more safety systems features. Most EV models routinely exceed safety standards.

Cons of Owning an Electric Car in Houston

Electric vehicles are often a good match for short-distance drivers. For instance, an EV might be a good fit for the driver who commutes 50 to 80 miles per day to work or school.

1. Limited range

Many would-be electric vehicle owners cite “range anxiety” as their reason drive gasoline-powered cars and trucks. That’s because many affordable EV models have 80 – 100 miles on a charge. Some require hours to completely recharge.

Advocates of electric vehicles counter that 80 – 100 miles of range is adequate for most of us. According to an MIT study (2016), EVs adequately handle about 87 percent of trips.

In addition, many electric vehicle batteries are adding range each year, e.g. the Tesla Model 3, the Chevrolet Bolt EV (238-mile range) and the Nissan Leaf (200+ miles per charge).

Still, some drivers want the comfort of a backup “range-extending” engine, e.g. those offered by hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius.

The bottom line is that EV owners must plan before driving longer distances.

2. Long refueling time

The time it takes to refuel or recharge an EV is a potential negative for some drivers. As of this writing, EV drivers have limited options about where to refuel.

According to Green Car Reports, it’s important for EV owners to charge their vehicle before turning in for the night and/or to consider buying quick chargers to add up to 50 miles in about 20 – 25 minutes.

3. Initial higher cost

It may cost more to buy an electric vehicle when compared to small – medium gasoline-powered vehicles.

However, EV vehicles may be less expensive to operate and maintain. In addition, many EVs offer amenities that exceed those in less expensive vehicles. (Note: a $7,500 federal tax credit may be available to some new EV owners in 2018. Review the tax credit amounts available at FuelEconomy.gov.) Of course, buying a used vehicle is also always an option to offset high electric costs.

Electric vehicle batteries have an estimated life of about 10 years. Experts believe that costs to replace them will decrease as more people drive EVs. In fact, EVs are anticipated to be less expensive than gasoline-powered vehicles by 2022.

4. Fewer consumer choices

The field continues to expand for EVs. Several of the world’s largest automakers have announced their plans to release 12 new plug-in vehicles in the next few years.

The existing charging infrastructure continues to expand.

Is an Electric Vehicle Right For You?

The debate continues about whether it’s the right time to own an electric vehicle. It’s a personal decision.