Electric vehicles (EVs) aren’t just better for the environment, they also outrank combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) on a number of performance metrics—including efficiency, responsiveness, and handling—all while delivering no compromises in safety and high consumer satisfaction. 

EVs are more energy efficient than ICEVs, allowing for more power for the driver with less fuel and cost. A recent study found that EVs convert more than 77% of the electrical energy from the grid to power the cars’ motion, while ICEVs only convert 12%–30% of the energy stored in gasoline to power the wheels. This efficiency is further enhanced by the relatively lower cost of electricity compared to gasoline. EVs cost approximately $1.18 per eGallon to fuel, while the price per gallon for gasoline sits around $3.89 in late September 2022. 

In addition to delivering power to drivers efficiently and effectively, EVs also deliver instant torque (power) while offering seamless acceleration to the driver. Since EVs store their fuel in batteries, which are typically located underneath vehicles, they have a lower center of mass. This weighs EVs to the road evenly and firmly, providing tight handling while increasing the vehicle’s safety profile. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s insurance data shows substantially fewer EV injury claims for both passengers and drivers, and two EVs—the Volvo CX40 Recharge and Ford Mustang Mach-E—earned the organization’s Top Safety Pick awards in 2021. 

EVs are also easier on your wallet, averaging 40% lower maintenance costs compared to their gas-powered counterparts. This comes mainly because EVs have significantly fewer components that require regular maintenance like engine oil, transmission fluid, and air filters. Internal combustion engine vehicles typically contain more than 2,000 moving parts, while an electric engine contains approximately twenty. Making the switch to EVs can save a driver hundreds of dollars annually, and over a vehicle’s lifetime, an EV owner can save an average of $4,600 on maintenance costs alone.  

It’s no wonder, then, that EV drivers demonstrate a reluctance to switch back to gas cars once they go electric and report record-high levels of satisfaction with their driving experience. The 2022 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) ownership study found that both new and veteran EV owners ranked their satisfaction with their vehicle highly across all metrics—and first-time owners were impressed with the service experience and driving enjoyment in particular. The same study found that the Tesla Model 3 and the Kia Nero were the top two highest-scoring vehicles. 

EVs are synonymous with the modern driving experience. They use fuel far more efficiently than ICEVs, provide responsive, powerful acceleration, strong safety profiles, and a reduced total cost of ownership compared to their counterparts. The data is clear: making the switch is a decision drivers won’t regret.