Clean or Fossil? 20 Pros and Cons to Know Before Buying an EV

Clean or fossil? With gas prices fluctuating, climate change on the radar, and sleek new electric vehicles (EVs) hitting the streets, you might be wondering: Is it finally time to make the switch to electric?

Before you jump into the world of EV-driving, it’s important to weigh the real-world advantages and trade-offs of owning an EV. To help you, I have listed 20 essential pros and cons to consider.

Pros of Owning an EV

1. Lower Operating Costs

Electricity is significantly cheaper than gasoline. Furthermore, EVs have fewer moving parts, which means fewer things can go wrong. Forget oil changes, exhaust system repairs, or timing belt replacements—maintenance is minimal and cost-effective over the long term.

2. Eco-Friendly

EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, as they don’t release carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or particulate matter while driving. This helps reduce urban smog and your personal carbon footprint, especially when charged with renewable energy. Clean or Fossil?

3. Instant Torque & Smooth Performance

EVs deliver power to the wheels instantly. This results in quick acceleration, a smooth ride, and an impressively responsive driving experience. Even base models often feel zippy and nimble compared to traditional vehicles.

4. Less Routine Maintenance

No oil changes, spark plugs or exhaust systems. Even brakes last longer due to regenerative braking, which uses the motor to slow the vehicle and recharge the battery in the process. All in all fewer trips to the mechanic and lower lifetime maintenance costs.

5. Tax Credits & Government Incentives

Many governments offer incentives to offset the higher purchase cost. These can include federal tax credits, provincial/state rebates, discounted registration fees, and access to “High Occupancy Vehicle” lanes—even when driving solo. Depending on the country you are living in, incentives may be more or less. Be aware though, that incentives can be temporary, which would eliminate this pro in the long run.

6. Quiet & Relaxed Driving Experience

Electric motors are nearly silent. This reduces road noise and cabin vibration, creating a more peaceful, refined driving experience. You’ll notice it most when stuck in traffic or cruising through your neighborhood.

7. Convenient Home Charging

Imagine starting every day with a “full tank”—without ever visiting a gas station. With a Level 2 charger installed at home, you can fully recharge overnight. Perfect for daily commutes or errand-running without ever needing public stations. Make sure to check on installation fees for a Level 2 charger. Offers differ per region.

8. Advanced Technology Features

Because EVs are newer by design, they come loaded with cutting-edge technology—think autopilot features, massive touchscreens, voice assistants, over-the-air updates, and mobile apps that let you control the car remotely.

9. Lower Lifetime Carbon Footprint

Even though battery manufacturing has an environmental cost, the total emissions from an EV—when driven for several years—are substantially lower than gasoline vehicles. Charging with renewable electricity makes the impact even greener.

10. Growing Resale Demand

While older EVs used to suffer in resale value, the current demand for used EVs is rising. If you maintain the battery well, your car could retain solid value—especially as fuel costs and environmental awareness grow.

Cons of Owning an EV

11. Higher Upfront Purchase Price

EVs generally cost more upfront than their gas-powered counterparts, primarily due to the expensive batteries. Although prices are falling and incentives help, you still may pay a premium—especially for models with longer range or luxury features.

12. Limited Public Charging Infrastructure

Although charging networks are expanding, they’re still spotty—particularly in rural areas. Long road trips require careful planning, and you may find yourself waiting in line at the few available chargers in busy locations.

13. Range Anxiety

This is the fear of running out of battery before finding a charger. While most new EVs offer 250+ miles of range, cold weather, hills, and highway speeds can reduce that range significantly—therefore leading to stressful trips if you’re far from a charger.

14. Longer “Refuelling” Time

Even fast chargers (Level 3 DC) can take 30–60 minutes to deliver a decent charge. Home charging can take several hours overnight. That’s a far cry from the 5-minute gas station fill-up, which can be frustrating on tight schedules.

15. Battery Degradation Over Time

Like smartphone batteries, EV batteries degrade over time. Most modern batteries last over 8–10 years, but you may notice reduced range after several years—especially in cheaper or older models. Replacement costs can be steep.

16. Reduced Towing and Hauling Efficiency

Towing a trailer, boat, or even carrying a heavy load can drastically cut your range. While some trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning tow well, their range can drop by as much as 50% under load, which limits practicality for heavy-duty users.

17. Cold Weather Challenges

In freezing temperatures, EV batteries become less efficient, reducing range. Cabin heating also uses electricity, unlike gas cars that recycle engine heat. Expect a noticeable performance dip in winter—though preconditioning and battery management help.

18. Home Charging Setup Can Be Pricey

Installing a Level 2 charger at home may require electrical upgrades, especially in older homes. Costs can range from $500 to $2,000+ depending on your home’s setup and local electrician rates.

19. Limited Model Selection

While options are growing fast, some categories (like minivans or rugged off-road SUVs) still lack electric versions. If you have specific needs—like third-row seating or off-road capability—your choices may be limited.

20. Battery Materials and Ethical Concerns

EV batteries require lithium, cobalt, and nickel—often sourced from countries with questionable labour practices and significant environmental impacts. While the industry is working on more ethical and sustainable solutions, this remains a challenge. Clean or Fossil?

So… Should You Buy an EV?

It depends on your lifestyle.
If you drive under 300 km (200 miles) a day, have access to home charging, and care about sustainability and tech—an EV is a fantastic option.

But if you frequently take long rural trips, need fast refuelling, or live in an area without solid charging infrastructure, you may want to wait or consider a plug-in hybrid as a stepping stone.

Final Thoughts

Clean or Fossil? The future is electric—but that doesn’t mean everyone needs to jump in right now. Understanding the real-world pros and cons helps you make a smarter, future-proof decision. If you like to see more on this topic, have a look at this video.

What about you? Are you ready to plug in—or still pumping the brakes?