Consider these benefits and disadvantages before investing in an electric vehicle.
From reducing emissions to saving on fuel costs, there are plenty of benefits to driving an electric car (EV). However, you should also consider potential drawbacks, like the scarcity of charging stations or initial costs. In this guide, we’ll cover all of the most important considerations so you can make a smart, informed decision.
In this article:
- Overview of electric cars
- Pros of electric cars
- Cons of electric cars
- Hybrid cars as an alternative to electric vehicles
- Powering your EV with home solar: a smart combination
- Get started with the right setup
- Frequently asked questions
Overview of electric cars
Electric cars run entirely on a rechargeable battery, whereas traditional cars rely on gasoline, and hybrid vehicles use a combination of gas and electricity. With ongoing technological advancements, EVs are becoming more accessible and more popular, thanks to their decreased carbon footprint and reduced fuel costs.
How do electric cars work?
While electric cars may look like traditional cars, it’s a very different story under the hood.
Gas-powered cars have an internal combustion engine that transforms fuel into energy. An electric vehicle, however, stores electricity in its battery. Once you’re driving, your EV’s battery sends electricity straight to the motor — no fuel tank required. Otherwise, an EV’s steering wheel, gears, brakes, and handling feel just like a conventional car.
Pros of electric cars
Electric vehicles are more than just a passing trend — they represent a transformative shift with profound environmental and economic benefits, both personally and globally. If you’re considering switching to an EV, here are the most important things to think about.
Environmental benefits
Because electric cars are fueled by electricity rather than gasoline, switching to an EV can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, carbon emissions, and overall air pollution. While some of these benefits are offset by the pollution created when manufacturing an electric car battery, the environmental benefits of driving an electric car are still a net positive over its lifespan, according to the EPA.
Economic advantages
While some EVs have a higher sticker price, most pay for themselves in 7-10 years thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs. On average, drivers save about $100 per month, according to a 2024 report from EV nonprofit Coltura. But if you’re a high-mileage driver, you could be saving as much as $400 monthly. Savings depend on driving patterns and location.
Plus, some people who buy electric vehicles may be eligible for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500 for a new car, $4,000 for a used car, and $1,000 for a home charger or storage. Clean vehicle tax credits depend on a variety of eligibility criteria, including adjusted gross income (AGI) and the vehicle’s MSRP. Federal tax credits and state and utility incentives can also help offset initial costs.
Technological advancements
Electric vehicles aren’t just greener — they’re packed with cutting-edge technology that’s already solved many early pain points.
Batteries and charging speed
Modern EV batteries are rated to last 12-15 years in moderate climates and at least 100,000 miles which is far better than the 3-5 years for a traditional car’s battery. On top of that, today’s EV models deliver anywhere from 150-400 on a single charge, which is enough for most daily driving or long road trips.
So, let’s consider how long it takes to charge.
While a Level 1 charger (a basic home outlet) can take 40-50+ hours to charge an electric vehicle from empty to 80%, faster Level 2 chargers (dedicated home or public stations) can charge EV batteries from 0% to 80% in as little as 4 to 10 hours. Most homeowners install Level 2 units in their garage for daily charging convenience.
The next step up is direct current fast charging (DCFC). These are often what you see in parking lots and can charge an EV to 80% in anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Not every EV can use these now, so it’s important to know your EV’s charging methods.
Advanced driver-assist features
While Tesla’s Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) models have received the most attention, many other brands now offer advanced driver-assist features that automate highway driving and parking maneuvers, although always under your supervision.
With the help of external cameras, many EV cars can steer, change lanes, make turns, and even parallel park on their own, though you still need to keep your hands on the wheel.
It’s important to keep in mind that no system is fully autonomous, meaning even cars listed as “self-driving” require you to stay attentive and ready to take control.
Energy efficiency
Electric cars are less wasteful because they are more energy efficient than cars with internal combustion engines. In this context, the word “efficiency” refers to the percentage of energy converted into movement.
EVs are 87%-91% energy efficient, while gasoline-reliant cars are only 16-25% efficient.
Cons of electric cars
Electric vehicles have many benefits, but they also have disadvantages that are worth exploring. If you’re worried about high purchasing costs or being limited by battery life, driving range, or accessibility to charging stations, then let’s review these common concerns.
High initial purchase cost
It’s true that the average cost of an EV tends to be more than that of a traditional car. According to Kelly Blue Book, the average new EV price in 2025 is $59,205 compared to $47,462 for gas-powered vehicles.
Limited driving range
If you’re a fan of long road trips, driving long distances can potentially be more difficult with an EV, whether due to a lack of charging stations or long recharge times. Electric cars typically last 270 miles on a full charge (with some premium models going 400+ miles), whereas a traditional car with a full tank of gas can run 350 miles.
Infrastructure challenges
Depending on your geographic location, charging stations may be as accessible as gas, or you may need a home charger to sustain an EV. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, 64% of Americans in cities have access to a public charging station within two miles of their home.
Charging an electric car from empty can take hours or even days, depending on whether you have a Level 1 or Level 2 charger at your disposal.
Increased electricity usage
Having an electric vehicle means using a lot more electricity, which can in turn raise your electric bill. Investing in solar energy can be a great way to offset this increase to your electric bill. When installing a home solar system, it’s critical that you communicate that you either have an EV or are interested in purchasing one with your solar installer so they make sure the system fits your current and future needs.
Battery concerns
The biggest drawback to an EV is the battery. Creating electric car batteries does have a negative environmental impact — more so than that of a traditional car — but not enough to cancel out the benefits of electric vehicles.
While electric car batteries will start to degrade over time, they have a much longer lifespan than traditional cars and typically come with an 8-10 year warranty.
Hybrid cars as an alternative to electric vehicles
A hybrid vehicle is a solid compromise if you’re not sold on getting a fully electric vehicle but want to reduce your gas emissions. Hybrids combine the benefits of electric cars, such as fuel efficiency and positive environmental impact, with the convenience of combustion engine cars, such as longer driving range and less range anxiety.
PHEVs, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, have an internal combustion engine and an electric battery. These hybrid cars prioritize using stored electricity before switching to gasoline, reducing tailpipe emissions and fuel costs. At the same time, they don’t have the same range limitations as EVs and can operate on fuel if a charging station isn’t accessible.
Powering your EV with home solar: a smart combination
Adding an electric vehicle (EV) to your household will increase your electricity use and likely your utility bill. But it also creates a valuable opportunity: By pairing your EV with solar panels, you can turn this new energy demand into a pathway for long-term savings and cleaner, more sustainable driving.
Planning your solar system for an EV
When going solar, it’s essential to consider all your current and future electricity needs, including EV charging.
- Estimating your EV’s energy use: How much extra electricity your EV will use depends on the model and your driving habits. The U.S. Department of Energy’s official resource, fueleconomy.gov, lists efficiency ratings for all-electric vehicles, with many models achieving figures in the range of 30 to 35 kWh per 100 miles (equivalent to roughly 0.30 to 0.35 kWh per mile). If you drive the U.S. average of roughly 13,500 miles per year, that translates to an added electricity load of about 340-395 kWh per month, or 4,000-4,700 kWh per year.
- Right-sizing your solar panels: If you currently own or plan to buy an EV, letting your solar installer know upfront allows them to design a system that accounts for this added demand. Just like with other high-energy appliances, such as electric heat pumps or pool heaters, your installer can size your solar array to cover both household use and vehicle charging, helping you maximize your energy independence.
Smart ways to charge your EV with solar
Pairing solar with an EV gives you flexible, efficient options for managing your energy use. Here are some common approaches:
1. Charging directly from your solar panels
How it works: If your EV is plugged in at home during the day, it can charge directly using the electricity your solar panels are generating in real time.
Benefits:
- You’re using 100% clean, self-generated electricity
- It reduces your grid reliance and maximizes the daytime value of your solar production
Things to consider:
- This setup works best if your EV is regularly parked at home during midday hours, when solar output is at its peak.
2. Using a home battery to store solar energy for EV charging
How it works: Your solar panels charge a home battery during the day. You can then use the stored energy to charge your EV later — such as overnight or during peak utility rate periods.
Benefits:
- Allows you to charge with solar power even when the sun isn’t shining
- Helps you avoid high evening electricity rates if your utility uses a time-of-use (TOU) pricing structure.
- Offers backup power benefits in case of outages
Things to consider:
- Battery capacity: Most residential batteries — like the Tesla Powerwall or modular systems such as the Enphase IQ Battery — typically provide 10–15 kWh of storage capacity, either in a single unit or by stacking multiple smaller modules. In comparison, fully charging an EV from empty can require 50 to 100 kWh, depending on the make and model. Still, a battery can contribute a significant portion of your daily driving needs.
- Cost and complexity: Adding a battery increases the upfront cost of your solar installation, though available incentives (like the federal solar tax credit) and long-term savings can offset some of this investment.
- Your situation: The financial and energy benefits depend on factors like your utility rates, net metering policies, and charging habits.
3. Using your electric car as a home battery
How it works: Related to charging your EV with solar, as EV technology has improved, a growing number of electric cars can now serve as a home battery. While this isn’t common yet, it’s a compelling and growing option.
Benefits:
- Can provide power to your home during outages
- EV batteries are typically much larger than home backup models
Things to consider:
- To make this setup work, you’ll need to install a bi-directional charger to allow electricity to flow from your EV’s battery to your home.
- The lifespan of your EV battery may be negatively affected if it’s frequently used to power your home.
Get started with the right setup
To get the most from pairing solar with your EV, it helps to plan around your driving habits, when you charge, and your utility’s rate structure. A knowledgeable installer can tailor a system that fits your lifestyle, while making sure you take advantage of solar and EV-specific incentives.
With Aurora Solar, you can easily collect and compare quotes from multiple vetted installers — all in one place. Explore your options
Frequently asked questions
What is the average lifespan of an electric car battery?
While many factors can affect an electric car battery’s lifespan, most models tend to last 15-20 years and come with an 8-10 year warranty.
Are electric cars really more environmentally friendly?
Yes, electric cars are more green overall than traditional cars. EVs are fueled by electricity rather than gasoline, which means they have a smaller carbon footprint over their lifespan.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Fueling time for an electric car depends on the capacity of the car’s battery pack and the charger being used. A Level 1 charger may take over 50 hours to charge, while a Level 2 charger can do so in as little as 4 hours.
Do electric cars require special maintenance?
Because EVs don’t have internal combustion engines, they typically require less maintenance than traditional cars. Checking in at 10,000-mile intervals, doing a regular tire rotation, and changing the cabin air filter are some of the typical maintenance tasks required. Given their popularity, most repair shops can handle routine maintenance of an EV.
