Consider this if you still rely on controlled explosions housed in 350 pounds of metal and moving components to go from here to there: The internal combustion engine was invented in 1863, and while it will live to see its 160th birthday, it will face extinction in 2023 as electric cars take even more of its market share.
The new year will usher in an outstanding array of new electric vehicles, new tax advantages, increased affordability, and, of course, renewed interest in cleaner, greener energy.
If you’re in the market for a car, you have two options: invest in the future of ground transportation or invest in a technology that did to horses in the twentieth century what EVs are doing to gas vehicles now.
The shift away from gas cars became a trend for good reason: EVs are cleaner, more efficient, and more sophisticated, and they are becoming less costly to buy and own with each passing year.
“The first area where the electric car does significantly better is the cost of ownership,” said Matas Buzelis, president of the Association of Automotive Intelligence and head of communications at carVertical. “Moreover, it’s not only about charging because the maintenance expenses for an EV are significantly cheaper when compared to a car powered by an internal combustion engine.”
Furthermore, EVs are more likely than equivalent ICE vehicles to have modern amenities and technology. “You can calculate your own EV cost-payback based on your usage, but here’s something purchasers aren’t thinking about,” said Trevor Curwin, head of partnerships at in-car payment tech company Sheeva.AI. “The reconfiguring required to manufacture EVs provides a chance for automakers to redefine how you use your car.” Because they are always connected, EVs tend to be a car that does a lot more for you — stuff you’d typically receive from your smartphone or laptop. An EV outperforms the SUV in your driveway in terms of technology.”
It’s not only a more spaceship-like cockpit; EVs provide advanced performance features that all but the most expensive ICE vehicles lack. “Most jobs need less effort for an EV,” stated Buzelis. “In overall, it seems like a next-generation car because of how it distributes power and, most of the time, remains perfectly silent.”
Buyers may now choose from inexpensive short-range commuting EVs to ultra-luxurious touring vehicles with 500-mile battery ranges and six-figure price tags.
“More popular manufacturers have lately announced entry in the EV market,” CARiD.com product training director Richard Reina remarked. “Legacy vehicle manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen sell one or more EVs, which are normally priced substantially lower than EVs from premium brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.”
According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), 16 new models will be introduced in 2023. According to Visual Capitalist, 134 EV vehicles will be in production by 2024, up from 125 in 2023 and 100 in 2022.
In addition, despite the impacts of inflation, the electric category will be more accessible than ever in 2023. According to Edmunds, the 2019 Chevy Bolt EV, Nissan Leaf, Mini Cooper SE, and Chevy Bolt EUV all start around $30,000 — and that doesn’t include government incentives.
The new regulation calls for a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions for new cars and 50% reduction in CO2 emissions for new vans by 2030 compared to 2021 levels, and a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035, virtually barring the sale of new combustion engine automobiles.
Motorists can continue to drive gas-powered cars purchased before the 2035 deadline and will be able to acquire used gas-powered vehicles after the laws go into effect. Here is a list of states that have taken measures to implement California’s zero-emission car regulations or laws that are comparable to them.
At Truoosh, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Truoosh may earn commission.
