Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular across the United States. Numerous electric vehicles are hitting the market, produced both by new brands, like Tesla, as well as longstanding auto manufacturers, like Nissan. Mechanics specializing in foreign auto repair in Conway, AR are now having to adjust to the changing ways that cars operate and are manufactured.
Electrification in cars is a spectrum. Some semi-electric vehicles, like most hybrids, still host a physical engine. Most modern mechanics’ shops can still repair and service these vehicles. Other electric vehicles, however, like Tesla-brand cars, have almost no mechanical components. Many fully electric cars rely on proprietary tools and knowledge to ensure that they can only be repaired and serviced by the manufacturer. This means that only Tesla-certified technicians at a Tesla dealership are able to repair these highly specialized vehicles.
Many people invest in electric vehicles because they believe that doing so will reduce their overall impact on the environment. Contemporary research, however, shows that electric vehicles may not be any friendlier to the environment than a standard gasoline car. Electric vehicles rely on rare earth minerals, like lithium and cobalt, to operate successfully. Mining these minerals often uses up massive amounts of energy, and results in decimated local ecologies. Additionally, if your local power grid generates electricity using coal, the carbon output of an electric vehicle may actually be equal to that of a gasoline vehicle, battery production notwithstanding.
While it’s true that some vehicles are indeed capable of being repaired by non-proprietary technicians, there are still substantial drawbacks associated with electric car ownership. Here are just some of the most common issues associated with today’s electric vehicles:
- Limited range: Today’s top electric vehicle models, including Tesla-brand cars, can travel roughly 200 miles on a single charge. While this may be sufficient for short road trips and getting around town, it’s not suitable for long-distance driving. Additionally, more affordable models often have ranges as low as 80 miles per charge.
- Long charging times: Most electric vehicles require an overnight charge when plugged into a standard 120-volt outlet. While this time may be cut down to about six hours or so on a 240-volt outlet, these can be difficult to find outside of your home. Even public speed charging stations may take as long as 2 hours to fully charge your electric vehicle.
- Battery issues: Electric car batteries aren’t made to withstand extremely low or high temperatures, so if you live anywhere with an undesirable climate, you may want to reconsider your prospective electric vehicle purchase. Additionally, battery replacements can be just as expensive as purchasing an entire new vehicle.
For nearly a decade, Riverdale Automotive has been one of the premier places for foreign auto repair in Conway, AR. We specialize in servicing and repairing European vehicles, including Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz cars. Whether you’re in need of brake replacement or are just looking for a routine oil change and auto inspection, you can count on our knowledgeable automotive professionals to provide you with the highest possible standard of care. Reach out to one of our friendly representatives today to learn more about how we can help you keep your car in tip-top shape.