Electric cars have gained popularity. Sales of electric cars in the U. S. U. S. hybrids (including plug-in and all-electric hybrids) doubled in 2021 to 630,000. Sales rose the most in the early part of 2022, with more than 414,000 electric cars sold.
Electric cars (EVs) are also making inroads among American doctors. In the last two Medscape Lifestyle reports
When you make the decision to buy an electric car, automotive experts present you with your driving habits, priorities, and what’s realistic for you.
“An electric vehicle can save you a lot of time as a daily driver, provided you have the opportunity to qualify at night at home and even in the workplace during the day. Most models now have at least 250 miles of diversity before you have to plug them in,” says Erik Johnson, virtual director of MotorTrend magazine.
“However, if you’re on call in a giant area, a plug-in hybrid might make more sense. Many have an electrical diversity of 35 miles or more for shorter trips, and still offer the peace of mind and comfort of an engine fuel for long trips or unscheduled trips,” Johnson says.
The pros and cons vary, as do value labels. Many car brands have now added electric vehicles.
Charles Gelber, MD, a retired nephrologist in Summit, New Jersey, owns a Tesla and finds it’s “cool” to drive. He was attracted to the affordability of the Tesla 3 versus the Tesla S and Y. Gelber paid $36,000 in 2019 for his Tesla 3, which has a 250-mile range with a fully charged battery.
“I bought an electric car to minimize the adverse climate consequences of fossil fuels,” says Gelber. “It’s great to drive without exhaust fumes and without having to go to gas stations. “
Gelber likes to play with his car’s automatic “Toybox. “
“There’s a silly feature that makes cushion noises come from any seat. No matter how inflexible or suitable my passengers are, it makes you laugh,” he says. Other Toybox features include “car-aoke,” where you can sing lyrics on the screen, and other little gags and tricks.
Richard Nitzberg, MD and vascular surgeon at Summit, went crazy after driving a Tesla S for years.
“This is the first time in my life that I enjoy driving a car,” he says. “Acceleration is out of the ordinary. ” Nitzberg paid $90,000 for his first Tesla S in 2014 and sold it this year to help pay for a new Tesla at $99,000. This car has a travel of 400 miles.
Besides the tips and jokes, what are the disadvantages of an electric car?
EV owners like to never have to stop at gas stations and pay for fuel again. A 2020 Consumer Reports study showed that electric car drivers tend to spend about 60% less each year. in fuel than drivers of fuelline-powered cars.
Also, since electric cars don’t have a motor, some owners say they require less maintenance and repairs.
On the charging side of the equation, EV owners see their monthly electric power costs add up due to the home load. You may also want or want to pay an electrician to charge a 220-volt outlet in your garage for quick charging. Gelber and Nitzberg said it charges them between $1,200 and $1,500.
Also, replacing an EV battery after several years or a decade is expensive. New batteries can cost anywhere from $5,000 for a Nissan Leaf to $20,000 for a Tesla, according to an article from Electronics360.
The shortage of electric vehicle charging stations (there are now around 45,000 nationwide) can create a major headache for doctors planning a longer trip.
“I know some Tesla enthusiasts like to take some time and plan ahead, but I’d rather not worry about where I can charge,” Nitzberg says. You may reconsider driving the new Tesla with a 400-mile drive.
Another challenge is the long time it takes to fully qualify a car; Depending on the battery life and speed of the charging station, the duration can vary from around half an hour to 8 or 12 hours. Electric cars also lose battery functionality in very low weather conditions.
Overall, however, Gelber loves driving his electric vehicle and expects more doctors to switch to electric cars, as gas-powered cars won’t be available over time. 2040.
President Biden recently signed into law the Reducing Inflation Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President Biden signed into law and have implications for EV buyers, including:
$7,500 federal tax extension for eligible electric vehicle buyers
Elimination of the limit of 200,000 sales in the U. S. According to the vehicle manufacturer, after which those cars are no longer eligible for a tax credit
$5 billion investment in vehicle charging stations
Suggests a ceiling on the selling price of electric vehicles
Many doctors will not be eligible for the revised federal tax credits because they earn more than the limits of the new source of income ($150,000 for single applicants, $300,000 for co-filers). If you qualify, keep in mind that the electric vehicle will have to be assembled in the United States, that its sale value cannot exceed $55,000 for sedans or $80,000 for pickups and SUVs, and that the racer will need to give you a certificate attesting that the electric vehicle meets those requirements.
Even if you’re not eligible for the tax credit, you could possibly claim a federal tax deduction. In addition, several states offer tax incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, according to Kelly Blue Book.
A Colorado doctor commented in a blog post that he would get $11,000 in state tax credits for buying a Tesla 3 for $60,000. “This puts the car in a more general value range, after tax credits. We expect minimal maintenance and electric power is reasonable for gasoline,” he wrote.
Tesla seamlessly dominates the U. S. EV sales market. The U. S. government dominates the luxury sector. The luxury electric vehicle competition comes with Lucid Air (which starts at $77,000 new with a diversity of 520 miles with a fully charged battery, according to U. S. News).
But doctors can take advantage of more electric car options. Examples: The Chevrolet Bolt sedan ($31,500, up 259 miles on a full charge) and the Kia electric SUV ($40,900, 310 miles), according to U. S. News
With more EV options, doctors can compare reliability, cost, and battery life. “It’s just what you think,” Gelber says.
Christine Lehmann, MA, is editor and editor of Medscape Business of Medicine founded in the Washington, DC area. He has published in WebMD News, Psychiatric News and The Washington Post. Contact Christine on clehmann@medscape or Twitter @writing_health
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Credits: Images: Rosemarie Gelber
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