LIFESTYLE
4 Reasons Why You Should Make the Switch to an Electric Vehicle
When we pictured the year 2024 back in the day, we thought that cars would be flying by now. However, it’s Electric Vehicles (EVs) which have become widespread with the official entry of brands like BYD and Tesla. If you want more familiar brands, there are also, of course, models such as the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 which we reviewed.
If you have vaguely entertained the thought of owning an EV or haven’t considered it before, X user @faisalmaps shares his thoughts on why he made the switch from an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle to an EV.
He wrote, “I never really thought of changing to an electric car because I’m too used to an automotive engine car. I'm the type who enjoys travelling long distances to places like Johor Bahru, Penang, and often into Thailand using my car. So, before this, I didn't think electric vehicles (EVs) were suitable because when you travel far using a car which runs on petrol, you just need to refill quickly."
Government Tax Exemptions
"But after BYD and Tesla officially entered Malaysia, I started to take an interest in EVs and began studying them. Moreover, the government is providing various incentives for EVs, making it even more appealing to consider." Read more about tax exemptions for EVs in Malaysia here.
"I'm not interested in KIA/Hyundai's EVs because the price range is high, and the design doesn't appeal to me. Especially now that Tesla has entered the market, it's disrupting the EV market prices because Tesla has become the benchmark for pricing. To me, Tesla is like the 'iPhone' of EVs with its excellent ecosystem."
Look into your car usage habits
Another factor to consider befor making the switch is to look into your car usage habits. "After doing research, I reconsidered my car usage habits. Despite my frequent travelling, the reality is that 90% of the time I drive around only the Klang Valley. So, approximately 90% of the time, I charge at home."
He added, "Furthermore, when I do travel, it's usually on weekdays or off-peak times. I tend to avoid travelling during peak seasons, long weekends, or festive seasons because I'm ‘allergic’ to heavy traffic; I prefer smooth journeys. Besides, my hometown is also within the Klang Valley, so there's no issue with traffic jams when returning to my village."
"I'm also the type who doesn't drive fast; I usually max out at 130 km/h. I don't like wasting fuel, so it's eco mode all the way for me. With EVs, when you drive at moderate speeds, battery consumption is even more economical."
He explained that the switch to EVs made sense as he realised that EVs are indeed suitable for him and his family. "After studying about EVs, I've learned that fast charging doesn't necessarily take up to an hour. Even if I want to go to Hat Yai, the range of the Tesla Model 3 can easily reach Alor Setar, so I can charge in Penang or Alor Setar for just 15-20 minutes before heading to Hat Yai, That's a typical restroom break time, so I don't see any issues. Even upon reaching Hat Yai, charging for another 20-30 minutes to drive around for a day or two sounds feasible.”
Where You Can Charge
Meanwhile, he stated that the increase in DC fast chargers across Malaysia made him feel even more confident about switching to an EV. "In 2023 and 2024, there's news every day about new DC fast chargers opening, and the current charging stations are getting more aesthetically pleasing, making them more inclusive.”
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If you want to locate an EV charger, you can also use PlugShare or A Better Route Planner (ABRP). A total of 2,214 EV charging stations have been installed so far, and the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) targets to have 10,000 of them by 2025.
“When the installation rate of DC fast chargers accelerates nationwide in Malaysia, and the coverage expands, range anxiety will become a thing of the past. However, one problem I foresee is queuing at the charging stations, which might occur during festive seasons when everyone heads back to their hometowns. As I mentioned earlier, it won't affect me much because, as I said, my lifestyle revolves around staying within the Klang Valley and avoiding peak travel times.”
Cost-saving
He also shared that one major factor which impacted his decision to switch to EVs was because of how cost-saving it can be. “Tesla interested me in EVs because of its ecosystem, especially its Supercharger network. Their no-service policy, unless required, is great. Tesla is amazing because there's no periodic service requirement, which is a game-changer compared to other EV brands that still have periodic servicing.”
“I'm the type who likes to save, so if there's a cost-saving solution, I'll choose that. Previously, I used to spend around RM400 to RM500 per month with a petrol car, but with an EV, it's only RM33 for a full charge. My home electricity bill only increased by around RM100+ after using the EV, totalling around RM300+ per month. So, I save about RM4000 per year,” he shared.
TLDR
He summed it up by saying why he felt that EVs are suitable for him:
- 90% of my driving time is within the Klang Valley
- I usually travel off-peak times or weekdays
- My driving speed is moderate
- Cost-saving on "fuel.
- No periodic servicing required.
“Having young children, another point that makes me feel the Tesla Model 3 is suitable for my family is has a spacious boot, quiet cabin, and rear screen for the kids to watch YouTube or play games. Now, with both kids in the car, they remain calm and quiet.”
While your driving habits may differ from his, do your research and consider buying an EV to save the climate!
Featured Image Credit: Vanrama, CarTrade