Urbanites have the most to gain from driving electric vehicles because EVs don’t produce any nasty tailpipe emissions that harm everyone’s health. They are quiet and therefore don’t contribute to noise pollution, and they are also at their most efficient and cleanest in stop-start traffic. This is because there’s no need to have an engine running at all times to keep the vehicle powered up.
However, the paradox is that even though EVs make the most sense to own in a big city, it is also where they are most challenging to run. The struggles are multiple, and while they don’t outweigh the benefits of driving electric, they may put a dent in some potential EV owners’ enthusiasm to get something powered solely by batteries.
Urban Charging Isn’t Easy
Urban Charging Isn’t Easy
Charging remains a major challenge for those who want to drive an EV in a big city. For apartment dwellers, finding a suitable charging solution is the biggest issue, due to the lack of private chargers and insufficient public charging options.
Acquiring a private charger would be ideal for overnight charging and minimal impact on the grid, but not everyone has access to this. Instead, individuals are forced to rely on limited and often occupied curbside or public charging stations with associated waiting times.
Moreover, the choice between fast charging and slower alternatives brings additional complexity, with implications for battery longevity and charging time.
EV Parking Restrictions
EV Parking Restrictions
EV parking restrictions are becoming more common, often due to concerns over safety and structural strain, as well as changing public policies. This raises additional challenges and can limit convenient parking options for EV owners.
Winter Challenges
Winter Challenges
Winter poses specific challenges for EVs, including decreased battery efficiency, potential range loss from cold temperatures, and reliance on public charging infrastructure. This exacerbates the struggles faced by EV owners in urban areas.