The Pros and Cons of Buying an Electric Car in Nigeria 

Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular as people look for more environmentally friendly ways to get around. They offer many benefits but also come with their disadvantages. In this article, we’ll look into the pros and cons of getting an electric vehicle here in Nigeria.

Pros of Buying an Electric Car in Nigeria 

• No fuel required

Electric cars don’t need fuel, so you save money because you don’t have to buy petrol. Fuel prices keep going up, which hurts your wallet, especially in places like Nigeria, where we have oil but still pay a lot for petrol. Electric cars are cheaper to run because electricity costs less than petrol. If you charge your car at home with solar panels, you save even more on energy bills for your car and your house. So, you can avoid spending money on petrol every year with an electric car.

• Reduced Noise Pollution 

Electric cars help reduce noise pollution because they are quieter than traditional cars. They provide a smooth drive with quick acceleration and can cover longer distances. However, the quietness of electric cars has created a new problem: pedestrians, often distracted by mobile phones and headsets, may not hear them approaching. 

• Low cost of maintenance 

Since electric cars run on electrically powered engines, there’s no need for engine lubrication or other maintenance tasks associated with combustion engines. This means expensive engine work with electric vehicles is a thing of the past. As a result, maintenance costs for these cars have significantly decreased. You won’t need to take your electric car to the service station as frequently as you would with a traditional fuel-powered car.

• No emissions

The best thing about electric cars is that they benefit the environment. They run on electricity, so they don’t release any harmful gases or smoke. Unlike hybrid cars, which still use some fuel and produce emissions, electric cars are cleaner. By driving one, you’re helping to keep the planet green and healthy.

• It is safer 

Electric cars are tested like other cars and are safer because they’re more stable in crashes. Airbags deploy, and electricity shuts off in accidents, reducing injuries. They’re less likely to explode without fuel. However, electric car fires may need a different method to be put out because of how they’re built, which can still cause fires later on.

• Convenience 

Charging an electric vehicle is convenient, and you won’t need to rush to a fuel station anymore. You can even charge it at home using a regular household socket.

• Unique storage system

Since electric vehicles don’t have traditional engines or transmissions, and their batteries are usually placed low and out of the way, EVs often come with unique storage solutions. These may include larger, front trunks, or “frunks,” and spacious storage cubbies inside.

Cons of Buying an Electric Car in Nigeria 

• Limitation of Recharge points

Electric vehicle charging stations are still not widely available, especially in rural and suburban areas. This can make it difficult to find a place to recharge if you’re on a long trip or visiting in such areas. It’s important to plan ahead and consider installing a charging station at your home or workplace to ensure you can charge your electric vehicle when needed. This lack of charging options is especially problematic for urban dwellers who live in apartments and don’t have access to at-home charging. As a result, finding charging stations can be stressful and may lead to range anxiety, particularly during long journeys.

• Electricity isn’t free 

Electric vehicles save money on fuel, but charging them costs money too. If you’re not careful, your energy bill can go up. Buying an electric car might not be a good idea without your research. In Nigeria, where electricity isn’t always reliable, you might use diesel generators to charge your car, which defeats the purpose. Charging an electric car uses a lot of power, so your electricity bill could get high. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to look into other ways to charge your car, like using solar power.

• Longer recharge time 

It takes a lot longer to charge an electric car than to charge a petrol car. This means you need special charging stations because it can take several hours. This long charging time and the need for planning can be a hassle for some people. But there are special kits that can make charging faster, although they cost extra. It’s something to think about before getting an electric car. Luckily, as technology gets better, charging times will probably get shorter in the future.

• Short driving range and speed

Electric cars currently have limitations in terms of both driving range and speed. Many electric vehicles have a limited range before they need to be recharged, making long journeys challenging. This limitation, often referred to as “range anxiety,” is a significant concern for prospective buyers. However, improvements in technology are expected to address these issues in the future. While short driving ranges and lower speeds are current drawbacks, ongoing technological advancements will likely lead to improvements in both areas.

• Not a lot of choices

Currently, there aren’t as many options for electric cars as there are for traditional ones. While the electric car market is growing, it still offers fewer customization choices. Unlike traditional cars, which already have a wide range of customization options, electric cars lag behind in this aspect. This might be a drawback for some people who value having a variety of choices. However, as the electric car industry continues to develop, more customization options will likely become available in the future.

• They are quite expensive 

Electric vehicles are expensive because they are not yet produced at the same scale as traditional cars. Making lithium-ion batteries and electric motors is more costly than producing internal combustion engines. However, as technology advances, the production costs of electric vehicles are expected to decrease, making them more affordable shortly.

Conclusion 

Electric cars are a great step towards cleaner transportation. While they have challenges, they also offer many advantages. As technology improves, we’ll likely see even more improvements in electric cars in the future.