As college students, we are always looking for the best deals, whether it be a new laptop, some late-night grub or even our next new vehicle. With the recent rise and production of electric vehicles, it seems like everybody is jumping on the eco-friendly bandwagon. But in reality, when it comes to stability and reliability, gas powered vehicles still stand their ground. Here’s why you might want to wait to trade in that trusty, old box Chevy for a shiny new Tesla.
First off, I feel electric cars are basically just rolling computers. They are jam packed with a plethora of advanced technology that is kind of cool, but could maybe give the average person
a headache to manage. According to a study from the American Automobile Association (AAA) electric vehicles might require less maintenance than traditional cars but the cost of repairs can be significantly higher when something does end up going wrong. All of those complicated systems and hardware in electric vehicles mean that there are more points to attend to, which ultimately means a higher probability of points of failure. When your car battery or electric motor starts to act up, you could be facing repairs that would cost thousands of dollars, money that most college students don’t have around to play with. Gas powered cars, on the other hand, have been around for decades. Most mechanics are more than capable of handling repairs on these solid machines. When a gas car has a problem, you’re usually looking at a straightforward fix that won’t break the bank. When your car goes down, you want it back on the road as soon as possible, not stuck in the shop waiting on specialized parts.
Secondly, let’s talk about traceability. Electric cars are intricately designed to stay connected. Think about all of that information that they collect on your routes and driving habits. This might sound convenient, but it raises some serious concerns in my book. A 2020 report from Consumer Reports showed that the data collected by electric vehicles can be shared with manufacturers and other third-party companies which means your driving patterns could be tracked, which raises concerns about privacy. For a college student that truly values privacy and independence, the last thing I want is a car that’s a little too connected for comfort. Let’s be honest here. If you’re a student, your life is busy enough. You don’t need that extra stress of wondering if your car is going to leave you stranded because of some software glitch. Gas cars however tend to be more predictable. You know when to fill up the tank, and you also don’t have to deal with a computer when you’re just trying to go get groceries.
While electric vehicles certainly have their perks, such as lower emissions and maybe a smoother drive, they come with notable drawbacks that just can’t go ignored. As college students juggling classes, work, and social lives, reliability is key. Gas-powered cars have a tried and proven track record, easier maintenance, and far fewer tech-related headaches. So, before you dive headfirst into the electric wave, consider sticking with the gas option. Sometimes, the old ways are still the best ways, especially when it comes in between your time and your wallet.