Five Things Car Enthusiasts Should Know About EVs

Are electric vehicles worth it for gear-heads?

 Car enthusiasts are the lifeblood of the automotive industry. They stand for a fundamental truth we can all agree with: Driving should be fun. But as the world moves toward a carbon-neutral future, it’s tempting to write off electric vehicles as a huge departure from power, performance, and passion. The reality is that the future looks plenty exciting for enthusiasts everywhere. Here are five things they should know and what they can look forward to.

1. Are Electric Cars Fun to Drive?

Electric vehicles were initially known for quiet efficiency, which may not get the attention of drivers who love high-revving engines and heel-toe shifting. But today, there’s a lot for car enthusiasts to love. It all starts with power. Modern electric motors produce instant torque, helping the Tesla Model S outpace many of the world’s fastest supercars and earn the title of fastest production vehicle. And as battery technology evolves, cars stand to become lighter and faster than they already are.

It’s not just about speed in a straight line either. The world’s leading automakers are hard at work ensuring that EVs are just as capable as their internal-combustion predecessors. They’ve already proven that electric sports cars can deliver sharp handling and that electric pickup trucks can deliver serious utility. And while nothing can replace the sound of a naturally aspirated V-8, there’s also nothing like the futuristic hum of an EV.

2. Are Electric Vehicles Worth It?

In a word, yes. Electric vehicles are more than just great daily drivers. While they may not have three pedals and a stick, they’re practical enough to haul groceries, comfortable enough to sit in traffic, and aren’t subject to fluctuating gas prices. There are also plenty of fun EVs that are fast and capable. Unsurprisingly, enthusiasts are saving a space in their garage for an EV.

With more EVs being built and charging stations expanding across the country, the future is unmistakably electric. And today, EVs are better than ever when it comes to range, reliability, and fun. There’s also plenty more innovation to come as automakers race to develop next-generation models. That’s good news for anyone who loves to drive and is looking to add something new to their garage.

3. Why Are So Many People Switching to Electric Vehicles

With significant investments in R&D and infrastructure, there’s no doubt that electric vehicles are the future. Car subscriptions will further expand access to EVs, helping drivers free themselves of fossil fuels and debt. This transition will be key to helping states reach their emissions reduction targets, with California banning new gas-powered vehicles from being sold starting in 2035. Will these cars be banned outright? No, but it’s unlikely gas-powered vehicles will be produced at scale in the next decade.

We’re in the middle of a major transition to EVs. But even if every automaker stopped selling new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, many still have years of life left in them. Look no further than the iconic nameplates still being built with naturally aspirated engines and manual transmissions. To ensure these vehicles can still run, the industry is developing synthetic fuels that can replace gasoline entirely.

4. What Are Synthetic Fuels?

When they are finally available, synthetic fuels will provide a sustainable alternative to gasoline. Vehicles that currently run on unleaded fuel will be able to run on synthetic fuels that produce significantly fewer tailpipe emissions, all without any modifications. In time, synthetic fuel could even be made of carbon captured from the air. That’s good news for enthusiasts who will eventually have a substitute for high-octane gasoline.

So will synthetic fuels replace gasoline? Some of the smartest minds in the world are hard at work developing synthetic fuels, which can power the cars we love while producing far fewer emissions. That means gas-powered cars will naturally become more sustainable and less dependent on fossil fuels. The same goes for motorsports. In fact, Formula 1 plans to power its engines with a 100% sustainable fuel by 2025.

5. Can Gas-Powered Cars Be Converted to Electric?

Curious about converting a classic car into an EV? These conversions started as a do-it-yourself project and are now surging in popularity. The concept is simple. Out goes the original powertrain; in goes an electric motor and batteries. The goal is to preserve as much of the vehicle’s original characteristics while creating a modern driving experience. And instead of gas, it can be hooked up to a charger, just like a modern electric vehicle.

EV conversions are becoming increasingly popular, with at least one major OEM offering factory conversions for classic models. They’ll even retain the original powertrain, making it easy for owners to revert to an internal combustion engine whenever they like. Don’t be surprised to see more programs like this in the future, and more familiar cars powered by electricity.