What are the disadvantages of new energy vehicles?
3 Answers
Charging difficulties and slow charging. As new energy vehicles are not yet widely adopted, many cities or regions lack charging stations, making charging inconvenient. Additionally, the power system of new energy vehicles is not yet mature, resulting in slow charging times that typically take several hours, which is inconvenient. Short driving range. For an electric-powered new energy vehicle, the battery storage capacity is limited, thus restricting the continuous driving range. Generally, it is not possible to travel very long distances. After-sales service is still immature. As a "rising star" in the automotive industry, new energy vehicles are still being explored and improved in various aspects. Regarding after-sales maintenance, there are not many skilled technicians available for timely repairs, causing significant inconvenience to vehicle owners. Higher costs. To enable multiple charges and sustained use, electric vehicles require additional lithium battery costs. Currently, the cost of power lithium batteries is around 2,000 yuan/kWh. For a car with a 500-kilometer range, a battery of over 90 kWh is needed, costing 180,000 yuan. Even if costs can be significantly reduced in the future to match the cost of lead-acid batteries, it would still cost 80,000 to 90,000 yuan.
I find the biggest drawback of new energy vehicles is the hassle of charging. It's fine for city driving, but long-distance trips can be stressful. The actual range is unstable—a claimed 500 kilometers often translates to just over 400 in reality. Charging stations are scarce, and waiting in line for half an hour at highway rest stops is common. Charging is slow too; even fast charging takes 40 minutes, disrupting travel plans. The initial price is also high, costing tens of thousands more than fuel-powered cars. Battery degradation is rapid, with replacement costs hitting 50,000 to 60,000 yuan after five years—a scary prospect. Maintenance is inconvenient as most repair shops avoid high-voltage systems. Cold weather worsens the situation, cutting range by half in winter and making prolonged use of heating unfeasible. These drawbacks deter many potential buyers. I recommend renting one for a few days first to assess charging point density and daily needs.
I've done the math on the economics of buying a new energy vehicle, and the primary drawback is the high cost. The vehicle price itself is expensive—even with government subsidies, it's still 20,000 to 30,000 yuan more than a comparable fuel-powered car. Insurance costs are opaque, with additional fees for battery coverage. Maintenance down the line is a headache, as battery lifespan typically requires replacement in six to eight years, costing tens of thousands—almost like buying a new car. The used car market performance is poor, with low resale value; after three years, it might only be worth half. Charging infrastructure is insufficient, especially in remote areas, where finding a charging station might require detours. Range anxiety is common, with air conditioning or uphill driving draining the battery quickly. While you can save on fuel costs, the time spent charging is a significant drawback—waiting around for a 30-minute fast charge is downright boring. These downsides hit the pain points of budget-conscious buyers, so it's advisable to research local charging networks and policy support before purchasing.
