What are the pros and cons of Stromer?

What are the pros and cons of Stromer?

On the one hand, there is a lot to be said for modern drive technology. On the other hand, there are also enough reasons that speak against the Stromer. We compare the advantages and disadvantages and classify them!

Hardly any other topic is discussed as controversially among drivers as electric cars. While there are numerous arguments in favor of modern drive technology, there are also plenty of reasons against it. To shed some light on the darkness, we compare the advantages and disadvantages, you can use a car mount in your car.

THE ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC CARS AT A GLANCE

• Subsidies from the state and industry: Electric cars are still more expensive to buy than comparable models with combustion engines, mainly because of their drive technology – even if the prices are getting closer and closer. Electric vehicles have only had a real advantage here since the introduction of the e-car premium. The so-called environmental bonus was last increased on July 7, 2020 and extended in November 2020 until the end of 2025. The subsidy for the purchase of an electric car can be up to 9000 euros. In addition, the installation of private charging stations, so-called wall boxes, is being funded with a total of 200 million euros. Appropriate applications can be submitted to KfW from November 24, 2020. Up to 900 euros beckon here.
• Tax benefits: Electric cars registered between May 18, 2011 and December 31, 2020 are exempt from vehicle tax for ten years – even after a change of owner. And anyone who also uses their electric car privately as a company car has had to pay tax on only 0.25 percent of the list price as a benefit in kind since January 2019.
• Lower maintenance costs: Unlike passenger cars with combustion engines, there are hardly any wearing parts in electric cars. For example, costs for oil, filter or spark plug changes can be saved, a clear advantage. And the maintenance costs for the inspection are about a third lower than for vehicles with combustion engines because there are no wearing parts. Larger expenses such as a toothed belt change or a new clutch are also eliminated. In addition, the brake pads wear out much more slowly thanks to braking force recovery (recuperation).
• Don’t be afraid of driving bans: Not having to worry about diesel driving bans or environmental zones is another advantage of electric cars. The electric vehicles are spared any restrictions because they are locally emission-free.

• Parking privileges: In some cities, electric cars can park for free in public zones and in some cities there is also free electricity for charging. The prerequisite is that the Stromer have an E-mark. The Electromobility Act also creates the basic requirement for bus and taxi lanes to be released for electric cars as well. However, so far hardly any municipalities and cities have created the necessary conditions for this, as they often fear that local public transport will be impaired.  

• Lower noise emissions: Road traffic is still a dominant source of noise in Germany. Electric cars have a clear advantage here, as engine noise and vibrations are massively reduced, especially at low speeds. The associated danger for pedestrians and cyclists has been counteracted by an EU regulation since July 1, 2019: Since then, all new types of electric cars and hybrid vehicles in the EU have had to distinguish between starting and reaching a speed of 20 km/h and when reversing make an artificial sound. From July 1, 2021, the use of the so-called AVAS – short for Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System – will then be mandatory for all new cars with electric and hybrid drives.

THESE ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF ELECTRIC CARS

• Short range: Electric cars have so far been less suitable for longer vacation trips – even if there are more and more models that enable electric ranges of 300 to 400 kilometers. Ultimately, however, the range also depends on the individual driving style, the use of power guzzlers on board (air conditioning, heating, radio, etc.) and the respective weather conditions. Electric cars are still clearly at a disadvantage here. With advances in battery research, however, there is still a lot to do here. Check this page for different updates.
• Long charging times: Compared to refueling a diesel or petrol engine, charging electric cars still takes a long time, which is clearly a disadvantage for electric vehicles. Although fast-charging stations with charging capacities of up to 300 kilowatts should enable relatively short stops, at least electric cars have so far been able to charge that quickly. Even if the on-board charger allows a corresponding charging capacity, it ultimately depends on the individual condition of the battery, the weather conditions and the power grid as to whether this maximum speed can actually be achieved.
• Expandable charging infrastructure: The charging infrastructure for electric cars, which has not yet been sufficiently developed, is still a major disadvantage of the Stromer and for many a decisive argument against buying an electrically powered car. According to the Federal Association for Energy and Water Management, there are currently around 33,000 publicly accessible charging points in Germany. This compares to 136,617 registered electric cars (KBA, as of January 1, 2020). Most charging processes therefore take place at home or at work. However, especially in urban areas, very few have the opportunity to install a private wall box. In addition, paying at public charging stations is often problematic, the prices sometimes vary greatly and are all too often, sometimes significantly, above the household electricity price of around 0.30 euros per kilowatt hour.
• High costs in the event of a battery defect: By far the most expensive component in electric cars is the battery. And if the battery is defective, it can quickly become expensive. This is especially true after the warranty has expired. If it is not possible to exchange individual cell modules, the battery would have to be replaced completely. However, most workshops are not yet able to offer repair solutions that reflect current market value. In order to avoid this disadvantage of electric cars, there are models with the option of battery rental.
• Comparatively small model range & high prices: Even if the manufacturers are continuously expanding their range of electric cars, there are still far fewer different models to choose from than for cars with combustion engines. However, this disadvantage is likely to become more and more relative in the coming years. The same applies to the still comparatively high purchase prices for electric cars, which are likely to approach those of diesel or petrol-powered vehicles in the future, especially as battery research progresses.
• Low towing capacity: Among the purely electric cars, models with a reasonable towing capacity are still scarce. Another disadvantage: Very few of them have a trailer hitch at all, and usually only at an additional cost. The front runner among e-cars in terms of towing capacity is currently the Tesla Model X, with which you can hang up to 2250 kilograms on the hitch.