Electric vehicles (EVs) have gone from niche curiosity to mainstream option in just a decade. Automakers are rolling out more electric cars than ever, governments are incentivizing adoption, and charging infrastructure is growing rapidly.
But for gearheads and car enthusiasts, the EV revolution isn’t without its trade-offs. Let’s take a realistic look at both the downsides and upsides of EV ownership in 2025 — from battery technology to driving thrills — so you can make an informed choice.
The Downsides of EVs
1. Battery Longevity and Replacement Costs
While EV batteries have improved, they still degrade over time. Most manufacturers warranty batteries for 8–10 years or 100k miles, but replacement costs can run $10,000–$20,000+ depending on the car. That’s a major consideration for long-term owners.
2. Copper and Resource Demand
Each EV uses significantly more copper wiring than a gasoline vehicle — some estimates put it at 2–4x as much. Multiply that across millions of cars, and you’re looking at global resource strain, potential price spikes, and new mining operations that carry their own environmental impact.
3. Charging Infrastructure and Convenience
Fast charging is expanding, but road trips still require planning around charging stations. Charging times — even at the fastest stations — are still measured in tens of minutes, not the five minutes it takes to fill a gas tank.
4. Weight and Repair Costs
EVs are heavy due to their battery packs. That extra weight affects tire wear, suspension components, and crash repair costs. Shops may also charge more for EV repairs due to specialized training and equipment requirements.
5. Driving Experience — Missing the Engine Sound
For many enthusiasts, an EV’s silence feels soulless. The visceral feedback of a roaring V8 or a high-revving four-cylinder is part of what makes driving fun. While synthetic sound systems are improving, they’re still a poor substitute for the real thing.
The Upsides of EVs
1. Instant Torque and Thrilling Acceleration
There’s no denying that EVs are quick. The instant torque delivery makes even a family crossover feel like a sports car off the line. Some high-end EVs are now beating supercars in quarter-mile times.
2. Low Maintenance
No oil changes, no spark plugs, no timing belts. EVs require far less routine maintenance than their gasoline counterparts, which saves both time and money.
3. Lower Operating Costs
Charging at home is usually cheaper than buying gas (depending on electricity rates). EVs are also more efficient in stop-and-go traffic, which makes them ideal for city drivers.
4. Future-Proofing and Incentives
Governments worldwide are encouraging EV adoption with tax credits, HOV lane access, and lower registration fees. Owning an EV can help future-proof you against tightening emissions regulations.
5. Quiet, Comfortable Ride
While some enthusiasts miss the noise, others enjoy the peaceful, vibration-free cabin that EVs provide — making road trips more relaxing.
Final Thoughts
EVs aren’t perfect — and they aren’t for everyone. But they are a rapidly evolving technology that offers exciting performance benefits and long-term cost savings. If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool gearhead, you might still prefer the sound and feel of an internal combustion engine. But the best part? There’s still time to enjoy both worlds.
Bring Car Culture Into Your Home
Whether you love EVs or you’re sticking with gasoline classics, car culture is about passion and craftsmanship. At Clock9Nine, I build one-of-a-kind clocks from real car parts — timing chains, gears, pistons — salvaged from classic engines. These motorized clocks feature rotating gears, paying tribute to the precision mechanics that got us here, whether you’re into old-school V8s or new-school electric motors.
Check out the collection here and bring a piece of automotive history to your man cave, garage, or office.