Electric cars, partially due to the Tesla buzz and startup culture, are becoming ever more popular in the country. Racing around the city, then parking the sports car in the garage and plugging in a sleek power cord, has a feel that’s futuristic and mature. It takes you back to childhood when toys had to be charged with batteries and power cords. But imaginations and wallets aren’t always the same thing, and there are plenty of people that think the “garage charge” isn’t convenient. Here are five reasons why people don’t buy electric cars (and why it might be changing):

1. Performance

First and foremost, people who love cars might look down on electric vehicles. They see them as less powerful and less sporty than regular gasoline-powered vehicles.

The motors sound different, which is another downside. How can batteries compare to grease, oil, and the smell of gas?

While first-generation electric vehicles struggled with the power and “cool” factor, the entrance of next-gen electric vehicles have turned public opinion. Now, higher cost electric vehicles can easily pack the turbo and punch that drivers demand.

2. Charging

Nobody wants to sit in their garage and wait for their car to charge. Naturally, people want their cars to take them from point A to point B quickly. They don’t want to wait around for that to happen.

Thankfully, charging times are rapidly decreasing as electric vehicles become more advanced. It’s even becoming possible to charge your electric vehicle while you shop.

3. Range

Electric vehicles scare away buyers frequently because of “range anxiety.” Still, most consumer electric cars can now push 200 miles or more in a single charge. Tesla vehicles go well over the 300-mile mark.

While it still isn’t ideal for the cross-country road trip, electric vehicles are quickly gaining the range to keep up with their gas counterparts. Charging infrastructures will only increase as time goes on, making it easier to recharge your electric vehicle while buying your groceries. Eventually, we will be able to go wherever we want with an electric car.

4. Price

Sticker prices turn away potential customers. What many people don’t understand is electric vehicles have hidden savings that aren’t seen in the brightly colored price tag.

The U.S. government still offers some tax rebates to electric vehicle purchasers, although you have to be careful what you buy. Plus, the cost of maintaining gasoline-powered counterparts is significantly more expensive. Typically, electric vehicles require little to no maintenance, even after a lot of miles.

People also worry that, while saving on gasoline, their electricity bills will skyrocket. But charging with electricity is about 50% cheaper than filling your car with gas, per mile. So while the initial investment is high, the price of an electric vehicle over the long run is more comparable to gasoline variants.

If the price is a concern for you, don’t forget to check out our top cheapest electric vehicles list.

5. Availability and Maintenance

Electric cars still make up only 3% of the car market. As such, it can be difficult to find dealers, and even more challenging to find qualified mechanics for repairs.

Many car companies recognize this problem and have taken steps to deal with it. Some companies, like Tesla, will send a mechanic to your house if no dealer is in your area. With electric cars experiencing less mechanical difficulties, you won’t need the mechanic as often anyway.

Do You Have a Reason You Don’t Buy Electric Cars?

We would love to hear about it. Leave us a comment and let us know.