Electric car adoption has been rising for a while. Now, with the UK government set to end the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, even more people are considering the switch to electric.
The switch to electric vehicles seems inevitable, but 2030 seems far enough away to stick with petrol or diesel for now. So why should you make the switch? In this guide, we’ll discuss electric vehicles (EVs) and whether they are right for you, and why you might want to switch to electric sooner than later.
Are Electric Cars Cheaper Than Petrol?
Generally, an EV will have pricier purchase costs than petrol and diesel counterparts. The higher price point is a result of EVs using lithium-ion batteries. The process of turning raw lithium into useful material that can be used in EV batteries is long.
This extended process is necessary to create effective batteries, but it raises costs. Another factor is that fewer electric vehicles are made than alternatives, so the production costs are spread across fewer vehicles. As demand increases, we should see the effect of higher production costs per car decrease.
Where the savings for electric cars come into play is the running costs. Maintenance, fuel, and tax costs are significantly cheaper for electric vehicles. The push towards electric vehicles by the government means there are incentives in place too. The UK government’s ultra-low-emissions vehicle grant can help you save on the initial cost of an EV. Check out their website to see what vehicles qualify and how much you could save on them.
Despite a potentially higher initial cost, the ongoing savings can make EVs better value over the vehicle’s lifespan.
How Electric Cars Benefit The Environment
The government’s push toward electric cars is part of their net-zero goals. Petrol and diesel vehicles are leading contributors to air pollution. EVs produce no carbon dioxide when driving, leading to better air quality in towns and cities. Even when you factor in production emissions, the reduced emissions from driving make EVs a greener option over the vehicle’s lifetime.
There are continued advances making electric vehicles and even greener options. Currently, a third of the emissions from the lifetime of an electric vehicle come from production. As technology continues to advance, these emissions will be reduced. There have also been advances in reusing and recycling electric batteries.
Electricity produces fewer carbon emissions than petrol and diesel. The gap in these emissions increases with moves towards low carbon and renewable electricity sources. With ongoing advances in various technologies, the carbon output of electric vehicles is continually decreasing.
How Easy Is It To Switch To EVs?
We’ve discussed how EVs may be lighter on the wallet than you may have thought. And the environmental benefits are a huge incentive for making the switch to electricity. But how easy is it to switch?
Switching from petrol or diesel to electric may be easier than you expect. EV charging points are becoming more commonplace, meaning you’ll have plenty of options to charge your vehicle. You can also have an electric car charging point installed at your workplace or home. This is another expense you would not have with a petrol or diesel car.
However, electric car charging point installations are surprisingly affordable. You can save money on an EV charging point with government grants too. The option to charge your car at home or work is certainly convenient.
How Well Do Electric Cars Drive?
So far, we’ve covered costs, environmental impact, and how easy it is to make a switch to electric. But for many people, these points are redundant if the cars aren’t fun to drive. Thankfully, many EVs perform excellently. And there are great options at every price range.
Electric cars are highly responsive. This means you don’t need something with all the bells and whistles to have a positive driving experience. Their powerful motors respond well, which is great for acceleration. EV batteries are placed on the car’s floor, allowing for a low centre of gravity. This, combined with a stiffer suspension, can give a sporty feel whilst remaining comfortable.
Of course, the specifics for each car vary and the best way to know if you like how well a car drives is to drive it. If you’re considering switching to an electric car, take a few out for test drives.
Are Electric Cars Worth It?
Electric cars have a lot to offer. The higher initial cost can be offset with lower running costs. Grants for electric cars and EV charging stations add to the affordability.
Plus, you can do your bit for the environment. You can make the change to electric easily and don’t have to sacrifice your vehicle’s performance to do so.
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