Electric cars - also known as electric vehicles or EVs - are getting better all the time. They’ll be the norm sooner than expected, with the petrol and diesel car sales ban brought forward from 2040 to 2035.
Here are five reasons why you shouldn’t wait two decades to go electric.
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Pure EVs are powered entirely by electricity. That means no diesel or petrol and no exhaust emissions. In fact, there’s no need for an exhaust pipe at all on these cars.
Of course, the electricity used to charge electric cars may sometimes be generated from fossil fuels. But the UK’s energy mix is increasingly shifting towards renewables.
Even better, if you combine your electric vehicle with home renewable energy generation, such as solar panels, then you’ll reduce your car’s impact on the environment even further.
While buying an electric car won't do any favours for your electricity bill, the overall savings on fuel costs can be significant. Unlike traditional petrol or diesel cars, EVs are powered by electricity, which is generally much cheaper per mile.
Many EV owners find that using public charging networks, especially those offering lower rates or even free charging, further reduces their fueling costs. Over time, these savings can add up, making EVs a more economical choice for those looking to cut down on their expenses.
With many fewer moving parts than normal petrol and diesel cars, electric cars require less maintenance.
In fact, Zap-Map points to evidence from fleets showing that plug-in vehicles can reduce service, maintenance and repair costs by more than half when compared to conventional alternatives.
They don’t, for example, need oil changes because no oil is required to lubricate the engine. And, although they still have a brake pedal, thanks to regenerative braking you won’t be using it as often. That means less frequent brake pad changes.
EV drivers and reviews often talk of the fun of driving electric cars, even describing it as like playing a game.
Their unique features include the instant torque from the electric motor, which gives responsive acceleration. Also, no longer having to shift up through various gears enables EVs to accelerate faster, so they feel lighter to drive.
They’re also much quieter than other vehicles.
The government, as well as local councils, are taking various measures to promote electric cars.
Financial support includes exemption from road tax and a discount on brand new low-emission vehicles through the government’s OLEV Plug-in Vehicle Grant, up to a maximum of £3,500. Then, depending on where you live, you may find free parking spaces and free charging points!
Also, you can avoid paying charges in the increasing number of cities that are introducing Clean Air Zones in order to discourage polluting vehicles in an attempt to improve their air quality. For example, pure electric cars are exempt from the charge for entering London's new Ultra Low Emission Zone.
These perks and incentives are likely to grow, in order to encourage more and more people to discover the benefits of going electric.
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