When looking to purchase car there are lots of things to consider including the type of fuel your next car will use. But why should you choose an electric car over a petrol or diesel model? Here we look at some of the advantages to driving electric, and address some of the concerns you might have about switching. If you’d like to speak to one of our team you can get in touch using the enquiry button below.
Environmental Impact
Electric cars are better for the environment than a petrol or diesel car. An electric car will emit less greenhouse gases and pollutants over it’s life, even after you take into consideration the production and generation of the electricity needed to power it. The emissions created during the production of an electric car can be higher than during the production of a petrol or diesel car, but with advancing technology this is improving. Electric cars also help to improve the air quality in high traffic areas due to the fact they don’t produce emissions when driving.
Running Costs
Electric Cars are cheaper to run than their petrol or diesel versions. If we assume the average UK electricity price is around 14p per kWh and that an electric car can travel 3.5 miles per kWh on average then to travel 100 miles it would only cost £4, which is 4p per mile. In a petrol car this would cost around £11, or 11p per mile, if petrol is £1.25 per litre. The costs of both electricity and fuel will vary across the country, however the cost of filling up an electric car will generally be cheaper.
Topping Up
Most modern electric cars have a range that can easily cover most people’s daily use so finding a charging point when out and about becomes less of a concern. The car can simply be charged at home overnight ready for the next day. But, just like with a petrol or diesel car, if you’re making a long journey you may need to stop to top up. Most petrol stations and service stops now have charging points so you can top up your car’s charge while you grab a coffee.
Grants
The Government offers discounts on brand new low-emissions cars through a grant. This grant is given to dealerships and manufacturers and will be included in the vehicle’s price. The amount of grant depends on the category the vehicle is in up to a maximum of £3,000 for cars.
Reduced car tax
Electric cars are free to tax as their electricity comes from an external source. If the car you purchase has a list price of over £40,000 then you will still need to pay an extra tax if the car was registered after 31 March 2017.
Congestion charges/clean air zones
At the moment, all-electric cars are exempt from congestion charges. Some areas are introducing clean air zones, however any vehicle that is ultra low emissions will be exempt from charges for driving in these zones.
Ban of sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035
Electric vehicles sales are continuing to increase, a trend which is set to continue with the Government ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 looming as part of its aim to emitting virtually zero carbon by 2050. As a result people will only be able to buy only electric or hydrogen cars and vans. The committee on climate change also believe the cost of electric cars will be similar to that of petrol or diesel vehicles by 2025.
