Right now, we’re sitting on something of a precipice moment. The UK has committed to banning the production of diesel and petrol-powered cars by 2030 but the adoption rate of electric cars remains relatively low. This is due not only to the high cost of electric vehicles (and the high cost to get them insured) but the lack of electric charging infrastructure in the UK.
That, however, is all about to change and we feel that now could actually be perhaps the very best time to invest in the future of driving and get on the electric bandwagon.
Running costs
Whilst electric cars are usually significantly higher in price than those with combustible engines, they are much cheaper to run and have fewer parts and components that need replacing often. For example, brake pads receive less wear and tear from the electrified system and there is no need for gearboxes, clutches, and exhausts. With the notoriously uncertain economic outlook and the insane price of petrol right now, looking for long-term savings in an electric vehicle might be a smart move.
Car choice
Whereas electric cars were once seen as luxury items that only the top 1% could afford (we’re looking at you, Tesla), a new generation of more affordable electric cars is starting to appear in showrooms across the country. The Nissan Leaf was arguably the first and most notable but the recent launch of the Vauxhall Corsa e represents a new dawn in the era of affordable electric cars.
Government grants
The government are offering some quite intriguing incentives if you buy an electric vehicle. The benefits will likely change over time but currently, all EVs that retail for under £35,000 (such as the aforementioned Vauxhall Corsa e), qualify for a £2,500 grant. Not only that, but drivers pay zero road tax on electric vehicles under £40,000 and get a 100% discount from the London Congestion Charge. There are also reduced or zero parking charges in certain locations and the number of those locations is growing by the day.
Charging
The worries about being able to charge your vehicle on the road wherever you are in the UK will soon be a thing of the past. There are now more than 42,000 charging points across the UK in over 15,000 locations – more places to charge than petrol stations. There are also apps to help plan your journey in case you need to charge at the last minute. Home charging units are fairly easy to install too and mean you can charge your vehicle fully overnight with minimal fuss.
Investing in the future
Petrol and diesel vehicles, and even hybrid cars, are harmful to the environment and climate change is something we should all be taking more seriously given current weather patterns. Electric cars help to reduce greenhouse gases and set an example for other drivers on the road. It’s an important decision to make, and it’s one that more and more drivers really need to start taking into consideration.