AutomobileGator
There may be a few reasons why getting an electric vehicle could be on your mind at the moment. As the UK heads closer to the 2030 diesel ban and the government’s pledge to slash emissions by 78% by 2035, you may be thinking an electric car could be right for you. Many drivers are already taking the plunge and with more options for electric car finance now available, could now be the perfect time for you to get an EV? Let’s explore the benefits of getting an electric vehicle.
What is an electric vehicle?
An electric vehicle is powered by an electric motor rather than a traditional combustion engine. They are environmentally friendly vehicles because there’s no tailpipe that releases harmful emissions into the environment. Electric vehicles have rechargeable batteries that power the electric motor instead. They can be charged through home chargers or public charging stations, which are powered by electricity from the grid.
What is a hybrid?
If you’re not ready to go fully electric, you could consider a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle uses more than one means of propulsion to power a vehicle. Hybrid cars are usually powered by an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, such as petrol or diesel. Hybrids can be broken down into 3 categories, full hybrids, mild hybrids, and plug-in hybrids. A full hybrid uses both a traditional combustion engine and a small electric motor. A full hybrid can use both means of propulsion, but can also switch into electric-only mode. A mild hybrid is the same as a full, but the two engines can be used independently of one another. Plug-in hybrids move the full hybrid concept closer to a full EV because the electric motor can be charged by plugging it in.
Why are electric cars good?
Better for the environment
The main benefit of electric vehicles is the impact that they have on the environment, or lack of impact. Electric vehicles don’t produce any harmful emissions and contribute towards improving overall air quality. Less emissions mean reduced greenhouse gases, which accelerate the rate of climate change. Adopting an electric vehicle can help to reduce the rate of climate change across the world.
Improved range
A common misconception around EVs is that they don’t have enough electric range. When electric vehicles were first produced, they had limited range. However, advances in battery technology have significantly improved the range of electric vehicles. For example, the Mercedes EQS has one of the longest electric ranges with a whopping 485 miles!
Better buying options
When electric vehicles first came onto the market, many people couldn’t afford them. Due to their sophisticated technology and lower running costs, sale prices of electric vehicles es can be higher than other alternatives. However, you can now finance a new or used electric car through hire-purchase or PCP car finance deals to help spread the cost. If you’re looking to buy a new EV, you can also benefit from a government grant of up to £1500 off your chosen vehicle.
Lower running and maintenance costs
As mentioned above, electric cars can benefit from lower running costs when compared to petrol or diesel alternatives. On average, an electric car can cost as little as £1.30 to drive 100 miles! Which is much less compared to a £20 trip to the fuel station. Electric motors also have fewer parts to maintain, so in theory, have a lot less to wear out. This helps to reduce repairs and maintenance costs.
2030 diesel ban
The 2030 diesel ban is the UK government’s incoming ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel. The sale of hybrid vehicles will also be banned from 2035. After this point, drivers wanting a new car will have to buy all-electric, or a car fuelled by hydrogen. Many drivers have decided to join the electric revolution early and adopt a fully electric car into their lifestyle.
