Whether you’re in the market for a new car or you’re simply thinking about making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV), there’s plenty of food for thought. With the increased taxes on petrol and diesel drivers and the imminent 2030 ban of new sales on its way, it may feel like time is not on your side.
But are EVs worth the hype? Is there enough infrastructure in place to cope with the growing demand? There’s a lot to consider as we battle range anxiety and weigh up upfront costs vs running costs.
Here are 6 reasons why you should buy an electric car:
Zero tailpipe emissions
With the recent COP26 UN Climate Change Conference and the PM’s ten-point plan for a green industrial revolution announcement made at the end of last year, one thing is clear: Britain is moving towards a sustainable future, where the country becomes a global green leader.
As part of the government’s bid to tackle climate change, tailpipe emissions have been addressed. Since 2019, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have discovered that 27% of all UK emissions are due to transport. As a result, the government have accelerated their plans for a net-zero emissions target of 2050 and brought it forward to 2040.
Then there is the blanket ban of all new petrol and diesel sales set for 2030, with the outlawing of hybrids five years later. By then, a new car will either be a pure electric motor or a hybrid that can “drive a significant distance without emitting carbon.”
While the PM is still ironing out the finer points, your driving days in a traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) motor are soon coming to an end.
EVs are better for the planet
With zero tailpipe emissions and improved air quality, as a result, EVs are much better for the planet.
While EV production is still harmful to the environment, manufacturers are improving their processes and incorporating as much renewable energy as possible throughout the process. But when you weigh up the longer-term benefits, including up to 60% fewer emissions than most new petrol and diesel cars during a vehicle’s life span, EVs stand out above the pack.
Avoid emissions penalties
Today, you’ll struggle to drive anywhere in an ICE car without facing some kind of emissions-related penalty. With CO2 emissions the deciding factor, the standard car tax you can expect to pay after the first year is £155 for petrol and diesel cars and £145 for hybrids and alternative fuel cars.
Purchased a car for more than £40,000 new? Well, you’ll have to pay an extra £355 per year for five years, on top of the standard rate.
However, electric car owners remain exempt from car tax and are not subject to the £40,000 rule.
Then you need to consider further travel. If you live or work within London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), then you’ll be well aware of the tighter restrictions in place throughout the capital.
Motorists can face a £12.50 daily charge or more to travel within the ULEZ boundary lines (up to the A406 North Circular Road and the A205 South Circular Road, respectively). Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round, with the exception of Christmas Day, a quick trip to your local supermarket can land you a hefty fine if you fail to pay the charge.
But there are some exceptions. Currently, if your vehicle is Euro 3, Euro 4 or Euro 6, hybrid or pure electric, you do not need to pay a penny.
With more Clean Air Zones (CAZ) popping up in a city near you, owning a non-compliant vehicle is quickly going to become a costly affair.
Lower running costs
Keeping your EV running will cost you far less per year than your petrol or diesel vehicle despite high upfront costs. Typically, you can expect to pay no more than £3.40 per full charge (100 miles range), which is considerably cheaper than filling up a full tank with the current fuel prices.
With electricity costs lower in the evening and overnight, you will quickly see the difference in your bank balance each month. Make your purchase with car finance, and you can enjoy all the perks of low monthly repayments while reaping all the other benefits.
Even if you have a poor credit rating, bad credit car finance is available to help you rebuild your credit score and get you on the EV ladder.
Performance
Did you know most electric motors can reach their maximum torque instantaneously? This means little waiting time for the engine to spool and performance that easily matches your average ICE vehicle.
But more than that, as you sit idle in traffic, hybrid and electric cars automatically switch their engines off. So less fuel is burned in the process, and all that unspent energy keeps your radio and air-con running as you wait.
High tech appeal
It’s safe to say, EVs are typically more expensive than your average motor. They can vary considerably in terms of price, range, size and a whole bunch of other factors. But, one thing that they all have in common is the dazzling array of high-tech equipment rammed inside.
First off, they tend to cost a lot more than a regular car which is no surprise considering the amount of research and development that goes into battery technology alone. So you as the consumer need to feel like you’re getting a decent payoff in return. That means oodles of safety kit, luxury gadgets, clever tech and more to get you hooked on the idea alone.
Progressive, forward-thinking tech is all part of what makes the EV revolution so appealing. No longer are you adding to the climate crisis, but instead, you get to enjoy high-end performance, fun tech and more, while reaping all the cost benefits. With the government investing £6bn in infrastructure, the future of the roads is set to change, and soon.
Electric cars are no longer a space-age fantasy. With more emphasis on zero tailpipe emissions, and governments pushing to ditch fossil fuels entirely, change is coming. Whether you’re biding your time or are eager to make the switch to an EV, there’s never been a more exciting time to switch up your vehicle.
