Shall I buy an electric car?
Electric cars have experienced a surge in popularity over the years, and it's no surprise as to why. More and more EV models are being designed and produced, giving drivers many options to choose from when buying an electric car.
With rising fuel costs, the ULEZ charge, and the 2030 ban looming, it's never been a better time to forget the fuel and go electric. We've outlined the key advantages that come with owning an electric car.
Contents
- Lower environmental impact
- Cheaper running costs
- Ease of charging
- Smoother driving experience
- No congestion charge
- Exempt from ULEZ fees
- Government grants for electric cars
Lower Environmental Impact
When it comes to fuel, the clue is in the name. Electric cars use electricity in rechargeable batteries to power the car's motor, rather than using fuel.
This means there are no harmful emissions released into the environment that you'd usually get from petrol and diesel vehicles, making an electric car's carbon footprint and contribution to air pollution much lower.
As an EV produces no emissions, this means you also don't pay any road tax for driving an electric vehicle. So, not only is it a greener way to drive, but you also save your pennies in the long run.
Cheaper Running Costs
If no road tax isn't a big enough incentive to go electric, maybe the lower running costs will be.
It's considerably cheaper to charge an EV than it is to fuel a petrol or diesel car, with the cost per mile to charge an electric car usually being much cheaper than other fuel alternatives.
The cost of charging depends on the location and charge point network, but with subscriptions available and the prices being generally much lower than petrol and diesel, charging an EV is a much more affordable driving option.
Not only is charging your vehicle cheaper, but the servicing costs are also lower as there are fewer mechanical components in electric cars that need maintaining and replacing, like oil filters and spark plugs.
Ease of Charging
A common worry when switching to an EV is the availability of charging points. But this shouldn't be something that holds you back from buying an electric car, as there's so many options when it comes to charging.
With plenty of affordable charging stations around the country that are constantly being improved and added to, you can charge your car in service stations, at roadside points, and you can even have a home charging point installed, making charging an easy and hassle-free experience.
Home charging is a real benefit for electric car owners, as it gives you the freedom to charge your car overnight from the comfort of your own home.
You can even get the majority of the installation cost of a home charger covered by the EV charge point grant through the government, saving you even more money.
Smoother Driving Experience
A final added incentive for a lot of drivers looking to make the switch to electric cars is just how fun they are to drive.
There's no hassle from the clutch or changing gears to deal with, similar to automatic vehicles, but you also don't have all that noise from a petrol or diesel car, making electric vehicles a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.
Instant torque and no idling means you don't wait for the motor to spool, making electric cars generally much faster to accelerate.
If that isn't exciting enough, you can also get mobile apps that allow you to control your EV from your home, so you can heat or cool the car before you even start driving, giving you the ultimate driving experience before you even step in the car.
No Congestion Charge
One of the standout advantages of owning an electric car is the exemption from congestion charges in many cities in the UK, making daily commutes both smoother and more cost-effective.
In built-up areas with heavy traffic, congestion charges are often imposed to curb traffic jams and reduce pollution. However, electric vehicle owners enjoy a clear advantage. They're typically granted an exemption from these charges, allowing them to navigate through city centres without incurring additional fees.
Additionally, in cities like London, where congestion charges can be quite substantial, the savings over time can be significant. It's a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment, making electric cars a practical choice for city driving.
Exempt from the ULEZ charge
ULEZ is an initiative aimed at reducing air pollution by imposing fees on vehicles that don't meet strict emissions standards. If you reside in London, you'll appreciate yet another perk of electric cars: exemption from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are inherently cleaner, emitting zero emissions. Consequently, they're typically exempt from the ULEZ charge, regardless of whether the zone is in operation in your city or if it expands in the future.
So, while others may be burdened by additional fees when driving in areas with ULEZ restrictions, you can enjoy the freedom of navigating these zones without any financial penalties. This exemption not only saves you money but also aligns with your commitment to a greener and more sustainable way of life.
Government grants for electric cars
The government actively supports the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) through various incentives that primarily focus on reducing the cost of owning an electric car.
Incentives exist for home charging point installations, workplace charging schemes, and, as aforementioned, exemptions from congestion charges and ULEZ fees. These combined efforts have been put in place to encourage the purchase of electric vehicles across the UK.
Find your perfect electric car with Evans Halshaw
Whether you're already set on going electric or just starting to consider switching, we hope these top four benefits of having an electric car will help you make the change and go electric.
If you're already set on switching to electric, you can view our top deals on electric vehicles, or if you're looking for more information on electric cars, head over to our blog section to read more.
