There is no doubt that the electric vehicle trend is on a surge, with growing numbers of sales and more and more charging points. We recently looked at whether or not an electric vehicle (EV) might suit you. Here, we take a closer look at the benefits of driving an EV.
1 – Smooth and quiet!
Compared to common combustion engines, EVs appear to glide! First-time EV drivers will instantly notice the silence and smooth motion of an EV. What’s more, EVs have a higher torque, making the vehicle glide around bends effortlessly. Because of the instant power provided by the motor(s), acceleration is instant, providing the ultimate driving experience.
2 – Running Cost
At present, EVs tend to cost more to buy than petrol or diesel vehicles, but the price is slowly coming down. However, the cost of electricity is far lower than that of petrol or diesel. As a broad indicator, it will cost between £2 and £4 to charge an EV to a range of 100 miles. Going the same distance in a petrol or diesel vehicle will cost between £12 and £15. Based on an average annual mileage of 10,000, this could result in an annual saving of around £1,000. In addition, most EVs are exempt from paying car tax, resulting in an annual saving of at least £130 a year. The biggest saving, however, comes for London drivers, who, for a £10 registration fee, will be exempt from the city’s congestion charges under the Ultra-Low Emission Discount Scheme. Based on the standard £11.50 daily charge, a driver who usually pays the full fee 3 times a week will save over £1,700 a year.
3 – Convenient Recharging
Popping to the garage on the way home is one of the bugbears of being a driver. However, with EVs, those days are long gone. Simply drive home, park up and plug in; no stopping, no inconvenience. When you wake up the next morning, your car will be ready to go another 100 miles or more.
4 – Zero Emissions
Of course, the emissions are the biggest plus of owning an EV. Whilst there is much debate about the true green effect - that depends on the electricity source - the zero emissions are incontrovertible. Imagine cities with no smog! To ensure that you minimise your carbon footprint as much as possible, make sure you are switched to a green electricity firm; these days there is plenty of choice, so choose renewable sources.
5 – The Cons?
Of course, EVs are not perfect, but they are getting better all the time. The downsides are: limited range (but this is increasing, and some have a range of up to 300 miles); recharging time (this is continually improving and it is possible to recharge an EV in under half an hour); higher purchase price and fewer choices – these cons are likely to be gradually resolved as the EV revolution continues to grow.
Do you have an EV? Tell us about your experience on Facebook or Twitter.