The British government has set out plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040. While this won’t happen for a couple of decades, the decision alone shows that attitudes are changing, and more needs to be done to protect the environment. So, it’s good to be aware of the benefits of an electric car so you can make the right decision when it works best for you.
Electric vehicles are already growing in popularity. In fact, the SMMT found that there was a 48.9% year-on-year increase in ownership for August 2017, and the rise in drivers choosing electric cars is only set to continue. With this in mind, we’re going to look at the three main benefits that come with owning an electric vehicle. Read on to learn more.
1. They’re cheaper to run and maintain
While standard electric cars are typically more expensive to buy than their petrol or diesel counterparts, they are much cheaper to run. This means the initial investment should pay off in the long run.
Fully charging an electrical vehicle that has a 100-mile range costs £3–4, while travelling the same distance will typically use £18–19 worth of petrol, according to The Guardian. When you compare the two options like this, it’s no wonder more and more people are making the switch every year.
Electric cars are usually much cheaper to maintain than petrol and diesel vehicles, too. Combustion engines have hundreds of moving parts, while there are only around 20 in an electric motor. As a result, electric vehicles are much less likely to develop a fault, so they usually require fewer repairs over their lifetime. This means they typically cost much less to maintain.
Additionally, the price of electric vehicles has dropped significantly in the last few years. Developments in the technology is helping to keep costs down, and companies such as Lookers offer scrappage schemes that allow motorists to trade in their existing car for a new, eco-friendlier model. This is a great option if you’re interested in buying an electric car but are worried about the price tag that’s usually associated with them.
2. They’ll help to shrink your carbon footprint
The UK government has estimated that a quarter of our greenhouse gas emissions come from transport. So, if you’re interested in doing your bit for the environment by shrinking your carbon footprint, investing in an electric car is a great place to start.
Of course, electric vehicles still have an impact on the environment — most of them are charged using electricity from the national grid, which is powered by almost 50% fossil fuels, according to Ofgem. But, they’re certainly a step in the right direction. The Renault Group recently released a report which found that, even when you factor in the effects of generating the electricity they need to run, electric vehicles are far better for the environment.
You could reduce your carbon footprint even further by charging your car with electricity that has been generated in a more sustainable and eco-friendly way. For example, you could install solar panels on your home, or switch to a green energy supplier.
3. They’re practical and offer great performance
In the past, electric vehicles didn’t offer a lot in terms of performance. However, some of the biggest vehicle manufacturers in the world have been working on creating the best electric cars possible, which means the technology has developed a lot in the past decade or so. As a result, their performance and capabilities have improved massively. Most models are also lighter than petrol or diesel cars, and they can generate a lot of power from a standing start.
Additionally, electric vehicles don’t need a large engine, which means manufacturers have more space to play with. Therefore, they’ve been able to design their electric cars to have more cabin space, which means they’re a great choice for families and those after extra leg room.
If you’re shopping around for a new car, don’t dismiss electric vehicles. They’ll help you to shrink your carbon footprint and could save you some money in the long run.
What’s not to like about that?
