We are all becoming increasingly conscious of our impact on the environment. For drivers, this means being conscious of how often we travel and the efficiency of the vehicles we are using. An increasing number of people are looking towards electric cars. However, you may be wondering whether an electric car is the right choice for you.
This article will look at the pros and cons of electric car ownership. We will also explore other transport options to help you reduce your impact on the environment, and possibly save money in the process.
Benefits of Electric Cars
The widespread adoption of electric cars isn’t just a passing fad. People are choosing them because they provide some genuine benefits.
- Lower Running Costs – Nowadays, fuel prices only seem to be getting higher. Charging an electric car is cheaper overall. Depending on your electricity provider, a full charge could cost less than £15.
- Less Emissions – Even the most efficient modern cars still produce toxic fumes that impact the environment. Conversely, electric cars produce far less carbon than regular cars, making them far more eco-friendly.
- Easy to Drive – Electric cars are often compared to automatic transmission vehicles for ease of driving. You do not need to change gears, leading to a smooth driving experience, and freeing you to focus solely on your journey.
- Quieter – An electric vehicle will make less noise on the roads than regular cars, vans, and bikes. This can result in a much more pleasant driving experience and is also nicer for the public, who can be disturbed by louder vehicles, especially at night.
- Tax Savings – Currently, electric vehicles do not require you to pay for road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty). They do, however, need to be registered. From April 2025, electric vehicles will be included in road tax payments in recognition of their larger presence on the UK’s roads.
The Viability of Electric Cars
This is all good news for anyone interested in buying an electric car. However, there are things to keep in mind that may affect whether they are right for you.
You may be surprised to learn that the concept of an electric car has existed since the late 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the 2000s that electric cars became a viable option on our roads, with them becoming accessible for mainstream drivers mostly in the past decade. Electric cars are increasingly challenging traditional petrol and diesel vehicles for dominance on our roads, with innovation making them go further and charge faster.
But what should you know before buying an electric car?
How Much Does an Electric Car Cost?
There are a wide variety of electric cars on the market today, ranging from small non-luxury vehicles to flashy cars from the world’s luxury carmakers. As such, there are a wide range of prices to be aware of when purchasing a new electric car.
According to NimbleFins, the lowest price for an electric car is £17,350 for a Smart EQ. The top price in the UK is nearly £139,000 for a luxury car from Porsche. However, most cars are not close to the upper price bracket. Instead, on average prices are between £26,000 and £80,000. Many of the most popular models cost between £17,000 and £27,000.
Of course, you can make additional savings by purchasing a second-hand electric car. As with regular vehicles, value decreases with miles and age. You can pick up a pre-owned electric car for around £10,000. However, if buying pre-owned, you should ensure the car’s battery is in good condition and that it is not subject to a lease agreement.
What is the Driving Range of Electric Cars?
An important thing to keep in mind when buying an electric car is how far you need to travel. Petrol and diesel vehicles can often go considerable distances on a single tank of fuel, so how do electric cars stack up?
They’ve come a long way from earlier models, many of which could only travel 40 miles – or less – on a single charge. However, nowadays even the least expensive models can go beyond 100 miles. This, though, may not be ideal if you travel often. Fortunately, there are electric cars with higher ranges, though these, naturally, come with a higher price tag.
If you are looking for a car to use on short trips to see friends or go shopping, however, an electric car may be the ideal choice.
How Accessible are Charging Points?
The range of electric cars isn’t necessarily an obstacle. Whilst longer trips may require some additional planning, the prevalence of electric cars has led to an increase of charging points around the country. Many petrol stations have charging points, some of which can charge an electric car in as little as an hour.
Most charging points do take longer to fully charge a car battery. For example, a home charging point is designed to be used overnight.
More electric vehicle charging stations are being installed across the country. This change is being financed by the government. However, whilst urban areas and motorways are certainly benefitting from these new charging points, criticism has been levelled on the unavailability in more rural areas.
Another area of concern is that not all charging points are fully accessibly for wheelchair users. High kerbs and heavy cables can make it impractical for people with reduced mobility to use charging points. This could, in turn, mean that electric cars may not be a viable option.
How Expensive is Electric Car Insurance?
Because electric cars are relatively recent additions to our roads, and are expensive to buy, you can expect insurance to come with high costs. This is because electric cars are expensive to replace, as are many of their parts. Whilst their systems may be simpler and easier to repair, it won’t come cheap.
There are also specialist insurance policies designed for electric cars, which whilst useful are also more expensive. These policies cover things such as taking your car to the nearest charging point if you run out of charge, covering damage to your battery, as well as essential components for the maintenance of electric cars.
As with all cars, you can save on insurance by shopping around for the best deals. You may also find that the savings from running costs help to cover your insurance, meaning you may still save money overall.
Should You Buy an Electric Car?
This choice will always come down to your needs and limitations. Use the information we have provided to inform your decision. If you are not a frequent driver, an electric car could be perfect. However, if you’re not willing to commit to an electric car, a hybrid vehicle could be the ideal compromise.
If you are considering sticking with more traditional cars, but are thinking about finding a model suited to your needs, consider our lists:
If you or a loved one are worried about driving, consider our guide on Deciding When to Stop Driving.
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