Where it used to be that climate change felt like something people knew very little about and certainly didn’t worry about, times have changed. With each passing year, the urgency to do what people can slow down the negative effects they are having on the environment becomes stronger.
It’s about finding ways to leave less of an environmental footprint and help the planet to recover. And while there are plenty of ways in which everyday people are going about it, the push to transition to electric vehicles is getting stronger worldwide.
To help speed along the process, the government in the UK has created several laws; all meant to encourage electric vehicle use. A ban on selling diesel and petrol cars and vans will take effect in 2030, whereas hybrids will have until 2035. So, with those dates looming, many consumers are now asking whether now is the time to make the switch to an electric vehicle.
The thought of owning a new family car has now taken on a new meaning as we have the choice to go for style, comfort, luxury and do our bit for the environment. An electric family car is going to be top of the list for us in the coming years as regulations change so is now the best time?
Looking for the driving range, motor configurations, safety features, EV charging points and overall cost of running a brand new electric car is no different from the research needed for a traditional fossil fuel burning car.
Let’s take a look at everything you should know about switching to an electric vehicle, including all the benefits, so that you can make an informed decision.
It’s Not Necessary – Yet
Here’s the critical thing to point out: right now, in 2023, switching to an electric vehicle isn’t necessary. As the new laws indicate, the ban on sales of diesel and petrol cars and vans doesn’t take effect until 2030, so you still have time. But the question is, do you want to wait until the last minute? Electric car vehicle ownership is different, so why put off the inevitable? If you need a new vehicle this year, asking yourself why you should bother waiting may be worth asking.
The new law has also allowed for potential hydrogen-powered cars, which could be part of the future. Currently, only a couple of models are available in the UK, but it’s hard to know what the future holds for this technology, so the new rules leave the door open.
Take Advantage of Lower Operating Costs
In researching the advantages of owning an electric car, the big one is lower operating costs. Charging your vehicle is much more cost-effective than diesel or petrol, especially over the past few years when both prices have fluctuated so drastically.
There may be a concern that since electricity is so expensive right now, it will negate the savings that once existed. The surprising news is that electric cars are still cheaper to operate. While it’s true the margins have shrunk over the past year or so; you will still save money.
Maintenance and Repairs Can Also Present Cost Savings
Owning a car has its disadvantages, as maintenance and repairs are something you need to factor in. Even if the car is brand new and still under warranty, only some things are covered, and certainly not regular maintenance. Electric vehicles tend to be cheaper in this regard too.
There is a simple fact that electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than their diesel and petrol counterparts. Fewer parts in the car tend to mean fewer issues. Fewer parts are prone to wear and tear, breaking down and causing problems.
You Can’t Beat the Comfort of the Ride
One thing that people only sometimes talk about regarding electric vehicles is the comfort of the ride. Get behind the wheel of an electric car, take it for a test drive, and you’ll immediately notice just how smooth it is and how quiet the car operates. When you turn the vehicle on, you don’t hear the typical loud sounds of the engine; instead, it’s quiet and fast.
Another feature that may surprise you is how quickly an electric vehicle can accelerate. It has a really punchy feeling because when you accelerate, it reacts immediately. This can take a little getting used to, as it is so different. Experts suggest using the vehicle’s “eco” or “chill” mode if applicable. This calms down that jumpiness as you adapt to the new feeling.
Using the brakes will also feel quite different, and keep in mind that electric vehicles don’t coast. This is meant to conserve battery power, so it’s an energy-saving feature.
Dispel the Myth That a Charge Won’t Take You Far
Often, a big reason drivers remain on the fence and are scared to take the plunge in purchasing an electric vehicle is that they are afraid that they will constantly need to charge it, and the range won’t get them far. Technology has evolved so much in terms of batteries that this fear is something of the past. It’s time to dispel this myth once and for all. And remember, technology continues to advance, and batteries in electric vehicles will only get better.
Generally speaking, you won’t need to charge your electric vehicle daily for typical use, but it’s still wise to charge it at home overnight. Statistics show that as of 2023, the average range that electric vehicles get on a charge is just over 200 miles.
And speaking of charging, be aware that not all chargers have the same power ratings. This will affect how fast the charge is. The higher the kilowatts (kW) measurement, the faster you can charge your vehicle. Public rapid chargers are the fastest option right now, but they also come in different power ratings.
Leasing Options are Available
It’s not the technology that is holding you back but the cost of a new vehicle. With inflation still much higher than most drivers are comfortable with, a big-ticket purchase may be outside the budget.
Leasing options are available for electric vehicles, which make the payments much more affordable than financing an electric vehicle. The cost will be affected by the type of electric vehicle you choose and how you plan to use it. If you have the money, you can pay a portion upfront, and this also helps to bring down the cost of the payments.
Another benefit of leasing is that it allows you to get into a brand-new vehicle and know that in a few years, you can trade it in and get a whole new one, starting the leasing process over if you choose.
How does insurance work on a leased vehicle? You will pay for insurance during the lease period. You’ll need to speak to your provider to let them know you are leasing, rather than acting as the keeper or registered owner of the vehicle.
In speaking with the provider, they can talk to you about the different types of coverage offered. You can visit this site to access a handy insurance guide on what’s included in a leasing policy, along with all the other basics of what to expect with an electric vehicle. Some policies will cover additional things, such as full battery cover for accidental damage, wall boxes, theft, fire and more.
It’s normal to feel a bit of apprehension, doubt and even worry about making the switch to an electric vehicle. There is a lot to learn and a lot of adjustments to be made. But none of these factors should be seen as a negative, as electric vehicles are the way of the future and can provide you with a decent amount of cost savings over time.
