There could be many reasons why you are on the fence about getting an electric car. From their high purchase price to the cost of recharging, it can be hard to know whether an EV will fit in with your lifestyle. However, with the government’s pledge to help tackle climate change and the ban of new petrol and diesel cars coming in 2030, could this year be the one you get an electric car? The guide below looks to explore electric cars in more details and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
How do electric cars work?
Instead of using a tradition combustion engine to power your car, electric cars instead have an electric motor within them. The electric motor is powered by batteries which can be recharged through a number of ways. The bigger the battery pack, the longer the electric range your car can reach. Larger batteries tend to be more expensive and are found in EV’s with a higher purchase price. Depending on the type of EV you have, you can either recharge the batteries as you drive through regenerative braking or by plugging the car into a designed charge point or home charger. The power from the batteries is transferred to the electric motor which then turns the wheels. Electric cars tend to be lighter as the electric motor uses much light materials and provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
So, electric vehicle adoption has become easier and more convenient with the strategic placement of charge points at multiple locations. Electric vehicle charging stations for businesses are designed for EV owners, providing an efficient and reliable way to replenish their battery packs. Alongside home chargers, they form a crucial part of the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, making it practical for drivers to keep their EVs powered up. Moreover, many businesses are recognizing the importance of installing electric vehicle charging stations for businesses on their premises, catering to their eco-conscious customers and employees. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, these charging points play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable transportation landscape, encouraging more individuals to make the smart choice of transitioning to electric vehicles for a greener future.
Are electric cars affordable?
When it comes to affordability and electric cars, there are two things to consider. One being the initial purchase price of an electric car and the second being the cost to run. Firstly, electric cars use much more advanced technology which bumps up their initial purchase price. For many people, the only way they could get an EV is through an electric car loan to help spread the cost. However, car finance is never guaranteed and may only be offered to people with a good credit score. On the other hand, once you have an EV, the affordability of running one is a no brainer. It cost much less to charge an EV at home than it does to refuel your car with petrol or diesel.
Benefits of getting an electric car:
There are many reasons why drivers choose to adopt an EV into their lifestyle
- Better for the environment. Electric motors don’t produce any harmful emissions which means that there are less pollutants going into the air. Electric cars can help improve air quality and both human and environmental health.
- Buying incentives. Whilst electric cars can have a higher purchase price, there are government grants that you can take advantage of to help encourage drivers to get an eco-friendlier vehicle. The UK government grant means you can get money off the purchase price of a brand-new EV and there are also schemes to reduce the cost of having an at home charger fitted.
- Cheaper to run. Many drivers choose to charge their EV at home over night, which is the cheapest time to use the national PowerGrid as it tends to be used less at night-time. This helps to make the running cost of an EV significantly cheaper than refuelling a combustion engine vehicle.
- A smooth and comfortable ride. Many people who make the switch to electric comment on how silent and smooth they are to drive. Electric motors also take up much less room which can mean there is more space in the vehicle for passengers and the driver.
What are the drawbacks of getting an electric car?
Whilst there are so many advantages of getting an electric car there are a few factors that you should consider before you get one.
- Charging times. One of the drawbacks of getting an electric car is the wait to charge your vehicle. A petrol or diesel car means that you can refuel in a matter of minutes and be on your way but the fastest of EV chargers can take up to 30 minutes. This may not be the best option if you’re in a rush.
- Purchase price. As mentioned, a brand-new EV can be expensive to buy and if you’re using a car finance deal, you may be wondering what sort of loan you could get approved for you. It can be handy to use a free car finance calculator UK to get an idea of how much you could borrow. There are also used electric cars available on the market to take advantage of a lower purchase price.
- Charging points. Another factor to consider is the availability of charging points across the UK. Rage anxiety is a common problem amongst electric car drivers which the fear that their car will run out of battery before they reach their destination. Having an electric car requires a little more foreplaning before setting off on the road to see where the nearest chargers are, how long they will take and also how low your battery charge is.