Is It the Right Time to Upgrade to an Electric Car?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a topic of interest for drivers who are thinking about choosing one as their next vehicle. Just like with any technology, it improves and moves on. So, there’s always the tendency to say, “I’ll upgrade next year.” Nevertheless, there are current incentives that are expected to diminish or be removed entirely when waiting. Essentially, the UK government is incentivising drivers to make their next car run on electricity. Should you take the plunge?
Start By Removing Any Confusion About Electric Cars
Electric cars have changed so much over the years that motorists are often a little confused about them. Just like anything new, it’s a little scary. Will the vehicle run out of power in the middle of a shopping run? Can I take it on long trips? If you’re wondering about these issues, then fill in this form to find out more information.
Will the EV Run Out of Power on Trips?
Just like with filling up with petrol or diesel, it’s necessary to keep an eye on the fuel gauge or battery reading. This is not that different. There are also early warning systems, so you don’t get caught out with a flat battery. Tests have been performed on EVs available in the UK. The distance achieved for an EV partly depends on the capacity of its battery pack, but also the energy efficiency of the vehicle and how it’s driven too. For instance, the Mazda MX-30 SE-L Lux with its 30kWh battery has an official range of 124 miles. Most vehicles will have a shortfall from the official potential range and real-world experience of 10-20%. Then there’s an Audi G4 e-Tron model that has a beefy 77kWh battery and therefore sports a 308-mile estimated range. Most EVs achieve miles per kWh of between 3.4 and 4.1, approximately. Therefore, mostly it’s about how large the battery is.
Planning your trips with charging stops in mind can significantly reduce the worry about running out of power. With the growing installation of commercial EV charging stations, it’s easier than ever to find a place to recharge. These stations are becoming more common along highways and in urban areas, ensuring that drivers have ample opportunities to top up their batteries. Improved infrastructure supports longer journeys and enables electric vehicle travel to be more convenient and practical.
Is an EV Cheaper Than Another Vehicle?
EVs in the UK can be more expensive compared to some alternatives. With that said, there is a market for previously owned EVs that’s alive and well too. However, mostly the potential buyer is someone looking for a mid-range or better vehicle for £20,000+. When you’re in that market segment, then there begins to be a range of vehicle options to consider. The real benefit though, is when you own and drive one:
Charging is Cheaper than Fuelling Up
The cost to charge up an EV at home depends both on when it’s done and which electric tariff you’re on. It pays to switch to an economical tariff to save money on the higher electricity usage. Also, charging the EV overnight takes advantage of night-time rates where there’s less demand and the costs are significantly lower. When switching tariffs and charging at home, at night, then the cost per mile can be significantly lower.
For example, the Hyundai Kona Electric can cost as little as 3.5 pence per mile on a low-rate tariff. Their Hyundai Kona 1.0-Litre Petrol is approximately 14.8 percent per mile. Even their Hybrid model costs 10 pence per mile.
As the above numbers indicate, the cost per mile can be at least three-quarters less than with petrol cars of a similar size. How much this could save annually depends on the average miles travelled, which is different for everyone.
City Charge Zones for Older Vehicles
The expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which charges for inefficient vehicles, is 18 times larger now within inner London. This hasn’t pleased everyone, including those who live just inside the zone. However, it’s a sign of the times to encourage the use of EVs that meet the standard and avoid the £12.50 daily usage levy entirely.
Other cities within the UK are bound to follow their own plans. Not only is it an additional revenue source, but it encourages upgrading to an EV to avoid the charge altogether. It depends on how often you hop into your vehicle to what degree the costs add up for a calendar month. However, for people who either live inside or need to enter the ULEZ zone regularly, it can easily become a couple of hundred pounds a month. This begins to make EVs an effective cost-saving measure.
There is always a case for people to wait for the next improvement in technology. The same goes for laptops, TVs, etc. For instance, look at car batteries for EVs – they’ve increased in capacity and reduced in price dramatically over the last five years. While improvements to battery optimisation, size, and how far an EV can be driven on a single charge will undoubtedly improve in the coming years, why wait?
While it’s not yet necessary to abandon your current vehicle in favour of an electric one, once the time has come to replace it, going electric is worth strong consideration.
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