The popularity of electric cars is on the rise and it’s easy to see why! Not only do electric cars help to tackle the rate of climate change but they can also have low running costs and provide a fun driving experience. The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from 2030 too, so many drivers are looking to make the switch to an eco-friendlier vehicle sooner rather than later. If you’re considering an electric vehicle for your next car, you may be wondering what the advantages and disadvantages are of owning one. The guide below has been designed to determine whether an electric car could be right for you.
Benefits of owning an electric car
For many drivers, the benefits of owning an EV make the buying process very easy.
Better for the environment
One of the main reasons that people adopt an electric vehicle are the environmental benefits. Electric cars don’t have a tailpipe and instead use an electric motor to power the wheels. With no traditional combustion engine involved, electric cars don’t provide any harmful pollutants into the air. These emissions are harmful to the environment and increase the rate of climate change. No emissions released by electric cars mean clearer air and improved health for all.
Low running costs
One of the other benefits of owning an electric car are the low running costs. When compared to a petrol or diesel alternative, you don’t need to pay for fuel and instead can charge the battery for as little as a few pounds each day. The most cost-effective way to charge your electric car can be at home by having a charging point installed at your home. Servicing and maintenance costs can also be lower as the electric motor has fewer moving parts when compared to a traditional combustion engine.
Buying incentives
The purchase price of electric cars can be much more expensive than other alternatives. However, if you are buying a brand-new EV, you can benefit from government grants which help to reduce the cost of buying outright. The best website to buy used cars will depend on your needs, budget, and level of warranty desired. There are also more used electric cars on the market now too, meaning you could spread the cost with an electric car loan on a second-hand model.
Fun to drive
There’s no denying that driving an electric car is a pleasant experience. Many people are still surprised at how quiet and relaxing they are to drive. Electric cars aren’t completely silent though and if you are worried about them being too quiet, any electric car after 2017 had to be fitted with an alarm that is sounded at low speed to help warn pedestrians and cyclists of their presence. EVs can also be nippy to drive as the power is transferred straight to wheels when you press the accelerator.
Disadvantages of getting an electric vehicle
There’s no denying the benefits of owning an EV are massive but there are a few drawbacks you may consider before you decide to invest.
High purchase price
As mentioned above, electric cars are much more expensive when compared to petrol or diesel alternatives. For many people, a brand-new electric car will be too far out of reach. You could spread the cost with PCP car finance but you will need to get approved for finance first and monthly payments can be higher than other used car options too. If you are looking to make your money go further, an electric one may not be suited to you.
Charge point availability
Electric cars need to be plugged into an electric power source to be recharged. If you don’t opt for a home charger installation, you will have to rely on public charging points. For many large cities, there are lots of charging points available but for regions that are less populated, it can be hard to find a public charging point near you. These increases range anxiety amongst drivers which is the fear that they will run out of charge before they reach their destination. It is hoped that in coming years, to coincide with the petrol and diesel ban that the charging network will expand massively.
This comes from a demand of enterprises and commercial places who want to walk with time and be competitive and new styled, who want to have the latest technological advancements. The growth of electric vehicle commercial charging stations for businesses not only caters to the needs of individual drivers but also contributes significantly to providing accessible and reliable charging infrastructure. By strategically locating these charging stations in areas with high traffic and ensuring their availability across various regions, businesses can play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and facilitating sustainable transportation solutions for communities.
Higher insurance costs
In the UK, having insurance for any vehicle that uses the road is a legal requirement. This means you’ll need to compare car insurance rates before you commit to buying your next car. Electric cars tend to be more expensive to insure because of their higher purchase price and because there is less data available on them. Electric car batteries can also cost more to repair which can bump up insurance costs. Before you commit to getting an EV, it’s worth comparing different makes and models to find the cheapest insurance rates.
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