The sale of Electric cars increased last year, outpacing those of diesel vehicles for the first time. Almost every company, including Rolls-Royce, Alfa Romeo, and everyone in between, has an electric-focused strategy because the production of internal combustion engines (ICEs) is scheduled to end in 2030. But putting aside the automotive business and the politics around combustion-powered vehicles, should you, the consumer, truly purchase an EV? Let’s look into this topic.
How Popular Are Electric Vehicles?
According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), 190,727 electric vehicles (EV) units were registered in the UK as a whole in 2021, up from 108,205 the year before. Even though it started from a lower foundation, that enormous 75 percent gain is still less than the 300 percent growth between 2019 and 2020.
Pricing of Electric Cars
Largely owing to the materials and construction process they require, as well as the significant R&D and investment expenditures incurred by automakers as they quickly switch from fossil fuels to battery technology, electric cars remain a pricey alternative on the market. In light of this, even the most affordable EVs in the UK are still quite pricey; the Tesla Model 3 starts at £42,990, which is out of many drivers’ budget levels.
Long-run cost
Before you decide against purchasing an electric car, calculate just how much money you’ll save over time. Running costs for EVs are often lower than for a petrol or diesel automobile. Consider the fuel savings, the VED road tax payment, and – crucially – any benefit-in-kind taxes if you want to use your battery vehicle as a corporate car. It’s not just about the purchase price.
Kilowatt-hours (kWh), the same unit used to calculate your home’s energy use, are used to express an EV’s battery capacity. Therefore, it is simple to calculate how much it will cost you to charge the car at home if you are aware of the size of an EV’s battery pack and how much your energy provider charges you per kWh of electricity. Install a home wall-box, leave your electric car charging overnight, and avoid using pricey rapid chargers until absolutely essential to maximize your savings. If you take all of those steps, your gasoline expenses could be reduced by up to 25%.
Range
If the initial barrier to EV ownership is cost, then the apparent lack of range must be a close second. In 2022, despite significant advancements in electric car range, many drivers still have range anxiety. Even the less expensive EVs, like the Kona Electric, can now get 300 miles out of their integrated batteries. Cars like the Mercedes EQS 450+ can drive a WLTP-rated 453 miles between charges (London to Glasgow with about 40 miles to spare).
However, it’s more crucial to think about how many miles you’ll travel each day, week, or even month. Most EV owners rarely reach the upper limits of their range when connected to a home charger or a nearby public power source, or they charge less frequently than you’d anticipate. Add up all of your longest and most often trips, and you’ll realize just how practical owning an electric car might be.
Maintenance Cost
Due to their lack of car emissions, EVs assist the environment, but they also offer significant operating cost savings. The majority of electric vehicles are less expensive to operate than their ICE counterparts, in part due to lower fuel costs but also because they have fewer mechanical components and may be easier to maintain.
Charging Time
When you do need to top off, you should do it as soon as you can. Although it takes longer than filling up gasoline, diesel, or hydrogen-powered vehicles, charging an EV is becoming faster over time. For instance, the Fiat 500 e requires 24 minutes to fully charge. Of course, only 81 miles were added in that period, so keep in mind that charging times increase with battery size.
What Type of EV Should You Buy?
It’s worthwhile to decide what kind of electric car you want if you’re warming up to the notion of an electric automobile. In 2022, EVs will be available in all the same body types as regular automobiles, including SUVs, compact city cars, seven-seaters, and even sports cars.
A Porsche Taycan or an Audi e-Tron GT must be at the top of your list if you’re seeking performance and style, while some of the larger SUVs, such as the Audi e-Tron and Mercedes EQC, are recommended if you’re hauling a family. Finally, if you’re looking for a more versatile vehicle, consider the Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, or Honda e.
Conclusion
In the end, only you can decide if it’s time to get an electric car because only you are aware of your spending habits and consumption patterns. Buying an electric car is a terrific idea if it fits within your budget and the range won’t be an issue for routine commutes. In addition to being less expensive to operate, it’s also environmentally friendly, typically quick, and a method to future-proof your transportation option for years to come. Things will only get better because EV infrastructure is always being developed. As a result, chargers will be seen more frequently at gas stations and on high streets throughout Britain, And if you are still having double thoughts about EV’S we suggest that wait for the upcoming models of cars for your likeliness.
