Electric Cars: Are You Ready For The Change?
Whilst electric cars are the future, some drivers are in a better position to get one than others. Here’s a few things to consider before buying one…
Range
One of the most common objections people have concerning electric cars is that of ‘range anxiety’. This is the fear that a driver will run out of charge before they’re able to reach their destination, effectively leaving them stranded.
This fear is nearly always unfounded. Basically no one runs out of charge whilst driving an EV. Indeed, many EVs now can now cover between 200 – 300 miles when fully charged. For perspective, most Brits travel 30 miles or fewer each day.
Ultimately, range is unlikely to be a barrier for you unless you’re a business driver clocking extraordinary ranges or if you live in an area with poor charging infrastructure; this latter point may be important if you live in a rural or isolated area.
Price
Generally speaking, electric cars are sound investments. Why? Because charging a vehicle is much cheaper than fuelling one up with petrol or diesel. With fewer moving parts, they’re also less likely to experience mechanical faults – bringing servicing and maintenance costs down considerably. They also seem to retain their residual values in the long-term.
Nevertheless, EVs have not yet reached price parity with their ICE or hybrid equivalents. They remain significantly more expensive at the point of purchase, although the situation is improving. It’s not surprising, then, that many people state plainly that cost is a major barrier for them.
This is especially true of someone driving a larger diesel, petrol or hybrid. An otherwise accessible petrol SUV may only have electric equivalents that command a premium price. Think about the kind of vehicle you really need before making a decision. Going down a tier of vehicle might make sense.
Charging
Whilst EVs have excellent range, you may not always be in a position to charge at home. Indeed, millions of Brits lack off-road parking; meaning they’d need to rely entirely on public chargers. If you can charge at home, charging an EV will be much easier (and cheaper). If you can’t, you should thoroughly research how many chargers are in your area, how accessible they are and how much they cost to use.
Even if you can get a home charger, you may not always be able to use it; especially if you’re working far from home. In which case, think about the regions you frequent and whether they have the charging infrastructure required to make owning an EV straightforward for you.
Driving Style
Electric cars, according to most people who’ve driven them, are a pleasure to drive. They’re quiet, smooth and offer near-instant acceleration. In short, they’re high-tech and powerful. That said, they can take some getting used to.
First of all, all electric cars use automatic transmission. Given that most Brits are used to manual transmission, the chances are you might not be familiar with how it works. They also use regenerative braking. This, essentially, automatically applies the brakes when you take your foot off of the accelerator. It’s designed to conserve energy.
Near-instant torque also means you’re going to have to be a bit lighter on the accelerator, unless you want to take off at a fairly rapid pace. Think about whether you’re ready for these changes before making the transition.
Nearly A Quarter Of Road Fatalities Weren’t Wearing A Seatbelt – https://autoserveclub.co.uk/blog/nearly-a-quarter-of-road-fatalities-werent-wearing-a-seatbelt/
The Nation’s Vehicle Crime Hotspots Have Been Revealed – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/the-nations-vehicle-crime-hotspots-have-been-revealed/
