Why You Should be Driving Electric

There are plenty of reasons why now is the perfect time to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV)... the future is electric as they say! EVs offer compelling benefits that go beyond the basics – they are cheaper to run and maintain, they reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact, and they are just fun to drive! Let us guide you through why switching to an electric vehicle is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and the world... and what better time to do it when World EV Day is just around the corner! 

If the cost of fuel is getting you down (us too), one of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of making the switch is the reduction in fuel costs. With the cost of petrol and diesel constantly fluctuating, filling up a traditional car can make a big dent in your bank account. In contrast, the cost of electricity is far more stable and significantly cheaper! 

Charging your EV at home can be incredibly cost-effective, especially if you have a smart meter where you can schedule your charge at the cheapest time! On average, it costs around 8p per mile to drive an electric car in the UK, compared to an average of 15p per mile for a petrol vehicle. Over the course of a year, if you drive 10,000 miles, you could save around £700 just on fuel alone, again, if you are able to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, then you could be saving even more!  

As renewable energy becomes more widespread, the cost of electricity is expected to decrease, therefore the cost of electricity is too, making EVs even more economical! Some EV owners are even installing solar panels to power their cars, effectively driving for free once the initial investment is covered! 

Electric vehicles are inherently simpler than their combustion engine counterparts. Traditional petrol and diesel engines have hundreds of moving parts, each of which is subject to wear and tear. This complexity requires regular maintenance—oil changes, spark plugs, fuel filters, exhaust system repairs, and the list goes on. 

In contrast, EVs have far fewer moving parts, which drastically reduces the likelihood of something going wrong. The drivetrain in an electric car has only a few key components: the electric motor, the battery, and the controller. This simplicity translates to fewer maintenance requirements and lower costs over the lifetime of the vehicle. 

For example, you can say goodbye to oil changes and exhaust system repairs. There’s no need to worry about replacing a timing belt or dealing with transmission issues. Brake wear is also reduced due to regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the car and recharge the battery, putting less stress on the brake pads. 

Furthermore, many EVs come with extended warranties on the battery and electric motor—sometimes up to 8 years or 100,000 miles—giving you long-term peace of mind. When you factor in the reduced need for maintenance, the overall cost of ownership for an electric vehicle is significantly lower than that of a traditional car. 

One of the most common reasons to switch to an electric vehicle is the positive impact it has on the environment. Transportation is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to global climate change, so by driving an EV, you can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint. 

Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, which means they don’t emit harmful pollutants, meaning they do not contribute to air pollution and respiratory diseases. This is especially important in urban areas where air quality is often poor due to traffic emissions. 

In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, the benefits of driving electric are even more pronounced as the electricity grid becomes greener. In the UK, the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro has been steadily increasing, as a result, the overall carbon intensity of electricity is decreasing, which means that the emissions associated with charging an EV are continually dropping. 

Many EV owners are choosing to power their cars with renewable energy, either by installing solar panels at home or by opting for green energy tariffs from their electricity provider. This not only reduces the environmental impact of driving an EV but can also make it entirely carbon neutral. 

Driving an electric vehicle offers a unique and superior driving experience compared to traditional cars as EVs are known for their smooth, quiet operation, due to there being no combustion engine generating noise and vibration. The silence inside the cabin makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable ride, especially on long journeys. 

But it’s not just about comfort - electric vehicles deliver instant torque, meaning you get immediate acceleration the moment you press the pedal. This responsiveness can make driving more fun and engaging, particularly in urban settings where quick starts and stops are common. 

Many EVs also come equipped with advanced technology that enhances the driving experience, for example, features like regenerative braking, which recaptures energy during deceleration, help improve efficiency and extend the range of the vehicle. Additionally, electric cars often include cutting-edge infotainment systems, driver assistance features, and over-the-air updates that keep your vehicle up-to-date with the latest software improvements. 

The low centre of gravity, due to the battery placement, also contributes to better handling and stability, making EVs more agile and responsive on the road. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the motorway, the driving experience in an electric vehicle is hard to beat. 

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, governments are increasingly implementing regulations to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles. In the UK, for example, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2035, meaning that traditional combustion engine vehicles are becoming less viable as a long-term option. 

By investing in an electric vehicle now, you’re future proofing your transportation. As restrictions on fossil fuel-powered vehicles become more widespread, owning an EV ensures that you’re ahead of the curve and won’t be affected by future bans or regulations. 

Furthermore, the resale value of electric vehicles is likely to remain strong as demand continues to grow and more people look to make the switch. By choosing an EV, you’re not only securing your transportation needs for the future but also making a sound financial decision! 

One of the biggest concerns for potential EV owners is the availability of charging stations, however, this concern is rapidly becoming a thing of the past as the charging infrastructure expands across the UK and Europe. 

There are now more public charging points than ever before, with thousands of fast chargers available in cities, at motorway service stations, and in shopping centres. Many workplaces and residential areas are also installing charging points, making it easier than ever to charge your EV wherever you are. 

Home charging is another convenient option for EV owners. Installing a home charging station allows you to charge your car overnight, so it’s ready to go each morning. With smart chargers, you can even schedule charging during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower electricity rates, further reducing your costs. There are often offers to help you get these installed, so it’s worth keeping an eye out – The Motability Scheme offers one to anyone purchasing their first electric vehicle on the scheme.  

Rapid charging networks are also expanding, with chargers that can provide 80% of a full charge in as little as 30 minutes. This means that long road trips are no longer a concern, as you can quickly top up your battery at service stations along the way. 

As electric vehicles become more popular, their resale values are holding up better than many traditional cars. This trend is driven by the growing demand for EVs, driven in part by government incentives and the increasing restrictions on petrol and diesel vehicles. 

Unlike traditional cars, which typically lose value quickly, electric vehicles tend to depreciate more slowly. This is partly due to the lower cost of ownership, as well as the long warranties offered on batteries and electric motors. As a result, when it comes time to sell or trade in your EV, you’re likely to get a better return on your investment compared to a petrol or diesel car. 

The strong resale value of electric vehicles is another reason why switching to an EV makes financial sense! Not only will you save money on fuel and maintenance, but you’ll also retain more of your car’s value over time, making the overall cost of ownership even lower.