In recent years, electric cars have been making headlines as an eco-friendly, sustainable mode of transportations. While there still are (and may always be) some sceptics who question how practical they are, the truth is that the benefits of electric cars are becoming more and more difficult to ignore. In this post, we’ll take a look at the many advantages of electric cars, both for saving money and being kinder to the environment.
Reduced Fuel Costs
One of the most significant benefits of electric cars is how much you can achieve when it comes to spending money on fuel. In the UK, the average of cost driving an electric vehicle is around £9.50 per 200 miles, compared to £41.63 per 200 miles for a petrol-powered car averaging 40 mpg. Over time, this can amount to significant monetary savings that you can put towards other expenses.
Growing Number of Options
When it comes to figuring out what type of electric car is best for you, the good news is that there is a growing number of options available. With an increasing number of car manufacturers now focusing on creating and building more electric vehicles, there’s an electric-powered car for everybody. What’s more, there are more options than ever before for purchasing an electric car. You can buy outright, get an electric car on finance, or even lease an electric car to make the payments more manageable. Plus, as they become more common and more drivers buy them, the used electric car market is also growing, making it easier to find a bargain.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Compared to traditional petrol-powered or diesel-powered cars, electric cars also benefit from lower maintenance costs. This is since electric vehicles have fewer moving cars, leading to less wear and tear on the vehicle over time. Because of this, if you have an electric car, you’re likely to require less frequent maintenance and repairs, ultimately helping you save money.
Reduced Environmental Impact
The environmental benefits of electric cars are just too significant to be ignored. Electric cars do not produce any emissions, so because of this, driving one means you can be proud that you are not contributing to the air pollution that is so harmful to the environment and human health. Along with this, electric cars also have a smaller carbon footprint compared to combustion engine cars. This is because the electricity that you use to power the vehicle can be generated from more renewable sources, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
Tax Incentives
There are several tax incentives that you may be interested in taking advantage of when purchasing an electric car in the UK. Government grants are available to help you save money on purchasing an electric car, depending on the type of vehicle. This grant is usually included in the asking price, so when you see an electric car for sale, know that you are saving money. Along with this, most electric cars are exempt from vehicle excise duty. While you will still need to ‘tax’ your electric car, you will not have to pay anything to do so.
Noise Pollution Reduction
One of the most often overlooked benefits of electric cars is just how quiet they are. While modern electric cars are fitted with speakers to create some sound for safety purposes, they are still far quieter in comparison to traditional combustion engine vehicles. Petrol- and diesel-powered cars can produce a significant amount of noise pollution that can be harmful to our health and the environment. On the other hand, electric cars operate almost silently, making them an attractive choice for urban areas.
Improve Energy Security
One of the most significant benefits of electric vehicles is that they can help to improve the energy security of the UK. As the oil reserves around the world continue to be depleted, nations that rely heavily on oil imports may become increasingly vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices and disruptions to supply. By more drivers making the switch to electric cars in the UK, we can collectively reduce our reliance on oil as a country, helping to mitigate these risks and improve the national energy security.
Comfort and Convenience
Along with being environmentally friendly and cost-effective to drive, electric cars are also very comfortable and convenient. Their quiet operation and instant torque mean that you get a very smooth, enjoyable driving experience from an electric car. Plus, they do not require to be charged as often as you may need to refuel a combustion engine car, allowing you to save time and hassle when it comes to your daily routine. Along with this, if you have an electric vehicle charger installed at home, all you need to do is plug the car in to charge overnight – no more last-minute dashes to the petrol station in the morning before heading to work!
Future Proofing
As the world moves towards building a more sustainable future, electric cars are a technology that will only become increasingly important over time. By investing in an electric car today, you are taking proactive steps to future-proof your transportation needs. In the coming years, electric vehicles are only expected to become more accessible and affordable, making them an ideal option for a growing number of people.
Growing Charging Options
One of the main things that may put some people off from getting an electric car is the slight inconvenience that may come with not having a home charger. Not all homes in the UK are suitable candidates for an electric car charger, and you might be worried about how you’re going to charge your car if you live in a terraced house without a driveway or garage, for example. However, the good news is that charging options for electric cars in the UK are becoming more and more accessible. You can access chargers at most petrol stations and in many public car parks where you can leave your car on charge while shopping or running errands. This can be an ideal option for anybody who is not able to charge their electric vehicle at home.
Improved Safety
While there has been some concern about the batteries in electric cars and the fire risk that they may cause, the truth is that the risk of an electric car catching fire is about the same as that of a combustion engine car, i.e., very low. In fact, electric vehicles are superior to combustion engine vehicles in various ways when it comes to safety. The lower centre of gravity, for example, reduces the risk of rollovers and improves the car’s stability on the road. Along with this, regenerative braking, which is used by electric cars, helps to reduce wear on the brake pads, keeping the brakes safer and more effective for emergency use on the road. This increases the car’s braking ability and reduces the risk of being involved in an accident. Finally, most modern electric cars come with various advanced safety features such as lane departure warnings, collision avoidance systems, and adaptive cruise control.
Whether you are considering getting an electric car or just want to learn more about them, it’s difficult to deny the many benefits that they have for our wallets, health, and the environment.