Rising Fuel Costs Weighing You Down?

We look at 10 good reasons to make the switch to EV driving NOW!

We're all familiar with the daily headlines of how geopolitical events are causing fuel prices to rise and the unpredictability of future trends in petrol and diesel pricing.  General inflation and duty on fuel prices are a couple of the many factors that paint a gloomy picture of the future for drivers.

Switching to an electric car could be a smart financial and practical decision.  Here's how we think switching to EV could genuinely make a difference:

1. Cheaper running costs: Home charging an electric car is typically cheaper per mile than buying petrol, the average driver can save over £1,000 per year*.  Topping up electric charge overnight means you wake up with a "full tank".  Savvy journey planning using apps such as ZapMap can help. https://www.zapmap.com/
   
   
2. Less maintenance: EVs require less maintenance as they are mechanically simpler than ICE cars.  No oil changes, no exhaust systems, no spark plugs - fewer moving parts overall.  This could mean lower servicing costs over time.^
   
   
3. Help with purchase costs: The UK Government offers a range of incentives to make the switch to EV more affordable.  The Electric Car Grant is available on a large number of EVs.  Plus EVs have a cheaper road tax and there are subsidised schemes for installing home chargers.
   
   
4. Exemptions from ULEZ and Reduced Congestion Charges: If you travel within large cities like London, EVs are exempt from daily charges such as ULEZ and are elgible for reduced congestion zone charges if registered on Auto Pay.**
   
   
5. Better driving experience:  Electric cars have instant 'torque', which is car jargon for immediate and responsive acceleration, particularly from stationary.  They are also very quiet and smooth.  Driving them feels different.
   
   
6. Range anxiety is less of a problem:  EV range is improving on all electric models and the UK public charging network is expanding, so longer journeys are more viable than before.  Roadside assistance organisations are equipped with the ability to help you in the unlikely event that you run out of charge.
   
   
7. Future proofing your mobility:  The UK and European Governments have signed up to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, so EVs are the future.  Adopting now means you are ahead of the curve.  2030 is only four years away!  Maybe taxes and restrictions on ICE cars will increase as the Government tries to persuade us to make the switch before the deadline.  Switching now means your current car will have less depreciation to worry about later.
   
   
8. The difference in purchase cost is diminishing: the difference in price of a new electric car versus a new ICE car is getting less.  Most brands are developing entry-level vehicles to aid those switching to EVs for the first time.  Coupled with finance incentives and monthly payment plans, EV purchase is becoming more accessible.
   
   
9. Much cleaner for the environment: Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, compared to the CO2, NOx and  particulates that petrol and diesel cars emit.  Even considering EV battery production, lifetime impact is usually less for EVs.
   
   
10. Fuel while you sleep:  If you plug in your EV overnight at home, it will be cheaper than public charging and you will wake up to a fully charged vehicle.  No need to factor in a detour to a service station on the way to work!

*According to CarCostCheck

**Electric car drivers receive a 25% discount on the daily charge if registered on Auto Pay.
Electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles receive a 50% discount on the daily charge if registered on Auto Pay. (rac.co.uk)

^It's still important to have your EV serviced by a professional, in line with the manufacturer's recommendations.