Switching from a traditional petrol or diesel car to an electric vehicle (EV) can feel like stepping into the unknown. With new technology comes new considerations, and if you’re used to the familiarity of a combustion engine, the idea of going electric might seem daunting.
But fear not! In this blog, we address seven critical questions that many potential EV buyers have, helping to debunk some common myths and providing you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.
It’s a common misconception that all electric cars are expensive. While it’s true that the technology behind EVs, especially the batteries does add to the cost, prices are steadily decreasing as the market matures. Affordable models like the MG4 and Peugeot e-208 are already on the market, offering a cost-effective alternative to petrol cars.
But beyond the price tag, consider the long-term savings. Plus with the growing second-hand market, there are even more affordable options available. The government is also under pressure to reinstate incentives to make EVs more accessible, so keep an eye out for potential savings.
This is a question we hear often, and it's understandable. Yes, your electricity bill will increase, but it’s unlikely to rise as much as you fear. The savings on fuel far outweigh the additional electricity costs. For instance, charging an EV like the Ora 03 can cost as little as £25 for 800 miles, considerably less than filling up a petrol tank. Many energy providers now offer special tariffs for EV owners, allowing for cheaper overnight charging, which can help to keep costs down even further. It’s worth checking with your energy provider to see if they offer any EV-specific tariffs that could make the switch even more economical.
Installing a home charger is relatively straightforward, provided you have a private driveway or a suitable parking space. A home charger will cost around £1,000 to install and allows you to charge your car quickly and safely using your home’s electricity supply. If you don’t have a driveway, don’t worry public charging networks are expanding rapidly. On-street charging points and community charging schemes are also becoming more common. Installing a home charger is also surprisingly simple. The installer generally takes care of everything, from the wiring to setting up the app on my phone, which now allows you to monitor charging remotely.
In general, yes. Most EVs use a universal ‘type 2’ plug, which works with the majority of home and public charging points. Some ultra-rapid chargers come with their own cable that can be plugged directly into any EV. This standardisation makes charging an EV as simple as refuelling a petrol car.
If you’re planning on long journeys, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the different types of chargers available along your route. Apps like Zap-Map can be really handy for this, showing you where the nearest chargers are and whether they’re in use.
Absolutely. EVs are designed to be weatherproof, so you can charge and drive them in heavy rain without any issues. The same goes for car washes, there’s no more risk involved than with a petrol car. The components of an EV, including the battery and charging ports, are well-protected against water ingress, ensuring safe operation in all weather conditions.
Yes, they do. Unlike a mobile phone battery that might degrade rapidly, EV batteries are designed for longevity. Most manufacturers offer a ten-year or 100,000-mile warranty on their batteries, with Tesla reporting that their batteries retain 88% of their capacity even after 200,000 miles. Battery degradation is minimal, and in the unlikely event that your battery capacity falls below 70%, many manufacturers will replace or repair it under warranty.
Once on the road, EVs are undoubtedly greener than their petrol counterparts, producing zero tailpipe emissions. While the production of EVs, particularly the mining of battery materials, does have an environmental impact, the overall lifecycle emissions are still far lower than those of traditional cars. For instance, Volvo’s research shows that their electric EX30 SUV produces 60% fewer CO2 emissions than a comparable petrol car over 124,000 miles. This gap is expected to widen as production processes become greener.
It’s worth noting that as the energy grid becomes more renewable, the environmental benefits of EVs will only increase.
Government Incentives: If you’re in the UK, there are several government incentives available to help with the cost of an EV. For example, the Plug-in Car Grant has helped reduce the purchase price of eligible vehicles. It’s also worth checking for any local initiatives, such as reduced road tax or exemption from congestion charges. These incentives can make a significant difference in the overall cost of owning an EV.
Maintenance and Servicing: Another aspect to consider is the reduced maintenance required for EVs. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and less wear and tear on components like brakes (thanks to regenerative braking), maintenance costs can be much lower than for a traditional car. Finding a reliable service centre is easier than ever, with more garages specialising in EV maintenance.
Switching to an electric vehicle doesn’t have to be intimidating. By addressing these common questions and sharing experiences, we hope to have shed some light on what you can expect and dispelled some myths along the way. The future of driving is electric, and it’s looking brighter than ever.
So, why not take the next step? Consider looking at our selection of fuel-efficient car leasing deals including electric and hybrid vehicles. The switch to electric might just be the best driving decision you make.
