Should you make the switch to an electric vehicle?

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With sustainability still such a powerful focus for 2022, many drivers are taking the plunge and switching to electric cars, with recent reports from The Car Experts forecasting them to make up a whopping 80% of all cars purchased by 2030.

As we begin to see more and more electric vehicles released, you may be wondering whether you should follow suit. But can you be sure that this would be the right decision for you and your lifestyle?

In this article, we explore the benefits of electric cars, and the different impacts that making this switch would have.

Sustainability

The first point to raise is that electric cars are much better for the environment. This is due to the fact that they produce far fewer emissions than petrol and diesel cars. These black fumes released from exhaust pipes pose a threat to the environment because they collate in the atmosphere and damage the earth’s ozone layer. According to reports from EDF Energy, in just one year, switching to an electric car prevents 1.5 million grams of carbon dioxide from seeping into the air.

Government funding

Due to being so beneficial for the environment, there are lots of car loans available for electric cars, including government grants to help you purchase one. The updated GOV reports outline the eligibility criteria as follows:

The car must have a recommended retail price (RRP) of less than £32,000, including VAT and delivery fees
The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price for these vehicles, up to a maximum of £1,500

This is a great incentive to anyone who is considering switching to an electric car but fears they may not be able to afford one. You can find the full list of which electric cars are approved for this scheme online.

Cheaper running costs

There are many financial benefits of having an electric car equating to lower overall running costs. The current economy is seeing a constant rise in the cost of fuel, making petrol and diesel cars more and more expensive at the pump. Not only can electric car owners avoid these fuel costs entirely, but they can also take advantage of free parking and no congestion fees in areas such as London. These may sound like small compensations, but when added up over time, you could save thousands of pounds.

Is an electric car suited to you?

If you are looking for a great run-around car, making frequent short to mid-range journeys, an electric vehicle would be an ideal choice that is suited to your lifestyle. You can enjoy the perks of free parking and save on fuel costs in the process. However, If you’re someone who has to make regular long journeys across the country for business purposes, and you clock up a lot of mileage in no time at all, you may find the range of an electric car isn’t as long-lasting as petrol and diesel options.