While ownership of electric cars is still not hugely widespread, in August 2017 there was a 48.9% year-on-year increase in EV registrations when compared to 2016 (SMMT figures), indicating a rising popularity that bodes well for the future of our planet.
With such a bright future on the horizon for electric cars, here are our three IDEAL reasons you should consider buying an EV.
They will help you lower your carbon footprint
Ask anyone what the main benefit of owning an electric car is and they’re likely to say that they’re better for the environment than petrol cars — and they’d be right. Switching over to an EV can help you to lower your carbon footprint, which is a big plus if you’re looking to lead a greener lifestyle.
Their advantage over traditional cars comes from the fact that you charge their battery beforehand, after which they produce zero harmful emissions. In contrast, petrol and diesel vehicles burn fuel to power their engines, emitting pollutants as a by-product.
However, you can’t use an EV and say you’re completely environmentally friendly. If you use regular power from the grid to charge your battery, you will still be using electricity produced by around 50% fossil fuels (Ofgem), which the UK still relies on.
Thankfully, there are more options becoming available if you want to maintain a zero-carbon footprint, which include using solar panels and switching to a sustainable energy supplier — Green Electricity Marketplace is a handy comparison tool if you want to compare the best deals around.
Cheaper
An EV will also prove to be much cheaper to maintain than a regular car over its lifespan. This is because a traditional combustion engine has a huge number of moving parts, where an electric motor only has around 20, so there’s much less potential for something to go wrong. Thanks to this, you can look forward to less trips to the garage and lower repair costs.
While EVs have been more expensive to buy than regular cars in the past, new technology is bringing model prices down to a more affordable level. Plus, many brands are now offering scrappage schemes where you can use your old car to trade up for a greener model. These schemes, like this one from Lookers, are making owning an EV a much more achievable goal for many.
They offer surprising performance and practicality
Cast all thoughts of milk floats and golf carts aside, many EVs can go with the best of them — just take a look at this video from DragTimes if you don’t believe us. Many electric car manufacturers now produce high performance vehicles that have exceptional acceleration thanks to their lighter weight and ability to generate a lot of power from a standing start. Pair this with today’s advanced handling technology, and you’re left with a breed of cars that are very fun to drive.
What’s more, EVs often prove to be much more practical than traditional cars. As we’ve mentioned, their engines are much more compact, so manufacturers are able to offer generous amounts of cabin and boot space. You will frequently find an electric car is roomier than a petrol or diesel car of the same size, making them a great choice for families or people who enjoy having plenty of space to stretch out and relax.
Remember these three IDEAL reasons when the time comes to upgrade your car and you could find yourself joining the EV revolution. Not only will you be future-proofing your choice of vehicle, but you’ll be doing your bit for the environment too. Are you in?
