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More people than ever are choosing to get an electric car. With the cost of petrol at an all-time high and the petrol and diesel ban coming into play in 2030, could now be the best time to invest in an EV? Petrol and diesel cars release harmful emissions into the environment such as CO2 which speeds up the rate of climate change. To help tackle climate change, many drivers are choosing to swap to an eco-friendlier vehicle such as an electric car or van. With this in mind, you may be wondering what it’s like to live with an EV and if it could fit in with your current lifestyle.
How do electric cars work?
Electric cars are powered by electricity rather than a fuel source such as petrol or diesel. The electricity is stored in batteries that power and electric motor. These batteries can be rechargeable and can take power from the national grid. You can recharge your electric car by plugging it into a designed charge point or at home if you have a charge point installed. Additionally, for those who travel frequently or lack home charging facilities, commercial electric vehicle charging stations from ACP provide a convenient solution. These stations are strategically located to ensure accessibility and reduce range anxiety, making it easier to maintain an electric vehicle regardless of your location. Using these commercial charging points makes incorporating electric vehicles into your lifestyle effortless, alleviating concerns about depleting cars’ batteries.Electric cars don’t have a tail pipe and unlike a traditional combustion engine, don’t release any harmful pollutants into the environment.
Benefits of living with an electric car:
For many drivers, there are a whole load of benefits to getting an electric car.
- Better for the environment. The eco-friendly concise amongst us will no doubt know that one of the biggest benefits to getting an electric car is the impact they have on the environment. EV’s don’t produce any pollutants which helps to reduce the rate of climate change, promotes cleaner air, and improves human health.
- Cheaper to run. Petrol and diesel can be much more expensive when compared to charging your EV. Electric vehicles can benefit from much lower fuel costs. Charging your car at home can be one of the most cost-effective ways to refill your vehicle and get you back on the road.
- More buying options. If you’re worried about the cost of buying an EV, there are more options available than when EVs were first introduced. You could choose electric car finance to spread the cost or use one of the UK governments grants to help make it more affordable.
- Improved performance. When electric cars first came to the market, they weren’t as powerful as other options. However, in recent years, the technology used in electric cars has improved massively and now the performance can outrun some of the best petrol or diesel cars on the market. Electric cars are built using lightweight materials and the power can be transferred straight to the wheels which can improve performance and acceleration.
- Lower maintenance costs. Petrol and diesel alternatives can have higher maintenance cost and usually need more repairs than electric cars. Combustion engines have hundreds of moving parts which can break at any time. Electric cars, on the other hand, have less than 20 parts in the electric motor and are much more likely to have lower maintenance costs.
Drawbacks of having an EV:
The benefits of owning an electric car above put forward a strong case as to why you should buy an EV. However, there are a few factors you may want to consider before you get an electric vehicle.
- High purchase price. Whilst you can get an EV on finance, the purchase price of an EV is still out of reach for many drivers. Electric cars use much more complex forms of technology which can bump up the purchase price. If you want an EV on finance, it’s worth using a finance check first to see if you are eligible and where you fall on the credit scale.
- Range anxiety. Range anxiety is a term used to describe the worry that your EV won’t make it to the destination before it runs out. Many EV drivers say they suffer from range anxiety. Charging an electric car isn’t as fast as refuelling a petrol or diesel engine which can add more time onto your journey too.
- Limited charge points. There are many EV charge points across the UK, but many drivers still admit they don’t have many designated charge points in their area. You can also choose to have a charge point installed at your home, but this option may not be suitable for renters, shared accommodation or people who live in a flat.
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