Electricity is the future. Switching from conventional vehicles is a big change.
It pays to be aware of what’s at stake. This is why we have written this article.
In 2021, more EVs than ever were sold. In December 2021, they accounted for 25.5% of new vehicle registrations, the highest ever.
Around 370,000 electric vehicles are currently on UK roads, and this number is increasing every day.
It is clear that switching from petrol to diesel and then to electric power is a significant change. We have helped many people to make this change and will continue to do so.
Here are a few tips that we’ve learned.
We’ve got some tips to help you switch to electric.
Is it pure electric or hybrid?
Electric cars come in many different flavors. There are hybrids, plug-ins, and all-electric vehicles.
A hybrid or Hybrid Electric Vehicle has a petrol motor, a small electric motor, and a battery. The engine charges up the battery, which gives a slight increase in miles per liter.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are half electric and half petrol. It has a bigger battery and motor than an HEV, but it requires a plug-in to recharge fully for better fuel efficiency.
Battery Electric Vehicles are powered solely by batteries and an electric motor. The vehicles need to be charged regularly but can offer zero-emission driving.
Other types of powertrains exist, but they are mostly a combination of these three.
Which range is required?
Range anxiety is the #1 concern of new EV purchasers. Running out of power while on a long journey can be a very stressful experience.
There are so many charging stations around that it is unlikely that you will run out of power.
The AA and RAC can now charge your batteries as well as repair breakdowns, so you are never stuck.
The range is a topic that we will return to. The range of different cars is different.
The Renault Zoe, for example, has a driving range of 245 miles. This is plenty for a small vehicle.
The new C Itroen Ami, on the other hand, has a maximum range of 43 miles. This may not sound like much, but it’s enough to cover 99% of your journeys if you live near a large city.
Look at your average daily and weekend mileage.
Choose a vehicle that will allow you to travel that distance in comfort.
Charge
How to charge your electric car is the biggest challenge.
Some houses in the UK may not have the ability to install a fast charger or run cables along the pavement.
Consider how to safely charge your vehicle on a terrace without creating a safety hazard.
Do you have enough space in your parking to install a charging station? Have you got the wall space available? Are you able to charge your phone without having to worry about tripping on the lead every time you leave home?
It would be best if you considered this before buying your new electric vehicle.
Don’t be deterred by the price.
Electric cars are more costly than standard cars. In some cases, significantly more.
It’s not just about the initial purchase price.
Electric cars are less expensive to operate, do not currently pay vehicle excise duties, are easier to repair, and are very low-cost to maintain.
Charge your electric car at home for pennies a day, compared to the fuel you use each month.
Electric motors have fewer moving parts and should, therefore, be more reliable than internal combustion engines.
Repairs and servicing should be less frequent.
There’s also the cost to the planet. Some buyers will value this more than others, but it’s a good investment in zero emission.
You are ahead of your time by joining the growing trend towards electric vehicles.
Check out reviews
Reviewers are subject to their own subjective opinions, but this allows them to get past clever marketing and clever copywriting in order to find the truth.
We recommend that you read and watch as many reviews as possible. Check as many reviews as you can and compare all models and makes within your budget.
You will feel more confident in your decision if you can see the whole picture.
Try it out
The same advice would apply to EVs and any other car. Test drive the vehicle and spend as much practical time with it as possible before buying.
There’s so much more to cars than just the numbers on a sheet or their price or range. Our relationship with cars is a combination of intangibility and feel. We can only truly understand it once we have spent time with them.
You can hire an electric vehicle for a weekend or a period longer than an hour.
Electric motoring is the future, and the more you learn about it, the more you will realize this!
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