To help you with this decision, we’ve put together a handy guide to everything EV from the need-to-knows to the differences between an Electric and a Hybrid.
If you’d like more information, check out the full guide to Electric Vehicles.
You might think that this technology is new, but the concept of an Electric Vehicle dates back to 1837. They were so popular that 28% of all vehicles on the road in 1900 were electric. Of course, the tech has advanced significantly over the years.
Electric vs Hybrid
Hybrid cars still have a conventional engine but mix this with an electric battery to create a more powerful propulsion system. The electric battery serves as more of a complement to the petrol engine, rather than a primary means of power. Hybrid cars can also store the electrical energy they’ve created, whereas an EV needs to be charged regularly at a power point.
Electric vs Petrol/Diesel
These comparisons are much more noticeable. For one, a conventional engine has a lot more moving parts that an EV. EV also tend to have a shorted range, which is the main concern for most drivers but with constant developments to battery life and investment by the Government to install more charging points, this should hopefully be alleviated over time. The most notable consideration is the smaller amount of pollution caused by an EV compared to a petrol or diesel engine.
What are the benefits of switching to an EV?
One of the main factors when considering an EV is the benefits it has on the environment. Here are just a few:
Renewable energy – Electricity is a form of renewable energy. This means you won’t be expending limited resources, like fossil fuels, to power your car.
Eco-friendly materials – Perhaps unsurprisingly, a lot of EVs are manufactured using base materials which are themselves ecologically beneficial. This is true of a lot of manufacturers, but was most notably done with the creation of the Nissan Leaf.
Lower levels of pollution – Owing to the nature of electric engines, there are far fewer emissions. In fact, an EV has zero polluting elements coming from its exhaust.
Recycled batteries – You’ll be able to recycle the engine (or battery) of an electric car. This reduces the need for production – which in turn lowers the overall damage done to the environment.
There’s also a huge health benefit to more people switching to EV as this can prevent many pollution related illnesses and deaths.
Saving money
Thanks to the lower CO2 emissions and the fact there’s very little overall pollution, electric vehicles are largely exempt from tax and you may find yourself with a little discount of Vehicle Excise Duty if you drive a Hybrid.
In order to encourage more drivers to switch to Electric, the Government have set up plug-in grants via Taxpayer Credit. Check out our full guide to find out how much you could save.
Is an Electric Vehicle right for me?
If you’re not already the proud owner of an electric vehicle, your decision will depend on a number of factors. Choosing an EV isn’t the same as picking a new petrol or diesel car. You’ll need to decide whether you’re the kind of person who’ll benefit from a more environmentally friendly option.
What will you need if for? How far do you need to travel? Are there public charging points near you? Is it right for you and your family?
Deciding to buy an Electric or Hybrid car comes down to your personal circumstances, but if you need help deciding check out our full guide.
