Top 5 Benefits of Electric Cars

As part of a wider strategy to tackle carbon emissions, the UK government has recently committed to banning the sale of all new combustion-engine vehicles by 2030, and all new hybrids by 2035. With these changes on the horizon, the industry is rapidly transforming to accommodate the increasing demand for electric cars, which produce zero exhaust emissions.

There’s a whole host of advantages to electric vehicles, so if you’re considering making the transition to an EV when you choose your next car, here’s a roundup of the benefits you can expect to enjoy.

Zero Carbon Emissions

Battery electric vehicles – often known as BEVs – have no exhaust pipe, and don’t generate any carbon emissions whatsoever. While there are some upstream emissions involved in the production of the battery itself, as well as the charging, the amount of CO2 emitted in the lifespan of a BEV is significantly lower than a petrol or diesel car. As a result of this, BEV owners can also avoid paying fees in areas where congestion charges are in place, which are designed to deter polluting vehicles from entering certain areas.

Cheaper To Run

While the exact cost of running an electric car is likely to depend on where you charge it, as well as your energy provider, it’s thought that driving 100 miles in a BEV could cost as little as £2. In comparison, covering the same distance in a traditional combustion-engine vehicle would set you back over £10, according to calculations made by EDF. As well as saving money on fuel, BEVs are exempt from annual road tax, and some chargeable hybrids also receive a £10 discount.

Improved Driving Experience

It’s widely-known that BEVs are much quieter to drive than conventional cars, due to the electric motor they have in place of an engine, but they can also prove more enjoyable to drive. Capable of generating high levels of torque at low speeds, electric cars have smooth and responsive acceleration, making even the steepest hills a breeze. Every BEV also has some form of regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle directly, rather than using the brake discs. This extends the lifespan of the brakes, and restores some energy to the battery at the same time.

Free Parking

There are several nation-wide schemes designed to encourage drivers to make the switch to an electric vehicle, one of which is free parking. In public spaces such as shopping malls, town centres and universities, there is often a row of dedicated parking spaces for electric vehicles. Sometimes these are conveniently situated in front of charging points, and more often than not, it’s free to park in these spots. Local councils often provide a free parking permit for BEVs too, so it’s worth getting in touch to find out if this applies in your area.

Government Incentives

One of the biggest deterring factors for a lot of people considering an electric vehicle is the upfront cost, so in an effort to try and increase the number of green vehicles on the road, the UK government is running the Plug-in Car Grant. This offers anyone who switches to an electric car or van up to £3,000. You don’t even need to apply for this grant, the dealership will simply knock it off the price before you pay.

You can also get financial support from the government if you decide to install a charging point at your home, with the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. If your home meets the criteria (it must have suitable off-street parking), you can get a maximum of £350 discounted from the price of installation.