Just like Crocs, sausages made from fungus and bizarre, 30 second clips of people doing limb-flailing dance routines online, it’s clear that (despite some initial skepticism) electric vehicles are here to stay.
With concerns over climate change and air pollution on the rise, more and more people are turning to electric cars over petrol and diesel cars as they offer a cleaner and more sustainable mode of transportation.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the number of electric car drivers on the road in Europe exceeded 1 million in 2017, marking a significant milestone for the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the region.
In the UK specifically, there were 110,000 electric cars sold and registered in 2019, a significant increase from just 3,500 in 2013. The UK government has set ambitious targets to phase out petrol or diesel vehicle production entirely by 2030, which is expected to further accelerate the uptake of EVs in the coming years.
In terms of market share, EVs accounted for 7.5% of new car registrations in Norway in 2020, making it the leading country in electric motor adoption. Other European countries that are seeing significant growth in EV sales include Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
With figures like these, it’s clear to see that the world of EV has become a reality for many road users across the globe and you’re probably wondering, what with the exponential rise in energy costs, whether or not they are still a worthwhile consideration in 2023.
So let’s find out!
5 Reasons why an electric car is a smart choice in 2023
Electric cars have done a lot of growing in recent years, and as we continue to tumble head first into 2023, they’re becoming an increasingly smart choice for drivers around the world.
Here are five big reasons why you should consider buying an electric car this year:
1. Environmental benefits that you wouldn’t get with a petrol or diesel car
Perhaps the most obvious reason to buy an electric car is the environmental benefits. As concerns over climate change continue to grow, switching to an electric car is a great way to reduce your tailpipe emissions, your carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Electric cars produce no emissions while driving, making them a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered cars.
In the UK, the adoption of electric cars has led to a reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars of around 68% since 2010. A study by the European Environment Agency found that the use of electric cars could help to reduce air pollution in urban areas by up to 30%, compared to gasoline-powered cars.
While the adoption of electric cars is just one part of the solution to reducing pollution, there is clear evidence to suggest that their use has already had a positive impact on air quality and the environment. As the world continues to transition to cleaner forms of transportation, we can expect to see even greater reductions in pollution in the years to come.
2. Lower running costs with electric cars
Another key advantage of electric models is their lower running costs which can save money. Electric cars have lower fuel costs than traditional cars, and require less maintenance which can offset the initial electric car cost. Additionally, governments around the world are offering incentives such as tax credits, a reduction in vehicle excise duty and rebates to encourage the adoption of electric cars.
While the cost of electricity has gone up, it is still significantly cheaper than petrol. According to the UK government, the average cost of electricity per mile for an electric car is around 4p, while the average cost per mile for a gasoline car is around 15p. This means that electric cars are still much cheaper to run, even with higher electricity prices.
Electric motors also have fewer moving parts than traditional petrol and diesel cars and an internal combustion engine, meaning that they require less maintenance. This can lead to lower maintenance costs over the long term, even if the initial purchase price is higher.
And finally, while electricity prices may fluctuate in the short term, the long-term trend is towards increased renewable energy generation, which should help to stabilise electricity prices over time. Additionally, some electric car owners may be able to generate their own electricity through the use of solar panels, further reducing their energy costs.
So whilst it’s true that electric cars cost more than diesel or petrol cars, the long term savings that are on offer can help negate that initial expenditure further down the line.
3. Improved technology
Electric car technology has come a long way in recent years, and modern electric cars are now more efficient and offer longer ranges than ever before. Battery technology has also improved, reducing charging times and increasing the lifespan of batteries. Additionally, new electric car models are being released every year, offering more choice to consumers.
The average distance that electric vehicles can travel on a single charge varies depending on the model of the vehicle and other factors such as driving conditions, speed, and weather. That being said, the average range for all-electric cars in the UK is around 150-200 miles on a single charge. However, some models such as the Tesla Model S and Model X have a range of over 300 miles.
Most electric car drivers find that they are able to go about their daily lives using their electric vehicle in exactly the same way they did with their normal cars.
4. Increased availability of charging infrastructure
One of the main concerns drivers have with electric cars is range anxiety, or the fear of running out of battery charge while driving. However, the availability of charging infrastructure is improving rapidly, with more and more public charging points being installed every year. Additionally, many electric car manufacturers are now offering fast charging options wherein some electric cars recharge in as little as 30 minutes.
As of 2023, there are over 40,000 public charging points for electric vehicles in the UK, with this number continuing to grow rapidly. These charging points can be found in a variety of locations, including: on-street parking spaces, supermarket car parks, service stations, public transport hubs, hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.
Overall, the increasing availability of public charging points means that it is becoming increasingly convenient to own and drive an electric vehicle in the UK. While range anxiety and charging infrastructure have been concerns for some electric vehicle drivers in the past, these issues are rapidly being addressed, making electric vehicles a more viable and attractive option for drivers across the country.
5. Driving experience
Last but not least, electric cars offer a unique driving experience. They’re quiet, smooth, and offer instant torque, making for a fun and engaging driving experience. Additionally, many electric cars offer advanced features such as regenerative braking, which can help improve the efficiency of the car and reduce wear on the brakes.
All in all, electric cars are becoming an increasingly smart choice for drivers in 2023. With their environmental benefits, lower running costs, improved technology, increased availability of charging infrastructure and unique driving experience, electric cars are a compelling option for anyone in the market for a new car.
So now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s take a look at some other common questions you may have before you make your purchase.
Should I buy an electric car through my company?
Whether or not you should buy an electric car through your company depends on a number of factors, including your individual circumstances and financial considerations so you will need to do some research before making a final decision.
In the UK, there are significant tax incentives for buying an electric vehicle through a company. For example, you can claim 100% first-year capital allowances on the cost of the car, meaning you can write off the entire cost of the car against your business’s profits in the first year. Additionally, you may be exempt from paying company car tax, which can save you a significant amount of money.
Is it better to buy or lease an electric car?
When deciding whether to buy or lease an electric car, there are also several factors to consider. Buying an electric car involves a larger upfront cost, but you own the car and have flexibility with mileage and resale value. Leasing has lower monthly payments, no upfront cost in some cases, and allows you to upgrade to newer models frequently, but you may have mileage limits to consider and do not own the car.
Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately the decision depends on your personal preferences and financial situation.
It’s also worth considering that you don’t necessarily have to buy a new electric vehicle and could find an even better deal on a second hand electric car.
Should I buy an electric car or a hybrid?
Choosing between all-electric cars and hybrid cars depends largely on, you guessed it, your individual needs. All-electric cars have a limited range and require charging infrastructure, but offer zero emissions, lower running costs, and a smoother driving experience. Hybrids have an unlimited range, can be refuelled at any petrol station, and are more affordable upfront but produce emissions.
If you’re not ready to take the full plunge straight away then a hybrid may be a good bridging product, but consider that you may find yourself upgrading it sooner than you expected considering the rate at which electric cars are developing. You also won’t be able to take advantage of as many grants and incentives that you would were to buy an all electric instead.
Can electric cars be charged at home?
Yes, electric cars can be charged at home. Wall boxes offer faster charging speeds and are becoming increasingly popular as they are easy to install and provide extra protection to the car. Additionally, many energy suppliers now offer cheaper off-peak electricity for home charging, allowing you to save money on your energy bills.
It’s also worth considering that some government grants are available to help offset the cost of installing a wall box in your home. So if you’re looking to charge your electric car at home, it’s definitely worth doing some research or…
Get in touch with EV Solutions for expert advice and a huge range of electric chargers!
Now you’ve read our guide to purchasing an electric vehicle in 2023, don’t forget to check out our range of EV charging solutions.
We’ve been advising on, supplying and fitting EV chargers for years and have developed a reputation for being an authority on EV solutions in the North East of England. We are OZEV registered, giving our customers full access to the money-saving government grants.
If you like to find out more about our range or get a free quote for an installation, don’t hesitate to reach out today.
