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Did you think about switching to an Electric car but found yourself hesitating?

 

The electric car market has seen a massive jump in popularity in recent years, with many consumers switching from hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles to electric cars and LCV's.

 

This move shows no signs of slowing down but indicates a significant shift in the automotive industry away from petrol or diesel car.

 

EVs are becoming more popular partly because of reduced emissions and lower running costs.

 

In November 2020, the UK government committed to halting the sale of fossil fuel vehicles by 2030; this was then modified to 2035.

 

This commitment provided a clear roadmap for the future of electric cars and a shot across the bow for conventional cars..

 

This delivery plan sets out investment and policy initiatives to help meet our phase-out dates, including significant milestones and how we will monitor progress."

 

(Information taken from www.gov.co.uk published 21th July 2021)

 

The electric vehicle market has become increasingly popular in the last few years, with more and more consumers switching from petrol/diesel and hybrid vehicles to electric cars.

 

Electric cars are growing in traction due to their myriad benefits, from reducing emissions to significantly lower running costs. These advantages make them a more environmentally friendly choice and a more economical one in the long run.

 

 

Increase in Purchases of Electric cars

 

The number of purchased electric vehicles steadily rises yearly, indicating a growing acceptance and trust in the electric car market. This trend is a testament to electric cars' increasing popularity and reliability.

 

"In 2023, new car sales of electric motors was 47483 more than in 2022.

 

Common reasons why some consumers may hold back from buying an EV.

They might think:

  • The operating costs will be too expensive.
  • The batteries won't last.
  • Infrastructure still needs to arrive.
  • The range the vehicle can travel needs to be more significant.
  • More public charging points need to be created.
  • Difficulty in access to home charging points.

 

The Benefits of Purchasing an Electric Vehicle

 

  • Running costs are much lower than running a petrol or diesel vehicle.
  • Zero exhaust emissions, which can have a positive effect on the environment.
  • Maintenance costs are less.
  • Safer to drive.
  • Home charging points make it more convenient.

 

 

 

Increased accessibility to Charging points across the UK

 

The government used to have funding in place.

 

"Charging electric vehicles is set to get even easier thanks to hundreds of millions of funding made available for local authorities, homeowners and renters today"(18 March 2024 www.gov.co.uk).

 

When was the first electric car sold?

 

The first electric car was sold in the UK in the 19th century. In 1884, a British inventor, Thomas Parker, built the first production electric car in London. This passenger electric car was considered one of the first practical electric cars. It was a far cry from the modern electric cars we know today but illustrates that electric-powered cars have a long tradition within the UK.

 

How are electric car batteries made?

Many electric cars batteries are typically made using lithium-ion battery technology. These components are combined in a layered structure to create a rechargeable battery pack. The exact manufacturing process can vary among different battery manufacturers. Still, the basic principles involve assembling the battery cells and packaging them into a battery pack for use in electric vehicles.

 

How are electric car batteries disposed of?

Electric car batteries should be disposed of properly to ensure they do not harm the environment. Battery disposal typically involves recycling. Battery recycling centres can reclaim various main components to manufacture new batteries. This recycling process also helps to reduce the environmental impact of battery disposal and promotes sustainability in the electric vehicle industry. It's vital to contact authorized recycling facilities or check with your manufacturer to ensure that any batteries are disposed of safely.

 

Environmental impact of electric cars vs diesel

 

The environmental cost of using an EV for 10,000 miles is generally lower than driving a diesel vehicle for the same distance.

EVs have zero emissions, which reduces the environmental pollution associated with transportation.

 

But we must remember the cost of producing the car, its battery, and the sources of electricity used to charge it. Overall, studies have shown that over the vehicle's lifetime, including manufacturing, driving an electric car results in lower greenhouse gas emissions than driving a diesel car.

 

Lots of manufacturers now make electric vehicles part of their model range.

Almost all car manufacturers in the UK produce electric cars, including Tesla and Nissan, with its Nissan Leaf model, Jaguar Land Rover, Jaguar I-Pace, and BMW, with the BMW ix3. Companies like Tesla, Renault, and Kia also offer electric car options in the UK market. These manufacturers have actively contributed to advancing electric vehicle technology and adopting sustainable transportation solutions in the UK.

 

So, what are the pitfalls of owning an EV

 

Significant considerations have to be 

  • The purchase price of your EV
  • The Accessibility of rapid charges
  • Range anxiety

But perhaps the biggest of all has to be its residual value. For example

 

*Tesla Model 3 E 346BHP 4 X4 Long range bought in 2021 for £49,000

It now has 55750 miles on the clock

Glass's Guide Dealer Retail now values the Tesla at 23620

That is a potential loss of £25380

 

*Audi E Tron 312ps Technik 5 Door Quattro bought in 2021 for £60560

It now has 24371 miles on the clock

Glass's Guide Dealer Retail now values the Audi at £21500

That is a potential loss of £39060

 

*Jaguar I Pace V400 AWD HSE SUV bought in 2021 for £73298

It now has 45000 miles on the clock

Glass's Guide Dealer Retail now values the Jaguar at £26220

That is a potential loss of £47078

 

*prices taken from Glass guide 26th of June 2024.

 

With this potential drop in value, gap insurance has to be considered. After all, no matter what your financial circumstances, a potential loss of £30,000-£47,000 is a lot of money to lose.

 

A total loss gap insurance policy can help. Depending on which level of gap insurance you decide to buy, you can protect the invoice price, the amount remaining on your finance or contract hire agreement, and even the replacement cost.

 

Contract Gap Hire Insurance Quote for your electric car     Return to Invoice Gap Insurance Quote to cover electric cars     Vehicle Replacement Gap insurance Quote for your electric car

Alloy Wheel Insurance for your EV     Smart Care Insurance for your electric car     Excess insurance to cover your electric cars Excess Payment

Complete Wheel insurance for your New electric car     Scratch and Dent insurance for your EV     Total Loss Tyre insurance for electric cars