We’re seeing an increasing number of electric vehicles on our roads. In 2020, more than 108,000 electric cars were sold in the UK, taking a 6.6% market share, despite overall vehicle sales plunging by 29% as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdowns. In December of last year, the Tesla Model 3 took the crown of being the best selling car of the month, with another EV, the Volkswagen ID3 in fourth place, just behind the VW Golf and Ford Fiesta. 

With the government announcing a target to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, this also means and end to traditional internal combustion engines, with Westminster having announced that the sale of new petrol and diesel engine cars will be phased out from 2030, with all new cars and vans to be fully zero emission at the tailpipe from 2035.

But other than the fact that in just shy of 10 years’ time you won’t be able to buy a new petrol or diesel car, why should you buy an electric vehicle? Well, there are many reasons to do so, despite the naysayers. We’ve picked out our top five reasons why you should make the switch to an EV sooner rather than later.

 

 

Your wallet will love you…

There are a number of financial benefits to buying an electric vehicle, and long-term, your wallet and bank balance will love you for making the jump! 

Firstly, there’s the Plug-In Grant offered by the government, and the best thing about it is that you don’t need to do anything at all to get it. The grant is given directly by the government to the vehicle dealerships and manufacturers, meaning they may display the vehicle price with the grant already taken into account when it’s out on the forecourt. With the Plug In Grant, you’re looking at a 35% (or up to £3,000) saving off an electric vehicle, meaning you’ve got more in your pocket right from the outset!

Secondly, there’s the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS), which provides EV owners with 75% towards the cost of buying and installing a chargepoint at their home. The only requirements are simple – you’ll need a qualifying EV and dedicated off-street parking such as a garage or driveway.

Finally, EV’s are considerably cheaper to run than their petrol and diesel counterparts. Electricity is considerably cheaper than petrol, meaning you’ll spend far less on ‘fuel’, resulting in savings almost on a weekly basis! Repair and maintenance costs are also lower as there are fewer mechanical parts on an electric vehicle compared to a petrol or diesel car, which should also increase reliability. 

 

You’ll be doing your bit for the environment!

Needless to say, with no emissions, electric vehicles are far better for the environment than ICE vehicles! Plus, EV’s can be charged and powered entirely through renewable energy as opposed to electric from coal-fired power stations.

 

You have the need…the need for speed!

If you get a kick from quick acceleration (within the legal speed limits of course), then an electric vehicle could be perfect for you. Tesla’s Model S Performance is currently the quickest EV and will do 0-60mph in just 2.4 seconds – that’s quicker than a Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren 540S and a Porsche 911 Carrera S!

 

You want an enjoyable driving experience.

Electric cars have got a reputation for being some of the smoothest vehicles on the road, and that’s mainly thanks to perfectly balanced weight distribution which provides a low centre of gravity. This leads to better handling and more rounded driving experience. 

On top of this, many electric vehicles are equipped with some of the latest technology which is beautifully presented inside. Many people feel that Tesla is leading the way in terms of interiors with their iPad-like screens front and centre of the vehicle’s cockpit, but other manufacturers such as Honda, Mini and Kia all provide EV’s with fantastic interiors!

 

You want to futureproof your vehicle. 

There’s almost no doubt about it that electric vehicles are the future, particularly with the government’s ban on the production of new ICE vehicles from 2030. There may be some questions over aspects such as their upfront cost, the range which can be achieved and around the current charging infrastructure, but all these aspects will undoubtedly improve over the coming years. 

When it comes to EV’s, there are an increasing number of manufacturers of traditional ICE-based vehicles who are turning their attention to expanding their range, as well as models from EV-only marques such as Tesla and Polestar. So, whether you’re looking for a small runaround such as the Mini Electric, a practical SUV such as the Jaguar i-Pace or something fun and sporty such as the Porsche Taycan, there’s something which fits the bill perfectly, so there’s no need to put off buying an EV any longer!