The Many Benefits of Driving an Electric Vehicle

Whether it be the rise in fuel prices, or the environmental impact, more and more people are looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle. Even if you consider yourself an EV-sceptic, there’s no denying electric vehicles offer an array of advantages that petrol and diesel cars simply can’t compete with.

We will be looking at some of the key reasons that our customers choose to go for an EV as their primary source of transportation in a city.

Environmental Impact

Global warming continues to become more and more of a prominent issue in our media and politics. One of the most valuable ways that people can use to make a difference is with their transportation.

Unlike their petrol and diesel counterparts, electric cars produce no carbon dioxide emissions which significantly helps reduce air pollution. This is most influential in major cities such as London where road traffic accounts for approximately 50% of total air pollution. We are already starting to see taxes and charges being implemented to encourage EV use, highlighting the importance of reducing this percentage.

In addition to this, electric vehicles continue to have a positive impact on sound pollution. Although theoretically they could be almost completely silent, government legislation requires EVs to emit a minimum sound frequency of 43 Decibels when travelling at certain speeds to help improve safety for pedestrians. Nevertheless, this is still 30-40% lower than the average petrol or diesel car creating a more peaceful experience for all local residents.

Driving Experience

Electric cars are incredibly fun and easy to drive. For starters, as there are no distinct gears, they are always fully automatic making them accessible to all road users. However, unlike some traditional automatic vehicles, the torque on an EV motor can be very strong allowing for rapid acceleration.

Furthermore, EVs are just as efficient at stopping as they are speeding up. EVs use regenerative braking when you step off the accelerator which not only slows you down, but helps top up your battery. Of course, you are still equipped with conventional brakes for when you need to stop more quickly, however most EV users find themselves rarely using them which shows how effective and efficient this system is.

Performance aside, EVs often have a much more desirable interior that can improve comfort and convenience. The lack of a large engine can make the vehicle much more spacious whilst also providing a much smoother driving experience for all. Additionally, new EVs utilise the latest onboard technology which can have an array of useful functions. Some of the latest features we’ve seen in modern EVs include:

  • Satellite-view maps with live traffic visualization and navigation

  • Internet browser

  • Real time energy consumption and range estimation

  • High-definition backup camera, optimised for visibility and safety

  • Location-aware automatic garage door opener

  • Tinted glass roof with ultraviolet and infrared protection

  • Custom driver profiles

Tesla Model 3 15-inch touchscreen display

Future Proofing

The UK government has set a target to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Originally set for 2040, government sought to seek whether this date could be brought forward amidst building pressure from climate activists. This means soon your hand will be forced when it comes to buying a new vehicle, that’s why we recommend getting ahead of the game and experiencing an EV before this deadline.

As it stands, there are still schemes that you can utilise to save money when buying an electric car such as reduced tax or discounts that can be used towards purchasing an EV. These won’t last for ever so it would be best to take advantage of them whilst you still can.

Free Parking and Charging

Some supermarkets and car parks offer charging points that are free to use for the duration of your stay. Plan this correctly, and you can save a fortune charging an electric vehicle.

Additionally, for those of us that work in an office with a car park, there is the possibility of workplace charging. More and more businesses are looking to implement charging points in their car parks for their employees. Government grants are making this more appealing and they can cover up to 75% of the installation costs for the business. A great incentive to come into the office, workplace charging points can allow you to fully charge your car over an 8 hour day for free!

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that electric vehicles are becoming more and more viable as a replacement for petrol cars as time goes by, and with the continued strain on our environment, there has been no better time to enter the EV market.

If you are looking to trial an electric vehicle before you buy or just need convenient transportation in the UK, Volt-Age has a wide range of electric vehicles available to hire, browse our range of EV’s today to get started.

James O'TooleComment