Benefits of Having an Electric Car

The electric car is fast going mainstream on UK roads. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, electric vehicle use has risen by 71% over the last year – and the rate of adoption is only likely to expand as charging infrastructure improves.

If you’re thinking of making the switch to an electric vehicle, then you might wonder whether the advantages really justify the drawbacks. Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars have been with us for a very long time – and many motorists will be reluctant to make the switch from a proven technology.

Let’s take a look at some of those advantages, and see whether they warrant a change in your case.

Cheaper to maintain

Electric vehicles tend to be much simpler than their gas-guzzling equivalents. Thus, you’ll tend to find that they’re cheaper to keep on the roads. There’s no starter motor or gearbox to worry about, for example.

Lower running costs

While you might end up spending more money up front for an electric car, they tend to be much cheaper to run. This goes especially in an age where prices at the pump are so incredibly high. If you’re looking to cut the cost of motoring, then you might look at leasing an electric vehicle rather than buying one.

When you’re considering money, it’s worth thinking about the fact that new petrol and diesel vehicles won’t be sold from 2030, under current government plans. Therefore, the resale value of any ICE car you buy now might be diminished over time.

Zero Emissions

Electric cars don’t put out a stream of pollutants as you drive them from one place to the next. This makes them a greener choice overall. If you’re regularly driving through city centres, this might put you on the right side of clean air laws. It’s worth thinking about the possibility that clean-air laws will be rolled out further in town centres across the country.

Tax Benefits

By opting for an electric car over an ICE-powered one, you’ll lower your road tax liabilities. Given that the tax bands are shifting every year, you might find that you’re paying a lot more in the future by sticking with the older technology. Battery electric vehicles are one of several varieties to be exempt from road tax.

Free Parking

Many councils will offer free parking to electric vehicle owners. This will depend on the city in which you’re parking, obviously. You might also find that many car parks offer slow charging facilities, too – meaning that you’ll be able to keep your battery topped up while you do the shopping, or do a day’s work.  Several Welsh councils, including Bridgend and Denbighshire, have announced ambitious plans for improving charging facilities too.