GIVEN THE new government will restore the 2030 deadline for the end of sales of new petrol and diesel cars, and has retained targets for the sale of electric vehicles (EVs) which encourage manufacturers to offer discounts, this may be the time to think about making the switch. There isn’t a standard Yes/No decision to fit everyone’s situation, but here are some facts to emphasise and myths to debunk.
All EVs improve local air quality by eliminating tail pipe emissions and reducing brake dust particulates, because regenerative braking reduces brake wear. Of course, providing the electricity to run the vehicles results in emissions to atmosphere elsewhere until renewable energy can provide an alternative to fossil fuels in a consistent manner. In addition, there’s an issue of pollution and energy requirements associated with the mining and processing of the rare minerals required in the batteries. We’ll need effective recovery systems for these units.
The myth about electric vehicle batteries catching fire regularly needs to be debunked. The much-quoted example of a major fire at Luton airport was due to a diesel vehicle, not an EV, and research shows battery fires are rare and slightly more likely in a diesel or petrol vehicle than in an EV.
The cost of running an EV can be much lower than running a diesel or petrol vehicle, although the current zero road tax disappears in April next year. Maintenance costs are lower, although insurance can be higher, but all of this depends on size and features.
The cost of charging depends on your home and how you use the car. If you have off-street parking next to the house, and your normal daily journey is less than the battery can deliver without recharging, then setting up a home charger unit is the answer. Various electricity suppliers will offer reduced prices per unit if you can charge at specific times of the day when there is surplus electricity. Better still, consider solar panels if they would work with your driving pattern.
Note that the quoted mileage on the sales brochure is the mileage delivered by a NEW battery. All batteries will hold less charge as time goes by, and all are affected by cold weather, giving a shorter range in winter months. In addition, you are advised to charge the battery to only 80% to maintain battery life, unless about to do a long journey. Maybe do your calculations on daily use using 70% of the quoted range as long-term availability.
Charging at home is the economic method at the moment. Dependence on using fast chargers at commercial outlets is expensive, possibly more expensive than running on diesel or petrol, and should be an occasional necessity, not a regular action. It’s also not brilliant for the battery life if used too often.
The alternative option is charging at work. Businesses, charities, and government offices can get workplace charging scheme grants for installing units. Ask your employer about their plans for EVs, both for company cars and for employees to charge during the day.
Future developments will make EVs more accessible to everyone as we move towards 2030. Perhaps a season ticket for trickle charging in a station car park or at a park and ride with free bus travel into town. On-street charging points is a goal in Council policy. Watch this space for developments.
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