There is no doubt that the future of the motorcar industry is going to change. More needs to be done to protect the environment- countries, industries and businesses are starting to pledge to a net zero carbon future.
We already know the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will end in 2030, with new hybrids being sold until 2035 and with Hydrogen powered cars still in the early testing stage, the future of motoring will be in electric vehicles. For several months this year the sale of new electric battery cars outsold diesel cars. Many experts believe next year more electric cars will be sold than diesel models, which is being earmarked as a ‘watershed moment’.
We all want to do our bit for the environment, so what is putting so many people off purchasing an electric vehicle as their new car or van? The three main factors are…
1. Price of a new electric car
2. The range available
3. Lack of charge point infrastructure
But there are answers to these concerns that may change your mind!
Price of a new electric car
Currently the average price of a new electric car is £44,000. To many households, this is far too high a price to be spending on a new car. However, car manufacturers are bringing out new models all the time and some EV’s are available for under £20,000. As manufacturers continue to release new models, there is going to be more choice available which in turn will only drive down the cost of owning an electric car.
Purchasing options available
As with the modern way of purchasing goods, there are many different purchasing options available to help with funding an electric vehicle. The government’s plug-in grant is available to customers who purchase an electric car that has CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 112km (70 miles) without any emissions at all. Customers can claim up to £2500 off the purchase of a car that is valued at £35,000 or less.
Aside from government grants there are Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) options available, this is where a customer pays a monthly fee spread over a certain period. At the end of this period, the customer can then decide to buy, swap or return the car. This is a more flexible and affordable way of owning an electric car.
Grants available
Driving an electric car will also change your refuelling habits and experience. No longer will you need to dive into a petrol station when the car is on the red light, or drive around trying to find the garage with the best pence per litre rate. You will now be required to make sure your car is regularly charged. At present the charging infrastructure in the UK isn’t as good as it can be, but it will only get better.
Grants are currently available for businesses and homeowners who require a car charging point installed. The Workplace Charge Scheme (WCS) allows businesses to claim up to £350 off the purchase and installation of a charge point for up to 40 points. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) enables homeowners to claim 75% off the purchase and installation of a charge point (capped at £350)
Going forward into 2022 other grants are being made available to help everyone achieve a greener motoring future.
Information on these will be made available early into the New Year.
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