In episode 3 we ask Jack, Laura and Charlie the ultimate question: why should people want to buy an electric vehicle?

From just 80,000 plug-in vehicles registered in 2015, to over 1 million registered at the end of 2022, it’s no secret that electric vehicle sales are booming. As the UK transitions towards the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the number is only going to grow.

But politics and legislations aside, why should you as a consumer actually want to buy an electric vehicle?

1. EVs are fun to drive

Thanks to their instant torque and readily available power, electric cars are incredibly speedy and downright fun to drive. If you have the budget for it, performance levels like the Tesla Model S can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2 seconds flat!

Of course, thanks to their handling and speed, the more affordable models, like the Nissan Leaf or Renault Zoe are also great at making the performance ICE models seem incredibly sluggish.

2. They’re quiet

Since they don’t have the mechanical valves, gears or fans of traditional combustion engines, it’s not just air pollution that EVs will help cut, but noise pollution too. This means that you can listen to your music or podcast in peace and really get more enjoyment out of your drive. Studies have also shown that a quieter drive = less stress. Win win if you ask us!

3. Lower running costs

While it’s true that the upfront cost of an electric vehicle tends to be more expensive than a petrol or diesel car, studies have shown again and again that the costs of running an EV work out cheaper over their lifespan.

If you have off-street parking, you could benefit further by taking advantage of off-peak tariffs using your own EV charger. You can find out more about ours here.

4. EVs are safer

Some claim that EVs are dangerous due to the batteries that they contain, but did you know that statistically they’re safer than ICE vehicles?

While it’s true that EV batteries are still combustible, the density of hydrocarbons in petrol and diesel makes them a much more volatile fuel, and therefore much more likely to cause a serious problem in the event of a crash. Furthermore, since electric vehicles don’t have a front-mounted engine, this means they transmit energy to the back of the vehicle in the event of a crash.

5. Cheaper to maintain

No internal combustion engine means no oil changes required, fewer engine parts to wear down and easier maintenance all around. The simplicity of the electric vehicle parts means significantly lower maintenance costs which can lead to big savings in the long run. Even as much as 50% (compared to an ICE vehicle).

6. They’re better for the planet

The main factor behind the push to electric is undoubtedly the sustainability element. Electric vehicles have no tailpipe, meaning no emissions are produced when driving, leading to cleaner streets, towns and cities. In fact, when compared to petrol, just one electric car can save an average of 1.5million grams of CO2 every year!

But wait….let’s address the elephant in the room. How sustainable can they actually be, we hear you ask?

Yes it’s true that a lot of energy is used in manufacturing, often more than ICE vehicles, but when you consider the reduction in emissions caused over the car’s lifetime, electric is still the greener option.

Similarly, there’s the argument that an electric car is only as green as the power it uses. Well, did you know that zero-carbon sources continue to outperform fossil fuel generation in the UK?

As we transition towards the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, new advancements in battery technology and renewable energy sources means that electric cars are just going to get greener and greener. Can we say the same about petrol and diesel?

We’ll be covering this topic in more detail in a later episode of ‘Electrifying Discussions’ so head back here if you want to learn more!

Image shows a Fjord in Norway. The sustainability factor is a main reason why you should buy an electric vehicle.

So should you buy an EV now or wait?

So why should you buy an electric vehicle? Hopefully we’ve convinced you, but another question still remains: should you buy now or wait? Ultimately the decision is yours to make, as you know best what your driving habits and budget is.

For a lot of people, buying an electric vehicle now makes a lot of sense. Despite their upfront costs, when you consider charging prices and maintenance costs, compared to an ICE vehicle they are cheaper in the long run. What’s more, with the surge in electric vehicles over the past few years, more are making their way to the second hand market, making them more affordable for those on a budget.

If you suffer from range anxiety, you may be encouraged to learn that the median EV range currently sits at 195 miles, with some models even offering over 300 miles. That’s more than enough to cater for the 20 miles the average Brit drives.

As we head towards the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the technology is only going to improve, and the prices reduce. So if you’re wanting to wait a few years, maybe leasing would be a good way to dip your toes in?

Enjoyed this article? Check out the other episodes in our series:

Introducing ‘Electrifying Discussions’

Electrifying Discussions: Top Electric Vehicle Trends of 2023