There are many benefits to an electric car but now the one big incentive is the ban on petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030. This was announced by Boris Johnson as part of the “green industrial revolution”, with an aim to tackle climate change.
From 2030 all new cars and vans will be electric, except a few hybrids.
Whether you were thinking of going electric now, or in time for the 2030 ban, there may still be some unanswered questions on electric vehicles. Below we have compiled a short list of what we think you need to know about going electric.
Are they really that good for the Environment?
It is largely true that electric cars are good for the environment. They are far less dependent on fossil fuels; however, you still need to recharge the battery which is done with electricity that requires the burning of fossil fuels.
That said, they are more eco-friendly as they give off zero tailpipe emissions. You’ll also find that electric cars are typically more recyclable. Made from reusable air ducts and other parts.
The batteries used to charge electric vehicles are lithium ion which have a shorter lifespan and are less recyclable. Recently though there has been advancement into longer-lasting electric car batteries, something which there is bound to be more funding into as we approach 2030.
Will I be using excess power to heat and cool my car?
Warm weather can be a problem for electric vehicles, putting a strain on the battery. If you’re travelling long distances in the summertime it would be wise to plan where you can stop to recharge.
We suggest using the air conditioning or car heater while your car is still on charge at home, to avoid using unnecessary battery charge. During warm weather be sure to park in the shade to avoid the thermal management system draining the battery.
The cold affects EV similarly to petrol or diesel cars. Simply put when the engine gets colder, it influences the vehicles fuel economy.
It may be worth opting for heated seats as these use less energy than heating the whole car. If you have a garage, install your charger inside so that you can keep your car enclosed in a heated space – plus, the battery will charge faster if it’s warmer.
Will my car still require expensive servicing?
There are far fewer components to an electric vehicle compared with a diesel or petrol. It’s also likely that the brakes will require less frequent servicing, this is due to regenerative braking. There’s also no fluids or fluid disposal systems, or gases requiring extraction.
This means you could go twice as long between maintenance as you would with a petrol or diesel car. However, the battery will still require care and attention. Usually because of their shorter lifespan.
You may also need to seek out a specific car mechanic that services electric vehicles.
What are the benefits of going electric?
You can read our list of benefits from our blog here.
How do I get an electric charging port installed and how much does it cost?
If you would like more information on charging ports, installation and cost, drop our team a message today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.