Most of us have at least considered alternative fuel vehicles at least once while buying petrol and feeling the drain on our bank accounts. The combination of high petrol costs and a growing ecological movement has given alternative powered vehicles a boast in popularity. The fact that the cars themselves are improving rapidly as the technology advances is another reason for the growth.
Electric cars are a rapidly growing segment in the non-fossil fuel sector. However, as with any new and developing technology, being able to separate fact from fiction in their performance can sometimes be tricky.
Here are some reasons to consider the purchase of an electric car (EV).
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It provides a huge benefit to the environment
An EV has zero tailpipe emissions make them far better for the environment than diesel or petrol cars. In heavily congested areas tailpipe pollutants, especially CO2 and NOx, are especially dense and significantly affect the air quality (Perhaps it’s time to sell my car in London). This is not to suggest that an EV has no environmental impact. However, even when the emissions of generating the electricity needed to power the EV the overall environmental is still less than fossil-fuel engines. As the UK moves toward more renewable generating sources the positive impact is even higher.
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Tax savings
The Vehicle Excise Duty, more commonly called the road tax, is determined by the CO2 tailpipe emissions. Since EVs have no tailpipe emissions there is no charge to tax the vehicle for road use.
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EVs are very quiet
Even at higher speed an EV is very quiet, with most of the noise coming from the tyres and wind. In fact EVs are so quiet that automakers are looking for ways to introduce more engine noise at lower speeds as a safety feature. Some lawmakers are even considering introduction legislation to make EVs noisier.
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EVs are increasing comfortable
Refinements in the manufacturing process have increased the cabin comfort of EVs. Overall most EVs are designed to be more comfortable than conventional cars since manufacturers are not trying to introduce a “sporty” image. EVs also have significantly less powertrain vibrations. EVs have a low centre of gravity and have excellent handling due mostly to this and a more aerodynamic design.
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Fuel costs
Assuming that the owner drives 100 miles a day or less, the cost of charging the EV is about £1000 a year less expensive than paying for petrol.
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EVs use advanced technology
Technology systems typically found in EVs, such as pre-conditioning the car’s temperature, remotely locking and unlocking the cars, access to driver information, and sat-navs which are specifically designed to meet the special needs of the owner, are frequently not standard on conventionally powered vehicles.
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EVs are very quick
The time to go from 0-to-60 is the common benchmark of a car’s power. There is no doubt that in this area diesel and petrol engines are faster. However when you look at how people typically drive, increasing speed in increments more like 0-30, 30-50, and 40-60, EVs are faster and more efficient than traditional engines.
