When it comes to the environmental impact of driving, everyone agrees that combustion engines leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. From the exhaust fumes released by the vehicle to the carbon footprint that comes with the use of fossil fuels, there are many factors at play when it comes to the environmental impact of driving. Fortunately, there are other options too. And these include electric cars, which, when compared to their traditional counterparts, have a significantly lower environmental impact. If you’re thinking of buying your first car, then you’ve come to the right place. This article will help you understand the pros and cons of driving an electric car.
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Buying Or Leasing An Electric Car
The decision to buy or lease an electric car largely depends on the driver and their budget. Purchasing your vehicle outright will require a lot of up-front cash, but it could save you money in the long run. And if you choose to lease, you’ll have a lower monthly payment and the option to change or upgrade your car more frequently. The higher cost of electric cars is typically why most people prefer to lease them instead of buying them outright. If you’re looking to improve your carbon footprint and want to look at electric car lease deals, you can find out the costs associated with leasing and more information on ElectriX.
Zero Emissions
One of the most important things to consider before you buy a car is the environmental impact that it will have. This is especially true if you’re considering buying an electric car with no emissions. And this, in turn, means less pollution and healthier air for everyone. An electric car doesn’t require fuel and instead relies on a battery to power it. This means that when you drive an electric car, there are no fumes released into the air. In short, electric cars produce zero emissions, and this is better for not only your health but also the environment.
Charging Time
One of the cons of driving an electric car is the charging time. Unlike an internal combustion engine, which can be refuelled in minutes, electric cars can take hours to charge. This might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can become a problem when you need to urgently recharge your car’s battery. However, most electric cars can be charged between three and twelve hours and will last up to 200 miles before needing to be recharged again.
Buying Incentives: Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG)
When you buy an electric car, the government will provide you with a grant to purchase it. The Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG) is a great incentive that encourages people to drive more environmentally friendly cars. The grant was initially worth up to £4,500 per car and has helped hundreds of thousands of people make their first green automotive purchase. However, the grant’s new maximum is £1,500, which is still a significant amount of money to put towards your new car.
Battery Range
One downside to driving an electric car is the limited battery range. After all, the point of electric vehicles is that they don’t require fossil fuels and their engines are powered by batteries. And while this may sound like a great idea, it also means that you have a limited distance in which your vehicle can go before needing a charge. However, some electric cars have a longer range and can travel over 300 miles before needing to be charged.
Low Running Costs
One of the biggest advantages of driving an electric car is that running costs are significantly lower. Because these cars use electricity, their fuel cost is relatively low compared to traditional vehicles. This means you can save a lot of money by driving an electric car instead of a traditional one, and this can be especially beneficial for those on a tight budget. So not only will you be saving costs personally, you will also be able to do your part in protecting the environment, and reducing emissions.
Tax Benefits
Electric cars are exempt from paying car tax, which can save you hundreds of pounds every year if you buy an electric vehicle. That’s because it has zero emissions, which means your vehicle doesn’t produce high levels of CO2. And since CO2 is responsible for much of the world’s global warming, the less you emit into the atmosphere, the better.
Charging At Home Is Often Impractical
Charging an electric car at home is impractical for many people. Let’s say, for example, you live in a small apartment and don’t have any outdoor space or a garage in which you can install an outlet. In this case, charging your car at home may not be an option. And that means if you want to charge your electric car at home, you would need to rely on public chargers at your nearest petrol station, which could mean a long walk if you don’t want to wait with your car while it charges. In other cases, you may not have dedicated parking outside of your house, which could make it tricky to charge your car if it’s parked up the street instead of outside your front door. Even if you are able to install a home charging unit, they typically require private parking to avoid the cable crossing pavements.
More Comfortable
While there are many environmental benefits to driving an electric car, one of the best benefits is that it’s more comfortable. You won’t be getting disturbed by any rough or loud noises when you drive your electric car, which means that you can enjoy a quiet and calm ride. Electric cars also have an advantage over combustion engines in that they offer a smoother ride as they don’t make all the rattling noises that combustion engines do, especially when they brake.
Less Fun To Drive
There are not many cons to driving an electric car, but one con is that they might be less fun to drive. Electric cars come with a variety of benefits over their combustion counterparts, but one downside is that they often have less power. This means that the acceleration and speed of the vehicle will be reduced when compared to a traditional car. Some people might not like this because it can impact the thrill of driving. But for others, this means that you’ll have more time to smell the roses or enjoy the scenery instead of speeding down the motorway.
Conclusion
We have outlined the key advantages and disadvantages of driving an electric car in the UK. The pros and cons of electric cars are clear to see. If you are looking to switch to an electric car, make sure you think through the advantages and disadvantages. The environmental friendliness and the lower running costs of electric cars make them a better option than petrol or diesel cars. However, there are some drawbacks like the time it takes to charge and the higher initial purchase price. If you’re looking for a more environmentally friendly way to commute, then an electric car could be the answer.
