Electric cars are all the rage right now and numbers keep soaring with over 590,000 pure-electric cars on UK roads at the end of October 2022, and more than 1,000,000 plug-in models. As the greener and more energy-efficient option, it’s understandable why you might want to take the plunge and invest in an electric vehicle but doing your research is essential.
From costs to maintenance and driving, there’s a lot to consider. Here are the top 5 things to keep in mind when buying an electric vehicle.
Different Types
There are three different types of electric vehicles: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs), and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). The driving experience of each is completely different and models are coming out on the market with new innovative features, including regenerative braking and one-pedal driving.
When it comes to what type of electric vehicle you need, you’ll need one that matches your lifestyle. If you often travel around towns and cities, BEVs may be the best option for you. However, if you want to avoid the inconvenience of finding a charging station or waiting for your electric vehicle to power up then an HEV is a no-brainer.
Maintenance
Like any other car, your electric vehicle will need to receive the proper maintenance if it’s going to run the way it should. Your electric car needs to be serviced regularly, having checks on your car tires for wear and tear, windscreen wiper replacement, and brake fluid change.
You’ll be happy to know that servicing and maintaining electric vehicles is simpler and more cost-effective than fuel cars. With no oil to change or an engine to manage, having an electric car can lead to long-term savings.
Incentives
With green technologies being a priority around the world, different countries offer incentives for owning an electric car. Many countries offer bonus payments or grants that encourage people to buy electric vehicles as they work towards a cleaner and healthier future.
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The UK government, in particular, is working on a strategy aimed at ending the sale of fossil-powered vehicles by 2040. They hope to achieve this by using policies that boost the use of low-emission vehicles such as electric cars. Currently, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles offers four grants to help fund electric cars, including the Plug-in Car Grant.
Charging
One of the best parts of an electric car can also be its largest limitation. After all, what good is your electric car to you if there isn’t anywhere nearby to charge it? You need to consider whether there are chargers available in the places you usually go to or if you have the space to install a power station on your property.