Travel
Drive Electric
What
The smell of a new car, breeze through the window, and your favourite tune accompanying you along the open road...nothing quite like it. Except perhaps, the prospect of this drive being electric - a journey that is good for you, and the planet too!
Benefits
For people
Electric vehicles (EV) have lower servicing and maintenance costs, and are cheaper to refuel than petrol or diesel cars. In fact, the lifetime cost of a new electric car is no more than a normal car.
There are faster charging stations cropping up, and newer EV models can already go over 250 miles on one charge.
Good for the planet and your pocket!
Transport is a major source of air pollution – linked to 36,000 early deaths a year in the UK. All-electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions, which specifically helps improve air quality in urban areas.
So, you can take a big breath in and a huge sigh of relief out.
For planet
Over a vehicle’s lifecycle, the carbon pollution from an electric vehicle is likely to be around 3 times lower than that of a conventional car. Yes, it’s true that manufacturing EVs has a big carbon footprint and uses a lot of precious resources - but over their lifetime this is far outweighed by the greater efficiency of electricity as a fuel. And, as the use of renewable energy increases so too will the positive impacts of driving electric.
Making a purchase now or even going for a test drive shows manufacturers there is demand for electric vehicles, and renewable electricity, which helps develop this vital part of a more sustainable infrastructure.
How
Do your research
It’s hard to know where to turn when starting out on your electric car search. There is a lot of conflicting information out there so try to stick to trusted sources.
A good start could be delving into WhatCar or these articles from Energy Saving Trust and Ethical Consumer.
Check out if grants are available
Although going electric should save you money in the long run, it’s a big investment up front. However, there may be grants available to help you buy, as well as to install a home chargepoint.
The Low-emission vehicles UK government grant is a good first point of call.
Find the electric car of your dreams
Electric cars are particularly good if you live in a city or town - although as their range increases they are becoming more suitable in rural areas too.
To buy a car or to take a test drive, you could go directly to a dealer, or you could go through brand neutral centres such as EV Experience Centre or TryEV.
If buying is not an option that is available to you at the moment, perhaps you could join an electric car sharing club like E-Car Club.
Share your love for driving electric!
Buying an electric car is simply not an option for everyone. But we can all use our voices to show our desire for the electrified future of transport.
Perhaps you could pledge to Voice Up and share your passion for sustainable transport! Meanwhile, pledge to Smart Drive and take on a smooth style to reduce your emissions in your current car.
