In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have gained popularity, particularly among company car drivers. With more of us recognising the environmental benefits of going electric, private buyers are now also gradually embracing the shift. With the government pledging to reinstate the 2030 ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, should more of us consider making the switch to EV?
In this blog, we’ll outline the benefits of driving an electric car. From environmental advantages to financial incentives and beyond, here’s why an EV might be the perfect fit for your next vehicle.
Reduced running costs
While the initial cost of an electric car can be higher than that of a traditional fuel powered car, the long-term savings are significant. EV home charging is significantly cheaper than fuel. In fact, switching to an EV can save on vehicle running costs up to £493[i] per year compared to traditional cars. EVs can also be cheaper to maintain because they have fewer moving parts, meaning less repairs and replacements.
What’s more, the price gap between EVs and ICE vehicles is slowly shrinking, especially with second hand EVs. So, buying an electric vehicle may be more affordable than what you think.
Less CO2 produced
More drivers are turning to electric vehicles in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint. And it’s easy to see why with research indicating that EVs provide a 69% reduction of CO2 emissions[ii] compared to petrol cars in their lifetime.
That being said, the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate states that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain will now be zero emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035.
Reduced noise pollution
Electric vehicles contribute to reducing noise pollution, especially in urban areas, as they’re powered by an electric motor rather than an engine. This makes for a more pleasant driving experience.
Improving range
The latest electric cars on the market now provide a significant range-boost compared to early models, with the average range of cars today at 300 miles[iii] which is more than London to Newcastle, or more than the average weekly commute[iv].
Government funding
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) provides grant to help both individuals and businesses by an EV or install EV charging points. There are currently four grants to help fund electric cars and chargers. These grants include:
- Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) – supports installing a charge point at home.
- Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) – supports businesses with installing charge points.
- On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) – supports local authorities installing on-street chargers for residential cars.
- Plug-in Car Grant (PICG) – Supports car manufacturers and dealerships who can pass EV discounts onto customers.
For more information on government grant, please visit the government website.
Renewable energy charging
EV chargers use a mixture of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Some chargers are plugged straight into the National Grid, however, wind or solar powered chargers are becoming more popular. Not only is renewable energy charging more cost effective, but these energy sources also emit little to no greenhouse gases.
With home chargers now much more accessible, it’s also more convenient to charge your EV on your own driveway.
If you need to charge your EV while out and about, the number of charge points in the UK is constantly expanding. In July 2024, 2,004 net new EV charging devices were added across the UK and there are plans to expand even further, so charging anxiety can be a thing of the past! [vi]
EV maintenance at Halfords
The UK currently faces a critical shortage of EV technicians, with 113,000 needed by 2030. Projections indicate a potential shortfall of 3,000 EV engineers by 2031, increasing to 16,000 by 2035 [V]. That’s why, at Halfords, we’re committed to continually training our colleagues and enhancing their skills in electric vehicle maintenance.
We have 273 garages across the Halfords network that provide EV support including electric vehicle servicing and MOTs. So, if you do make the switch to EV, you know you’ll be in good hands with Halfords.
In conclusion, there are undoubtedly a wide variety of benefits to driving an electric car from environmental advantages to significant cost savings. As the UK heads towards a greener future, electric cars represent a smart, sustainable option for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
