Buying an electric car
0
0
Whether you’re a new qualified driver, a seasoned motorist, or even the manager of a business vehicle fleet, it won’t have gone unnoticed that there is always a less than subtle push to adopt all-electric vehicle technology. Moving away from traditional combustion engine models is seen as intrinsic to cutting CO2 emissions around the globe, lessening the environmental impact and helping reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
Whether you’re a new qualified driver, a seasoned motorist, or even the manager of a business vehicle fleet, it won’t have gone unnoticed that there is always a less than subtle push to adopt all-electric vehicle technology. Moving away from traditional combustion engine models is seen as intrinsic to cutting CO2 emissions around the globe, lessening the environmental impact and helping reduce the reliance on fossil fuels.
Of course, making the change from petrol and diesel power to electric isn’t always straightforward, with a host of considerations to bear in mind and an extensive lineup of models from which to choose. To help make choosing the right vehicle as easy as possible, we spoke to an electric vehicle specialist from Birchwood Group in order to help you make the switch simple, and ask some of the key questions you should ask yourself when making the change.
Does an electric car meet my needs?
“Often the first question asked by customers is along the lines of, ‘what is the total range’ or ‘how far can I go’”, says Ryan Boorman, EV Specialist at Birchwood Group. “And it’s not an unreasonable question to ask as there seems to be some misconceptions about the capability of the modern electric vehicle. But, while many older ones often struggled to meet the 100-mile figure, things have changed.”
Of course, a few years in the automotive industry makes a world of difference. The average range of an electric car today is approximately 194 miles, with some top-of-the-range options even capable of reaching a remarkable figure nearing 400 miles. As a result, when considering whether an electric model meets your needs, you can be confident that modern solutions will more than cover the average commute with ease.
Can I really afford an electric car?
This is perhaps the biggest sticking point for many, not least because recent changes to electric vehicle grants have had a significant impact on buyers. “Previously, you would be able to claim a government subsidy to help fund the purchase of the vehicle and installation of a domestic charging point,” continues NAME. “However, funding has now ceased, so purchase prices may feel a little steep. We believe that the savings made over the course of ownership will more than even out and make choosing electric the ideal solution.”
Among those savings that are available when going electric are a reduced cost-per-mile performance, exemption from vehicle road tax and congestion charges, and also the ability to enjoy lower maintenance costs – this is due to fewer moving components normally found in a combustion engine.
Do I need to install a charger at home?
The ideal solution for affordable charging is to have a dedicated wallbox installed on your premises. This then enables you to connect your vehicle and charge overnight when the cost of electricity is lower. While this may be a suitable solution for those with accessible driveways and garages, it’s understandable that others may feel that living in an apartment or without off-road parking makes choosing an electric car needlessly complex.
“The network of charging points throughout the UK is extensive and growing by the day. Whether at supermarkets, petrol stations, or service stops, there’s often a charging solution nearby that negates the need to have a domestic charger installed.” Motorists can also benefit from systems such as Zap Map and selected smartphone apps in order to find the nearest charging point to them, as well as information on costs of use.
Should I buy new or used?
“We at Birchwood Group are proud to be able to offer both new and preowned electric vehicles that are ready to be purchased today,” adds Ryan Boorman. “We only sell those used models that have been carefully inspected by our team of technicians to ensure lasting performance. As such, we believe that choosing used should not present any concerns, with the enduring performance of electric batteries meaning you are guaranteed on-going use that won’t let you down.”
Like any vehicle, electric cars depreciate the moment you drive off the forecourt, with those brand new models suffering the greatest drop in value. As such, looking through the latest selection of used electric models from the likes of Birchwood Group will help you secure exceptional value for money when making the move to electric power.
At present, one in five new cars sold in the UK is an electric model, so why not take the first steps towards becoming the next electric vehicle motorist today?
Whether you’re a new qualified driver, a seasoned motorist, or even the manager of a business vehicle fleet, it won’t have gone unnoticed that there is always a less than subtle push to adopt all-electric vehicle technology. Moving away from traditional combustion engine models is seen as intrinsic to cutting CO2 emissions around the globe,…