The future really is electric! So as we accelerate towards a future of zero emission vehicles, now might be the right time to consider the transition to an electric vehicle or electric van.
It has been announced that the UK will end the sale of all NEW petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030. By 2035, all newly manufactured cars and vans must be zero emission.
So what are the benefits of driving an electric vehicle?
One of the most significant advantages of owning an electric vehicle is its kind to the environment. Unlike standard cars fuelled by petrol and diesel, an electric vehicle is powered by a battery so there are no exhaust emissions whatsoever which is better for you and better for the environment.
No pain at the pump! – investing in an electric vehicle means you’ll never need to refill at a fuel station ever again. Electric cars and vans are powered by charging the battery unit using an electric charge point, which works out far cheaper than current fuel prices however there are some disadvantages including re-charge times and a lack of charging points.
Government grants – The UK Government are encouraging drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles thanks to a number of grant-led schemes. As well as offering contributions towards the cost of purchasing a new electric vehicle, motorists can access schemes which will reduce the
costs of installing an electric charger at home or work too.
Improved driving performance – Some drivers are sceptical about the performance of electric and that it won’t perform as well as a diesel or petrol powered vehicle. In fact an electric vehicle will out perform both. With a lower centre of gravity, handling is very much improved as is the response from the battery.
Less maintenance needed – Most electric vehicles don’t require much maintenance or servicing like their petrol or diesel equivalents. Due to fewer moving mechanical parts, an electric vehicle is generally cheaper to maintain.
Tax-free benefits – As a zero emission vehicle they are exempt from road tax (also referred to as Vehicle Excise Duty) throughout the duration of ownership. This alone can save you hundreds of pounds a year compared to the cost of owning a petrol or diesel vehicle. The company-car tax,
or BiK, on electric cars is 1% during the 2021/22 financial year and will rise to just 2% in 2022/23, making a zero-emissions vehicle a great choice for business users.
Free of congestion charges
Are you a regular commuter to London or other major cities? If so, you can wave goodbye to congestion charges. Thanks to a zero emissions, an electric vehicle is allowed to travel freely through congestion charging zones in the capital and other major cities that have imposed similar
restrictions. As with the congestion charge zones, electric vehicles aren’t restricted within Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) or associated Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN) zones either. It’s win-win if you’re a driver in London or one of the major cities across the UK that has introduced a
similar restricted area.
Opportunities for free parking – Parking can be extremely expensive, so it’s pleasing to know that many towns and cities offer free parking, or priority parking bays for electric vehicles. In short, electric owners are rewarded for their environmental vehicle choice, so it pays to go green!
Reduced noise – It’s not just pollution that is caused by petrol and diesel vehicles exhaust fumes, noise pollution is a contributing factor too – with battery-powered vehicles being so quiet the law now states an electric car or van needs to be fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) when reversing or at low speeds.
Retains resale value – If you’re not planning on keeping hold of your electric vehicle long-term, then it’s worth noting that second-hand electric vehicles have a better resale value thanks to the many great benefits of owning one.
If you are contemplating buying an electric vehicle then here at Car Auction Buying Service, we’re to finding the very best deal for you by working with our extensive list of auction partners and trade contacts. To find out more or to inquire about buying your next vehicle from a nationwide or local auction, please give us a call on 07999 728009. Alternatively, you can fill out our online form.
