GoMotorTrade Investigates the Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Cars
TEDDINGTON, England, October 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --
The free to use motor trade insurance comparison site GoMotorTrade has recently discussed the advantages and disadvantages of buying electric vehicles. Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular due to the incentives brought in by the government and the fact that consumers are able to take part in reducing emissions on a global scale, however there are still those that are wary of them.
One of the advantages of electric cars is their lack of noise; even standing next to an electric vehicle or seeing one drive past you will be shocked at how quiet they are. Electric cars are also very smooth and they make most fuel-powered cars seem out-dated and noisy.
Consumers also have the ability to recharge electric vehicles in the comfort of their own homes, meaning they will never have to go into a petrol station again. Normally, electric cars take between 8-16 hours to fully recharge so it is best to leave the car overnight. Once the car is fully charged they are able to travel around 80-100 miles depending on the vehicle's technology.
One of the biggest benefits of electric vehicles is the fact that electricity is cheaper than fuel, meaning that even though the upfront cost for an EV is more expensive than its fuel-powered counterpart you are likely to save money in the long run. For example, it's two-thirds cheaper to fully charge an EV compared to the amount it would cost in fuel to run a car per mile. Costs are also reduced due to maintenance and oil changes not being necessary because there is no exhaust system.
On the other hand, many electric car buyers have 'range anxiety' - the fear that their vehicles will run out of power before being able to find a suitable charging point. As most electric cars have a range between 80-100 miles owners need to plan ahead and research the locations of charging stations before each journey. This is why a number of electric car owners also own fuel-powered vehicles which they use for longer journeys.
As previously mentioned, electric cars generally cost more than most fuel-powered cars, with prices starting from around £19,000 for a small VW e-UP! Some consumers feel that this is too much money to part with for a car, however the government does offer incentives which can help. Consumers can receive a grant which covers 25% of the car's cost up to a maximum of £5,000 and the 'cost' includes number plates, VAT and vehicle excise duty but no optional extras.
The refuelling time for an electric car can also be an issue for consumers, especially if they need to go out and their car is not charged. However, by planning their journeys in advance and traveling in urban areas with numerous charging points this issue can be easily resolved.
Ben Moore, GoMotorTrade's business development manager, said: "The market for electric cars is increasing rapidly, but until people feel comfortable purchasing these types of vehicles they will fail to become commonplace. Manufacturers of electric cars therefore need to inform consumers of the benefits of these types of vehicles and how they can help the environment. Yes, there are disadvantages to electric cars, but it is likely that manufacturers and governing bodies will be implementing plans to address these issues in the near future."
GoMotorTrade is a free to use comparison site specialising in motor trade insurance products. Based in Greater London, GoMotorTrade works with a range of partners to provide bespoke insurance policies to motor traders across the UK.
SOURCE GoMotorTrade
Share this article