There are plenty of good reasons to switch to an electric car. For starters, electric cars are considered to be much better for the environment than traditional fueled cars. Rather than burning fossil fuels and releasing emissions as they drive, an electric car can be run on clean energy.
However, before you make the change, it’s a good idea to explore your options and make sure you’re fully informed before changing your family vehicle. This way, you’re prepared for the reality of driving and running an electric car.
The Cost
Once, electric cars were almost always the more expensive upfront option. This is because they were new and the technology wasn’t at the level as it is today. Now, you can buy an electric car for a comparable price to a fueled car. But there are other costs to consider.
One of the most common reasons people switch is because they think they can save money. But is that true? In short, yes. But only if you run it correctly.
The biggest saving is fuel costs. Fuel costs a lot of more than electricity, and you can fill a battery relatively quickly and at a low cost. But it is a good idea to check the route of any long journey because missing charging points will result in a nasty and expensive surprise if your car runs out of juice.
You can also save on tax and in zero-emission areas, but always check the local area for specifics.
Finally, you will need regular maintenance on your electric car to make sure the battery is working properly at all times.
Charging Etiquette
Rather than filling a tank, you now charge your car. Once upon a time, this posed a problem, because charging points were rare and batteries had low capacity. But now you can usually find somewhere to charge your vehicle even on the go.
Of course, this means you need to know the right EV charging etiquette. You don’t want to be inconsiderate when charging, and you should bear in mind that others will want to use chargers in public places.
You should also install a charging station at home, so your car is always ready to go.
For Business
If you’re a business owner, you may have a fleet of vehicles for your employees to get around. Company vehicles represent your business directly, which means that in some cases, it’s more beneficial to have a company fleet of electric vehicles.
Fuel costs are far lower, and this is one of those costs that can rapidly add up when you have a lot of drivers. However, some running and maintenance costs might be comparable or more expensive, depending on the battery health of your cars.
But more importantly, this can be a positive reflection of your business. If you claim to have eco-friendly values, electric vehicles in your fleet prove that you’re willing to act according to those values. This can be attractive to customers and employees alike.