The UK government is pushing forward with its ambitious plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and hybrid vehicles will follow suit by 2035. This means that starting in 2035, all newly sold cars and vans in the UK will need to be fully electric. If you're pondering whether to invest in an electric vehicle now or hold off, we're here to help you make an informed decision.

It's worth noting that the government has no intentions of banning second-hand petrol and diesel vehicles. Therefore, these traditional engines will likely remain on British roads for quite some time, perhaps even decades. However, as the UK moves towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050, we can anticipate that taxes on fossil-fuel-powered cars will increase, encouraging motorists to transition to electric vehicles.

Hybrid Vehicles: A Complex Scenario

When it comes to hybrid vehicles, there remains some ambiguity in the current government policies. Although hybrids offering a significant zero-emission range are allowed to stay on the market until 2035, the specifics around this threshold are yet to be clarified. There’s no clear definition of what constitutes a “significant” zero-emission range, and it’s uncertain if different rules will apply to various types of hybrids like plug-in and full hybrids. The government has mentioned that these details will be worked out through consultations.

If you’re ready to weigh the pros and cons and make your decision, keep reading!

 

Key Considerations When Deciding Whether to Get an Electric Car Now or Later

 

When Do You Plan to Purchase Your Next Vehicle?

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), electric vehicle registrations surged to 190,727 units in 2021, marking a 75% increase from the previous year. This growth signifies a wider variety of choices for consumers. As demand continues to climb—especially under mounting environmental concerns and skyrocketing fuel prices—supply is expected to expand as well.

Right now, you have a wide selection of EVs available, ranging from the Volkswagen ID.3 to the Porsche Taycan and the Jaguar I-Pace. But the options are only going to increase each year. Additionally, advancements in technology and increased competition might drive prices down, giving you better value for your money in the future.

So, your first step should be to assess when you plan to buy your next car. If you're okay with waiting, you'll have the advantage of time. However, if you're ready to make the leap now, there are many factors to consider. Let's move on to the next point!

 

What Is Your Budget?

Budget is naturally a crucial factor. Typically, electric cars are priced higher than their petrol and diesel counterparts.

This is because EVs are produced in smaller quantities and incorporate newer, more costly technologies. However, as the EV market grows, there’s optimism that prices will drop.

Take the Jaguar I-Pace 2023 as an example. Starting at £66,350, this award-winning all-electric SUV is pricier than other Jaguar SUVs like the F-Pace (£46,250) and the E-Pace (£38,220).

That said, it’s worth considering that while the upfront costs might be higher, you shouldn't dismiss EVs outright. Make sure to factor in running costs, road tax, and fuel savings. Over time, you might discover that an EV ends up saving you money, depending on your needs.

 

Have You Thought About How to Power Your Vehicle?

Beyond your financial constraints, another vital consideration when investing in an EV in the UK is how you’ll power your vehicle.

With fuel costs on the rise, you may have already decided that powering an EV is a more economical choice. But it’s equally important to evaluate whether it’s practical for your lifestyle.

For instance, an EV suits well if your usual trips are short. However, if you regularly cover hundreds of miles weekly, careful planning will be necessary. While EV charging stations are becoming more common throughout the UK, there’s still progress to be made.

To address this, the government has implemented measures to enhance EV charging accessibility. For example, last year’s policy mandates that all new homes and workplaces built in England from 2022 must include EV charging points as standard. This initiative is expected to add approximately 145,000 new charging points annually from 2022 to 2030.

 

You’ll Need to Think About Range and Charging Times, Too.

After considering the availability of charging points, both present and future, it’s time to think about the range and charging times of your preferred EV.

Gone are the days when waiting several hours for a full charge was a major deterrent. Thanks to advancements in battery tech, many modern EV models can charge from 0-80% in under 30 minutes. While it’s not as fast as refueling a traditional car, it’s certainly cheaper and greener.

However, it’s important to note that range and charging times can vary significantly between manufacturers. If you’re comparing multiple models, these aspects are worth keeping in mind.

 

Have You Considered Maintenance Costs?

Given the higher purchase price of EVs, you might assume that maintenance costs like servicing and repairs would also be higher. Fortunately, the reality is quite the opposite.

Kwik Fit reports that EVs are significantly cheaper to service. Similarly, the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) states that all-electric vehicles require less maintenance compared to conventional vehicles.

Take the Tesla Model 3 as an example. It has only 17 moving parts, whereas a typical internal combustion engine vehicle can have over 200. This simplicity leads to easier and, consequently, more affordable service and maintenance.

 

How Important Is the Environment to You?

If your decision is entirely driven by environmental concerns, it’s clear that an electric vehicle is the best choice for you.

Since EVs lack tailpipes, they produce zero tailpipe emissions. In essence, if every car on the road were electric, air pollution in urban areas would drastically decrease.

 

Charging at Home with Solar Power

Another important environmental consideration is the source of the electricity used to charge your EV. If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, charging your car at home using solar power is a fantastic option.

As we’ve discussed rising fuel costs, it’s only fair to mention another pressing issue: rising energy costs. Fortunately, solar power offers an economical and eco-friendly solution. For more insights, check out our blog on charging an electric car with solar panels.

 

Do You Have a Manufacturer or Model in Mind?

As the range of EVs expands steadily, there’s never been more choice. From compact cars to SUVs and sports cars, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re looking for luxury, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S offers top-tier interiors, rapid charging, and an impressive design. On the other hand, if you’re seeking affordability, the Volkswagen e-Up is a popular pick.

Ultimately, the manufacturer and model you choose will depend on your personal preferences, so only you can decide what works best for you.

 

Government Grants for Electric Vehicles

If you’ve looked into EVs before, you may already know about government grants like the plug-in grant. However, as of June 14, 2022, the government announced the end of the plug-in grant. The decision aims to redirect funds toward addressing critical barriers to the EV transition, such as public charging infrastructure and the adoption of other road vehicles that still require further development.

Even without the previous grants, EV drivers still enjoy benefits such as zero road tax and favorable company car tax rates. These incentives can save drivers over £2,000 annually, as noted on the government website.

 

As you can see, deciding whether to get an electric car involves a lot of thought. Yet, with abundant online resources and a rapidly evolving industry, the future of EVs looks incredibly promising. According to The Guardian, over half a million electric cars have been sold in the UK, even amidst supply chain challenges.

If you’re interested in learning more about powering your EV with solar energy, feel free to reach out to our friendly team. They’ll be more than happy to guide you on your solar journey.