The UK government is pushing forward with its ambitious plans to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered cars and vans by 2030. By 2035, hybrid vehicles will also be banned from sale, leaving only fully electric options available for new purchases. This means that by 2035, all newly sold cars and vans in the UK must be 100% electric. If you're pondering whether to invest in an electric vehicle now or hold off, let's help you make an informed decision.

It’s important to note that the government has no intentions of restricting the sale of used petrol and diesel vehicles. Therefore, these traditional combustion engines will continue to be seen on British roads for quite some time. However, as the UK aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, we can anticipate that taxes on fossil fuel-driven vehicles will increase, pushing consumers towards electric alternatives.

Hybrid vehicles, however, remain somewhat of a grey area within current government policy. Although hybrids offering a significant zero-emission range are permitted to stay on the market until 2035, the specifics around what constitutes "significant" haven't been clarified yet. It remains unclear whether there will be distinctions made between different types of hybrids, like plug-ins versus full hybrids. The government has stated that final policies will be defined after consultations.

Now, if you're ready to weigh your options and decide, 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), the number of electric vehicle (EV) registrations reached 190,727 units in 2021, marking a 75% increase from the previous year. These figures reflect both a growing consumer interest and a wider selection of models available. As demand continues to grow—driven partly by environmental concerns and rising fuel prices—supply is expected to catch up, offering even more choices and potentially lowering prices due to technological advancements and increased competition.

Currently, buyers aren't lacking in options, ranging from compact models like the Volkswagen ID.3 to luxury offerings such as the Porsche Taycan and Jaguar I-Pace. Yet, the variety isn’t going anywhere—it’s only getting better each year. If you're patient enough to wait, you might enjoy access to better deals and features down the line. But if you're ready to buy today, there are plenty of factors to consider beyond just timing.

 

What Is Your Budget?

Naturally, budget plays a crucial role in any purchasing decision. Typically, electric cars come with a higher price tag compared to their gasoline counterparts. This is largely because EVs are produced in smaller quantities and utilize advanced technologies that are still relatively costly to produce.

Take the Jaguar I-Pace 2023 as an example; this award-winning all-electric SUV starts at £66,350. Comparatively, the F-Pace begins at £46,250, while the E-Pace starts at £38,220—making the EV option pricier. Nevertheless, it's essential to look beyond the upfront cost. Running expenses, road taxes, and fuel savings can offset the initial investment over time, especially if you drive frequently. Depending on how you use your vehicle, an EV could end up saving you money in the long run.

 

Are You Prepared for Charging Infrastructure?

While financial aspects are key, owning an EV involves more than just affordability. One major factor is ensuring reliable access to charging infrastructure. Rising fuel costs might tempt you toward switching to an EV, but practicality is equally vital.

Short daily commutes align perfectly with EV ownership since they require minimal planning for recharging. However, if your routine involves long-distance travel, careful planning becomes necessary. Although progress has been made with expanding EV charging stations across the UK, there's still room for improvement. To address this gap, the government has implemented policies aimed at making chargers more accessible. For instance, new homes and workplaces in England must now include EV charging points starting in 2022, which could add up to 145,000 additional stations annually through 2030.

 

Think About Range and Charging Times

Once you've evaluated potential charging locations near you, next focus on the range and charging speeds offered by your desired EV model. Once perceived as a major drawback, extended charging times are becoming less of an issue thanks to improvements in battery tech. Many modern EVs can recharge from 0% to 80% within half an hour or less—a considerable improvement over older models. While not as fast as filling up at a gas station, this method proves both economical and eco-friendly.

Still, ranges and charging durations vary significantly among manufacturers. Thus, when comparing multiple options, these elements deserve serious attention.

 

Maintenance Costs

Contrary to expectations based on premium pricing, maintaining an EV tends to be cheaper than upkeep for traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Research indicates that EV servicing costs are significantly lower than those for regular cars. Additionally, fewer moving parts contribute to reduced wear and tear, making repairs less frequent and less expensive.

For instance, the Tesla Model 3 boasts merely 17 moving components compared to hundreds found in conventional automobiles. Such simplicity translates into easier maintenance procedures and lower associated costs.

 

Environmental Concerns

If sustainability tops your priority list, then choosing an EV becomes almost inevitable. Since EVs lack exhaust systems, they emit no harmful gases directly into the atmosphere. Consequently, widespread adoption of EVs would drastically cut urban air pollution levels.

 

Home Charging with Solar Power

Another aspect related to environmental impact concerns the source of electricity used to charge your EV. Opting for solar power provides an effective way to further reduce your carbon footprint. Besides addressing fuel cost inflation, it’s worth considering rising electricity rates too. Fortunately, harnessing solar energy offers both economic and ecological benefits. Learn more about integrating solar panels into your EV setup by checking out our dedicated blog post.

 

Which Manufacturer or Model Appeals Most?

As the lineup of EVs expands steadily, customers now enjoy unprecedented diversity. From compact sedans to sporty coupes and spacious SUVs, numerous choices cater to varying preferences and budgets. If luxury appeals most, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S stands out with its opulent interior design, swift acceleration capabilities, and sleek appearance. Meanwhile, budget-conscious buyers might prefer the Volkswagen e-Up, known for its affordability without compromising quality.

Ultimately, selecting the perfect EV depends entirely on individual tastes and needs. Only you can decide what works best for your lifestyle.

 

Government Incentives for Electric Vehicles

Previously, potential EV buyers encountered various subsidies like the plug-in grant. However, starting June 14, 2022, the UK government terminated this incentive program. The decision reflects shifting priorities toward overcoming obstacles hindering broader EV adoption, including enhancing public charging facilities and supporting transitions for other types of vehicles requiring further development.

Even though direct subsidies ended, EV owners continue enjoying indirect advantages such as exemption from road taxes and favorable corporate tax rates. These benefits collectively amount to savings exceeding £2,000 annually according to official sources.

 

Clearly, deciding whether to adopt an electric vehicle entails weighing multiple factors. Fortunately, abundant online resources coupled with rapid advancements in the sector paint a promising outlook for future EV growth. As reported by The Guardian, despite challenges posed by disrupted supply chains, over half a million electric cars have already hit UK streets.

Should you wish to explore renewable energy solutions like solar power for charging your EV, feel free to reach out to our friendly support team. They'll guide you step-by-step through initiating your sustainable energy journey.