Benefits of Going Electric
There are multiple benefits to avail off when you switch to electric, below is a rundown of what you will enjoy.
Here is a quick overview of some of the benefits:
- Better for the environment
- Saves on fuel consumption
- Congestion charge discounts
- Lower long-term running costs
- Government grants to help to buy and install at-home charging points
- Tax exemptions
- Free parking provided by some local authorities
- Quieter to drive
- Access to hundreds of public Electric Vehicle charging stations throughout Northern Ireland.
Financial benefits of going electric
Running Costs
One of the most significant benefits of driving an electric car is that they are considerably cheaper to run, based on fuel costs alone.
When choosing your electricity tariff, one of the best options is a dual tariff which offers a higher day rate and a lower off-peak rate. The best time to really see the savings is to charge your car during off-peak hours (the middle of the night).
If you’re charging your car at home, then you will need a charging point and there are government grants to help with that cost. Charging across the public network is free so there are savings there also.
Servicing and Maintenance
Electric cars have fewer moving parts in comparison to conventional vehicles, so they don’t wear as much over time. This is good news as you can save on services and maintenance as less can go wrong! But just like other cars, it’s important to service your EV to ensure it’s delivering its peak performance.
Road Tax
Another saving to enjoy with electric vehicles is the road tax. Road tax is based on the CO2 tailpipe emissions of your vehicle, its list price, and year of registration. As electric cars emit no CO2, this means that they are fully exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) or Road Tax costs.
Grants for Electric Vehicles
If you’re considering buying an electric car, then great news as there are grants available to help you get on the road!
In a scheme created to encourage more electric car and van purchases, the UK Government has set up the Plug-in grant (PiCG) which will subsidise an electric car purchase of up to £1,500. There’s a cap in value on cars receiving this grant at £32,000. The amount of the grant depends on which category the vehicle is in.
The 5 categories are:
- Cars
- Vans
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
- Taxis
There are also grants available for the installation of home charging points and more information about this can be found here.
If you are planning to install an EV charging point, you need to register the new energy device with your Distribution Network Operator (DNO). The DNO is the company responsible for bringing electricity to your home. Find out who your Distribution Network Operator is.
Environmental benefits of going electric
A significant benefit to driving an electric car is the contribution they can make towards improving the air quality in cities and towns. As electric cars don’t emit CO2, this improves the air quality drastically. Electric cars provide us with cleaner streets which make our towns and cities better places for pedestrians and cyclists.
Electric cars can also reduce noise pollution, especially in towns and cities where speeds are lower. They are much quieter and driving an electric vehicle creates a much more peaceful environment for everyone.
Once you invest in an electric vehicle, you are actively contributing to helping make Northern Ireland a much more sustainable and environmentally conscious country.
Contact Charles Hurst Electric Vehicle Experts today to make the first step on your electric vehicle journey.
