In the UK, electrically powered cars have revolutionised the roads, marking the end of pollution, emissions, congestion, and road accidents. They bring a number of economic, social, and environmental benefits. The UK is one of the leading markets in terms of automobile research and technology, and the government is actively facilitating the testing and production of vehicles that reduce carbon emissions. There is no doubt these cars are one of the largest and greatest innovations in the automobile industry of this century.
Some companies manufacture pure electric-powered cars, while the rest offer hybrid automobiles that can run on both electricity and gas. A recent survey revealed that in London, 90% of car trips are accomplished within 10 km, which means that almost every daily journey can be done using electric cars.
What is an electric car?
Electric and hybrid cars are often equipped with a lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged at various charging points at home, at the workplace or at specific stations on the roads. Electric vehicles are of two types:
- A pure EV or a Battery Electronic Vehicle (BEV) operates only on the battery charging system. Recent models of EVs can reach speeds of up to 160 km per hour.
- A hybrid EV, also known as a plug-in Hybrid EV (PHEV) or Range-Extended EV (RE EV), has a parallel fuel or gas engine, making it more enduring and sturdy.
Will electric cars work in the UK?
These newer cars offer numerous potential benefits and can improve motorists’ lives. Below are some of the vital reasons why you should change to electric cars.
No Emissions
Electric cars are completely eco-friendly as they operate on electrically powered engines. The clean energy source does not emit toxic smoke, thus promoting a greener and healthier environment, which is the need of the hour.
Savings on fuel
Although electricity isn’t free, it is less expensive than petrol or diesel. Numerous electric vehicle manufacturing companies offer incentives to get back money from the government for becoming eco-friendly. Government incentives for renewable cars are currently available in the UK as well as the USA. Currently, the UK government offers a 25% grant towards the cost of the electric vehicle, up to a maximum of £5,000. The grant will be available until March 2017 or until the stipulated number of cars have made the claim, whichever happens earlier.
Low maintenance cost
Electric cars are far easier to maintain owing to their engines, which do not need lubrication. There is no need to send them to the service stations as often as one would send petrol or diesel cars.
Road Safety
Electric cars will improve road safety because in cases of accidents, the electricity supply will be cut off from the battery, and the airbags will open, preventing the driver and passengers from serious injuries.
Reduced Noise Emissions
Electric cars can provide a smooth, high-speed drive over longer distances. Their pick-up and manoeuvring are noiseless, making them a better bet for driving than fuel cars.
Growing Innovation
The UK is a premium global location for the trying and testing of non-carbon producing cars. Today, the country has produced some of the finest scientists, innovators, and automobile engineers, and it has world-class facilities for investing in EVs.
Inexpensive car insurance
The greatest cost of maintaining a car is the annual insurance premium. Many electric cars fall under Group 1, making the car insurance premium less expensive.
No Road Tax
Electric cars are exempt from road tax, although a tax disc is required. Once you pay a £10 registration fee, you do not have to pay the London congestion charge. Parking is free in certain parts of London and other cities.
The Future of Electric cars in the UK
The popularity of these cars has been on the rise, with over 50,000 more electric cars on UK roads compared to 3500 three years ago. A constantly improving technology in the manufacture of electric cars and an increase in recharge stations have assisted in shifting the focus of UK motorists towards EVs and HVs. As of February 2016, there are 10,316 public charging points at about 3765 locations, out of which there are 1895 rapid charging points at about 650 locations.
The largest car factory in the UK, Nissan’s Sunderland plant, was given a grant of GBP 20.7 million from the British Government and up to GBP 220 million by the European Investment Bank for the manufacture of Electric cars. This plant has the capacity to produce about 50,000 Nissan Leafs, one of the most popular Electric cars in the UK, in one year. Apart from the Leaf, some of the noteworthy electric cars that can be purchased in the UK are the Volkswagen eUP, Renault Zoe, BMWi3, Kia Soul EV, Tesla Model S, and VE eGolf. EV manufacturers, such as Smart, Mitsubishi, Citroen and Peugeot, have also ventured in with their electric cars, making the UK market bigger and more competitive.
Thus, the future of electric cars looks quite bright, as numerous manufacturers are ready to launch their plug-in cars in the market within the next twelve months. The electric car does not cost as much as before and has become a viable option for numerous motorists in the UK, owing to the UK government’s Plug-In Car Grant, which is now guaranteed until 2018.
To improve the air quality in London, the Mayor’s Air Quality Strategy (MAQS) has targeted placing 100,000 electric cars on the streets by 2020.