Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, as the technology improves and the price of petrol and diesel continues to rise. But are they really the best option for everyone? Here, we take a look at the pros and cons of electric cars to help you make an informed decision about whether one is right for you.
The Pros
There are a number of reasons why people are choosing to switch to electric cars. Here are some of the main benefits:
They’re better for the environment
Electric cars produce zero emissions, which is great news for the environment. This means that they produce no harmful carbon dioxide or other pollutants, which can have a major impact on air quality.
They’re cheaper to run
Electric cars are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars, as you don’t need to pay for fuel. You will need to charge your car, but electricity is much cheaper than petrol or diesel.
They’re fun to drive
Electric cars are often smoother and quieter to drive than petrol or diesel cars, and many people find them more fun to drive. This is because they have instant torque, which means they accelerate quickly from a standing start.
You could get a government grant
The government offers a grant of up to £5,000 towards the cost of an electric car, which can make them much more affordable.
The Cons
Electric cars do have some drawbacks, which you need to consider before making the switch. Here are some of the main ones:
They have a limited range
Electric cars have a limited range, which means you need to plan your journeys carefully to make sure you don’t run out of charge. This can be a problem if you live in a rural area or if you regularly make long journeys.
They take time to charge
Electric cars can take a long time to charge, which can be inconvenient if you need to get somewhere in a hurry. It’s worth noting that you can get fast chargers which can charge your car in a matter of minutes, but these can be expensive to install.
They’re still expensive to buy
Electric cars can be expensive to buy, even with the government grant. This is because the technology is still relatively new, so the price is likely to come down as it becomes more established.
You might need to change your driving habits
If you switch to an electric car, you might need to change your driving habits to make the most of the technology. For example, you might need to plan your journeys more carefully to avoid running out of charge, and you might need to charge your car more often.
