Why electric cars are going to be the UK's most popular vehicle type in 2022

With fuel prices rising, more people worrying about the climate crisis, and the future ban on selling petrol cars in 2030, it’s no wonder why so many people are considering switching over to electric vehicles.

Car companies are quickly increasing their electric vehicle range as the demand for electric cars reaches an all-time high, but if we put obvious eco-benefits aside, why are so many people in the UK suddenly buying EVs?

The increase of electric car sales

Last month, March had more electric car sales in the UK than the entirety of 2019, with a record-high 39,315 fully electric cars being delivered to people, a 76 percent increase from March 2021. There are many causes as to why this happened, but the main reason behind the sudden surge seems to be rising fuel costs.

As an outcome of Russia invading Ukraine, the cost of fuel continued to rise to record levels throughout March and into April, with diesel prices reaching as high as 177p per litre. Electric cars offer an alternative to the rising fuel costs as an investment that will cause drivers to lose less money in the long run. The SMMT stated that “despite the cost of electricity shooting up – it made sense for families to make the switch to a greener vehicle”.

As the cost of living increases, general car sales have decreased by 14.3% from last year, in stark contrast to the huge improvements that the electric vehicle sector has seen so far this year. This market is doing so well because of the benefits of electric cars:

• Lower running costs
• Cleaner environment
• Increased resale value
• Free parking
• Can charge at home

The Range, Speed and Price

We know electric cars are cheaper in the long run but are they better than ICE cars?

The Range

According to a recent survey, the most common worry before purchasing an electric car is the range and how far EVs can travel. This worry should be put to rest as EVs can already match ICE cars. On average, a fuel car’s range, on a full tank, can reach up to 300 miles; most electric car models have a range of between 124 – 304 miles on a single charge. Obviously, the more you pay for a car, the greater the distance you’re likely to get, but max distances are constantly improving across all price points in the EV market.

The Speed

Gearheads may worry about sacrificing speed when driving EVs with no deep engine growl in an electric car, but this has nothing to do with the speed. EVs are often faster than fuel-powered cars and can accelerate faster from not having to go through a gearbox. Although they generally have a lower max speed than the fastest ICE cars, you can still drive safely on the motorway in an EV.

The Price

Electric cars may be cheaper in the long run but isn’t the initial cost higher?
When electric cars first started to roll out, they were more expensive than cars that relied on fossil fuels, but the cost of electric vehicles became cheaper and cheaper over time. Not only are the prices of electric cars dropping, but with several electric vehicle incentives available, you could get money off when purchasing electric cars, further driving down prices.

Find out more about the Government’s electric vehicle incentives here.

How charging points work for electric cars

Another worry potential EV owners may have before buying is the lack of electric car charger points in the UK. It’s worth exploring two main ways of charging your vehicle.

Charging your vehicle at home

To charge your EV at home, you first need to get a home charging unit. Most home charging units are installed inside people’s garages or on driveways and are connected to the mains power supply. You can charge your car overnight as you sleep, reducing the need to charge your vehicle while on the road, especially if you only use your car for short journeys to work and back.

Often electric cars will include a mobile app with many features including the ability to see your car’s charge wherever you are. Much like the incentives when initially buying an EV, the Government can help pay for installing the home charging unit by providing up to £350.

Charging your vehicle on the road

The number of public charge points for electric cars in the UK is growing rapidly. There are already over 30,000 public charging points, a 33% increase since March 2021, and there are now more electric car charging points than there are petrol stations. It’s now easier than ever to plan long-distance journeys as there are so many all over the UK.

The best electric cars in the UK

Many car companies have started to increase their electric car range, so we are looking at some of the best EVs from each brand we specialise in.

Volkswagen ID.3

Designed with everyday use in mind, the ID.3 is a popular choice among the general population. Environmentally focused, even the Volkswagen factory that manufactures these cars is reported as operating as carbon neutral as possible.

Skoda Citigo-E iV

The Citigo-E is an affordable electric car designed for the city. This small car is one of the cheapest on the market while also being one of the best for navigating busy urban spaces. While it may not be the fastest EV on the market, owners will benefit from its straightforward and to the point nature.

Audi Q4 e-Tron

Audi is offering some of the most luxurious cars on the EV market, and its portfolio of electric vehicles varies from sport to SUV. The Audi Q4 e-Tron is on the more sophisticated side of the electric SUV market. Capable of over 300 miles on a single charge, it comes at a relatively low price compared to similar models on the market. The Q4 e-Tron is a professional-looking SUV for those looking for something a little special.

Volkswagen ID Buzz

An upcoming, not yet released VW bus is coming to the market with an electric engine. Based on the same platform as the ID.3 and ID.4 crossover but with a silhouette that references the classic VW Bus, the ID Buzz is expected to have a range of up to 280 miles. Already winning awards for its retro-futuristic look, the ID Buzz may be the perfect vehicle for those looking for a modern take on an iconic van.

The electric car market is rising rapidly, so in the face of rising fuel costs, climate concerns, and the increasing availability of charging points all over the UK, will you choose to go electric? Find out more about the electric vehicle services available at your local Vasstech branch today.