With the climate crisis drawing closer to being irreversible and the completion deadline for the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate set for 2035, the UK is turning to electric vans and cars more than ever. Fortunately, these amazing vehicles have some excellent benefits, making the decision to purchase one that much easier.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the advantages of owning an electric vehicle, as well as the effect they’ll have on our planet and environment over the coming years.
Is it worth getting an electric vehicle?
We’d say they are definitely worth it. From fewer servicing trips to more cost-efficient operating, electric vehicles have a number of benefits. When you take into consideration the ZEV mandate alongside the benefits, the reasons for buying an EV increase tenfold.
The ZEV mandate is a government initiative to speed up the UK’s electric vehicle and zero-emission vehicle transition. The deadline for 100% of new car and van sales to be electric is 2035, with plans and funding in place to transform the UK’s infrastructure to support this goal. By purchasing an EV, you’ll stay ahead of the deadline and take advantage of the vehicle’s benefits sooner rather than later.
So, what are the benefits?
Reduced emissions
The main draw of electric vehicles is their reason for existence: greatly reduced carbon emissions.
In 2023, the transportation sector was responsible for close to 24% of global CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Around 75% of those emissions came from road vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, buses, and motorcycles. These statistics paint a worrying picture, but with the introduction of electric and zero-emission vehicles, we can make a change.
Driving an electric vehicle produces zero carbon emissions, greatly helping the environment and reducing your carbon footprint. An EV is a fantastic choice if you want to do your bit to protect our planet and secure the health of future generations.
Better for your health
Just like the environment, we need clean air to be at our best. Pollution is dangerous and contains gases and compounds that are hazardous to our health.
Health effects that can come from both short and long-term exposure to pollution include but are not limited to:
- Dizziness and confusion
- Respiratory issues
- Infection susceptibility
- Lung function
- Cancer
With more electric and zero-emission vehicles on the road, the amount of pollution from road vehicles will be reduced. Our air will be cleaner, which will benefit our health and the health of future generations.
Vehicle safety
Electric vehicles are thought to be safer than fuel-burning road vehicles for several reasons.
First, EVs have a lower centre of gravity. This is due to the battery typically sitting at the bottom of the vehicle, as well as materials used being slightly letter than standard. All of this leads to a reduced chance of the car rolling.
Second, as most electric vehicles are newly built, they tend to have better technology, such as advanced crash protection features. The lack of a large engine means better crumple zones and impact absorption. These newer vehicles also come with features such as lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking to make driving safer.
Lower maintenance costs
Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and more simplified systems than their petrol and diesel counterparts. Because of this, the costs and frequency of maintenance tends to be lower. Fewer parts means fewer elements that can suffer wear and tear, meaning fewer replacements.
With electric vehicles, there is none of the standard engine maintenance. EV engines don’t require oil, so they won’t ever need an oil change, and they also don’t have spark plugs, fuel filters, or timing belts to replace.
Home charging
EV charge points are typically installed on the side of your house or in the garage. For those in apartments, you can have charging points installed at your designated parking space. Landlords will be given a grant to install charge points for their flat renters, too. If none of this is possible, then you can contact your local authority, who can use government funding to install a street chargepoint nearby for the residents.
With home charging units, you can simply plug the vehicle in while you’re at home and continue your day, evening, or night as normal. This means that you can wake up to a fully charged car or van capable of going much further than most people’s daily commute before returning home to recharge while idle. This kind of ease cannot be overstated.
Electric vehicles at Norfolk Truck & Van
Cars aren’t the only vehicles powered by electricity. At Norfolk Truck & Van, we offer the fantastic Renault Master and Renault Trafic electric vehicles, which are the perfect addition to your fleet or support for your independent business operations.
The most important thing to come from electric vehicles, beyond ease and cost efficiency, is the good they will do for our environment. The ZEV mandate is in place to help protect our planet for future generations and to mitigate climate change before it’s too late. By using electric vehicles over fuel-combustion vehicles, we can all do our bit to revive our home, one journey at a time.
To learn more about our electric vehicles or advice on the ZEV mandate, get in touch with our knowledgeable team. With years of experience behind us, we can assist you in finding the best electric van for your business.
For our Norwich Van centre, call 01603 253 999. For the Norfolk depot, call 01603 253 300. For the Suffolk depot, call 01473 834 200. For the London depot, call 0208 804 1266.