Should you get an electric car? 6 EV experts try to convince you now is the time
A recent Express poll showed not all are convinced about electric cars - so we asked six experts why they should think again.
Britain's vehicle ownership habits are facing a crucial period with an end to petrol and diesel cars and vans being sold after 2035.
But despite the drive from Westminster for electric cars and the fact we now have one million such vehicles on Britain's streets, not everyone is sold on the idea.
A poll on Express.co.uk found more than 90% of people voted 'no' to the question would you be more likely to switch to EVs if used car prices came down?
One reader said: "Price is only part of the story. They depreciate like a rock in free fall. Any fault with the battery, charging system or cooling system makes them a write off as they are too expensive to repair and when China invades Taiwan all the Chinese cars will be worthless overnight."
Another said: "The lack of charging points around all towns, a lot are not working, some broken, and the ones which do work be prepared to a long wait for your turn.
"Also have seen many arguments regarding whose turn is next. A complete shambles."
So we asked a host of electric vehicle experts whether Britain is really ready to ditch ICE (internal combustion engine) cars. Here's what they said:
Fiona Howarth, CEO Octopus Electric Vehicles
“There’s never been a better time to make the switch to EVs - consumer choice is booming, charging infrastructure is improving almost daily and affordability is gaining traction and accelerating.
"Octopus also offers a second-hand lease option which proves that batteries are lasting way longer than many thought. In fact, one of the world’s largest battery cell manufacturers just offered a 1.5 million km warranty on certain batteries.
"Why would you even consider a hybrid, when you can now jump straight into a high-tech EV that has great range and is far easier on the pocket to run. Don’t listen to what you might be hearing on hybrids, get into an EV and see why the one million+ drivers in the UK made the switch.”
Quentin Willson, Founder FairCharge
“Not only are ICE drivers not understanding new EV technology, they’re fearful of change and being put off the transition by a daily diet of EV knocking stories.
"There are one million EV drivers in the UK who have successfully folded electric cars into their lives. We hear no horror stories from them.
"These are the voices we really need to hear rather than the opinions of those who have never driven or owned an EV. If you’re unsure if an electric car could suit your lifestyle the best advice is ask someone who owns one. What you hear will be very different from what you’re being told by those who often never even sat in an EV.”
Ian Plummer, Commercial Director of Auto Trader
“If you provide great quality cars at affordable prices that also tick the environmental box, car buyers will flock to them. Following months of price drops in the used electric market, the first quarter of 2024 has seen a 72% increase in used electric sales compared to last year, against an overall market that is up just 2%.
“In countries that are ahead of the UK, buyers actually see electric cars as more affordable than petrol or diesel -they're often at price parity to start with and then more affordable to run. The tech is ahead of the game and quality can't be faulted and so the rational decision is to go electric.
“It's complex though - particularly for western legacy manufacturers who struggle to get to the same cost structure as their Chinese competitors. So, it's clearly not easy to get to the price parity point that's driving China's electric car success.
“Car buyers won't shift in meaningful numbers until prices shift down a couple of gears!”
Adrian Keen, CEO InstaVolt
“Britain's electric vehicle revolution is in full swing, and the data tells us just that. Just last month it was reported that there are now 1,000,000 EVs on Britain’s roads, showing that the trajectory is unmistakably towards a full transition to EV.
"This shift is fuelled by a diverse range of affordable models coming to the market, empowering consumers with more choice than ever before, and an ever-improving public charging network.
"Notably drivers are making the switch because they want to, not because they have to. And the shift is being driven by more than just the cost, as drivers are drawn by the attraction of cleaner, greener transportation options and cutting-edge vehicle technology.”
Michelle Breffit, co-founder of Women Drive Electric UK Facebook community
“Price is just one aspect when buying a used car. Families need choice on the used car forecourt and the choice of electric cars available is growing.
"With various body style size, longer mileage range capabilities and different design styling too, motorists have options. People are already getting to know electric cars with so many more on the road, in car parks or on the school run.
"Parents often ask about my experience driving electric and families are curious to learn about the lower running costs plus when it comes to helping make the air our children breathe cleaner, they get it.”
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Estelle Miller, co-founder of EV Experts, independent specialists in electric cars
“We are seeing increasingly strong second-hand EV sales, rising consistently month on month since January this year. With nearly new EVs readily available in the market, priced on average 25% less than new, we have never been busier.
"Those buying used EVs understand that there are significant savings, especially if you can charge at home, and they are using those savings to buy into EVs by factoring in total cost of ownership.
"EVs also offer a superb driving experience, once test driven it's difficult to get that driving experience out of your mind and go back to a clunky ICE vehicle.
"We are also in the used market for older EVs, seeing parity in pricing when comparing the respective EV model with the equivalent ICE model e.g. Peugeot 208. There’s never been a better time to make the switch to EV.”
