Buying an Electric Car in 2023

Buying an Electric Car in 2023

Are you looking for a new car in 2023?
Would you consider going electric?

This blog post will provide insight into what should be considered when looking for an electric car this year.

Do your research

Electric cars are great for the environment whilst also fun to drive. If you would like to make the change to drive electric, it is best to do some research on the market first to find the right vehicle for your needs. You will discover a selection of models are available that hold different offerings for drivers. Some are best for city driving whereas others are more appropriate for long distance commutes. Some offer space for the family, and others are small and compact for easier parking.

Drivers are becoming aware of their carbon footprint and as combustion engine cars are set to no longer be produced by 2030, urgent action is required to changeover to electric cars. The car sales from 2022 show that the electric models made up 15% of all new cars sold and more than 195,000 battery EVs were registered in 2022, up by 38% on the previous year. This means the EV sector is currently the fastest growing in the market.

What to look out for

Some drivers are cautious about purchasing an electric car due to factors like costs and range anxieties. Electric cars can be expensive initially, but they are generally cheaper to run than petrol and diesel cars as they have fewer moving parts making maintenance costs lower. As with conventional cars, buying second hand electric cars is a much cheaper option as they are relatively young where often the only hinderance is a slightly used battery. They are likely to be less expensive than second hand petrol/diesel cars as there will be no aging exhaust or problems with gears. As with buying new, it is best practice to research models in advance and test drive vehicles to determine whether they are right for you.

As discussed in our previous blog post on Sustainable Driving https://www.drivedundeeelectric.co.uk/news/2022/12/21/sustainable-driving , range anxiety was a common reason for users hesitation for transitioning to EV’s. However, the range of most EV’s is considerably large and can vary across models. For example, the highest range vehicles can do up to 450 miles between charges (that would cover a distance from London to Glasgow). Smaller range vehicles can do around 150-200 miles on full charge (Dundee to Glasgow and back). Car manufacturers are continually improving their models for best results, so range anxiety does not have to be something to worry about in the near future. Also, with the continual expansion of charging infrastructure being enforced across the country, drivers will not be limited by numbers of chargepoints throughout their journeys.

Find the best model for you

As mentioned previously, electric car models can come in all varieties. There has been a higher intake of family sized SUV cars recently due to their comfort and spacious layout which are common features required by buyers. These generally have larger boot space and roomy interiors as they have fewer parts, proving helpful for families or those travelling regularly with luggage. Hatchback models are smaller, and more affordable which would be suitable for young drivers, or those who tend to drive with few passengers. These often come in a sporty design and firmer suspension for sharper responses and a more pleasurable driving experience.

Each brand and model offer different benefits and some bring more pros than cons depending on what the user is looking for. For each driver, their lifestyle can affect choice of cars, if you frequently drive long distance you may look for a car with higher range. If you do city driving this may not be a high requirement, but you may look for something more compact to help with parking. Those with limited time may look for a car that is capable of rapid charging and some may look to the smaller features like heated seats, colour, style, etc.

Benefits to the environment

As it is commonly known today, major concerns are surrounding the impact of combustion engine vehicles and their output on the planet. The CO2 emissions produced are creating an invisible layer of insulation in the environment, which prevents heat from leaving the planet which is contributing to global warming. Diesel engines also generate noxious particulate emissions that can cause serious respiratory problems like asthma in residents of areas with heavy traffic.

As electric cars do not release carbon dioxide or other damaging pollutants, this is the key issue that pushes drivers to go electric, knowing they are reducing harm to the planet. Following the COVID19 pandemic, drivers have started to adopt eco-responsible practices. Behind the scenes, in the building stages, manufacturers are moving to greener renewable energy to continue to remove CO2 from the entire process.

So, it is a great time to be looking for an electric car and why not make the change in 2023?