Are electric cars suitable for family use?
Electric cars have boomed in popularity over the last few years. In fact, according to recent statistics, there are now 780,000 EVs on the road.
And it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. With the cost of fuel rising, many families have made the switch in a bid to save some money during a cost-of-living crisis.
Because electric cars are significantly better than they were when they first took to the road, they could be worth considering, especially if you’re in the market for a new car! Whether that’s paying for them through savings, getting a loan with the best rates possible which can be achieved with a stronger credit score, and/or looking at the finance options available.
To help you decide whether an electric car could be the way forward, we’ve outlined some considerations below.
What are the benefits of electric cars?
- No congestion charges
If you live in a city with congestion charges and Clean Air Zones, just taking the kids on the school run can be costly. But with an EV, you can say goodbye to excessive charges and hello to a new way of city driving.
- Lower running costs
As well as the money you’ll be saving on fuel, you’ll also be able to cash in on lower servicing and maintenance costs. For example, as EVs have fewer parts and different breaking mechanisms, there’s less to go wrong. So, your services will generally be cheaper.
Not to mention you won’t have to pay car tax.
- A better driving experience
Many people forget about the fact that electric vehicles tend to be better to drive. As they’re electric (obviously!), they’re far more responsive to acceleration and offer regenerative braking when you ease off the accelerator.
Most EVs also have a lower center of gravity, meaning the handling is better – as is your comfort and safety.
What are the drawbacks?
Although there aren’t many downsides to going electric, one area of contention that impacts people’s decision to make the jump is the overall distance you can travel. Although each car will vary, you probably won’t be able to do long journeys in one go.
But the good news is that with the introduction of rapid chargers and technology improving continuously, you can expect long journeys to become far easier as time goes on. Not to mention it’s good practice to take regular breaks during long drives, regardless of the car you drive.
Final thoughts…
Whether an EV is right for you will depend on your finances, family, and unique circumstances. What’s right for you might not be the same as the family next door, but if you’ve made a considered decision, you can’t go far wrong.