Yes, It’s Time to Go Electric – Here’s Why You Should Consider Buying an EV

Should I buy an electric car? That’s the question many of the drivers considering buying a new vehicle ask themselves. Many of them answered yes: Electric cars are more popular than ever in 2023, with sales in 2022 making up 16% of all new cars sold. With the deadline for the end of internal combustion engine production set for 2030, nearly every car brand has an electric-focused strategy, making it a great time to consider buying an EV.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported that more than 267,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were registered in the UK in the year 2022, a 38% increase from the previous year. While EVs can be more expensive initially due to production costs, running costs are typically cheaper than petrol or diesel cars, which can make them more affordable in the long run.
Range anxiety is still a factor for some, but with newer models like the Mercedes EQS 450+ and the Hyundai Kona Electric able to travel 453 and 300 miles, respectively, between charges, range is becoming less of an issue. It’s important to consider your daily driving habits and charging accessibility to determine whether an electric car would work for you.
One of the biggest benefits of owning an EV is lower running costs. While the initial purchase price may be higher, servicing and maintenance costs are typically lower since they have fewer moving parts. Charging times are also gradually improving, with some models like the Fiat 500e taking only 24 minutes to charge for 81 miles.
So, while buying an electric car may require a larger initial investment, the long-term benefits, both financially and environmentally, make it a great option to consider. With the industry continuing to focus on EVs, it’s clear that electric cars are here to stay.
What were the best-selling electric cars (EVs) in 2022 in the UK?
- Tesla Model Y (35,551)
- Tesla Model 3 (19,071)
- Kia e-Niro (11,197)
- VW ID.3 (9832)
- Nissan Leaf (9178)
- MINI Electric (7425)
- Polestar 2 (7345)
- MG 5 (7030)
- BMW i4 (6699)
- Audi Q4 e-tron (6594)
(Source: SMMT)