The briefest response to the query “Should I switch to an electric vehicle (EV)?” is decidedly affirmative. It’s a necessary shift, considering our need to curb our daily carbon emissions, and transitioning to an EV is a straightforward, albeit relative approach. The Earth demands this change from you, highlighting its appropriateness.
Yet, a more appropriate inquiry would be “How feasible is it for me to transition to an EV?” The response to this is far more complicated, filled with conditions and uncertainties.
Harris Group, one of Ireland’s leading EV providers, is an expert in this domain. Mark Barret, the Group Franchises Managing Director at Harris, frequently assists sizeable corporate fleets in moving towards electric power. This gives him extensive knowledge on determining your own feasibility of transitioning from petrol or diesel to an electric vehicle.
Barret suggests determining your ‘deal-breakers’ to find an EV that aligns with your unique requirements. You may prioritise factors like longer battery life and range for extensive travel, or a comprehensive warranty for security. Your priorities could lie in technology and comfort features. Your non-negotiable factors will guide your focus towards EVs that meet your primary needs while avoiding unnecessary expense on non-essential features. Balancing your priorities is key. You can then explore dealerships and start the exciting part – test driving.
A proactive approach to assessing the ease of transitioning to an EV entails having a pen and paper (or an iPad and Notes app) to begin sketching a list.
Is there suitable space, like a driveway, for you to place a home charging station for an electric vehicle (EV)? If not, it might be worth considering a hybrid or a traditional petrol car instead, as the availability of private charging is a crucial component in the decision to switch to an EV. Operating an EV without a home charging point is feasible, with some individuals managing perfectly well. However, it leads to dependence on public charging stations, which are expensively priced and inconveniently spread out, or workplace charging, which may not always be practical.
Of course, finances come into play with such a decision, but Barrett advises not to focus solely on the initial sale price. When thinking about affordability, one must consider the total cost of ownership, incorporating aspects such as energy and maintenance costs. Though it’s true that EVs tend to be more expensive initially, they can provide long-term savings. Additionally, despite recent reductions, there are a number of government incentives for driving EVs that are worth exploring.
Sure, it might seem a bit complex but fortunately, there are tools to help navigate these considerations. As an example, Audi has a user-friendly estimator on its Irish website to assist in calculating the total costs and figures of owning an EV.
Deirdre Schwer, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at Audi Ireland, explains that the Audi range simulator on the Audi.ie site provides users with an accurate range indicator based on chosen model, battery size, terrain, tyre type and other factors.
Schwer adds, “With features like the Audi route planner on the MyAudi app, drivers can pre-plan their journeys with ample charging stops. Our vehicles adaptively give precise notifications of remaining range and improve with each journey to better predict an individual’s driving profile. However, at the end of the day, sitting down and working out whether an EV suits you best remains the most effective method.”
“It’s crucial for every individual buying a car to ensure that the model they choose perfectly fits their needs, regardless if that’s diesel, petrol, a hybrid, or electric,” she articulates. “Motorists need to comprehend their weekly travel needs and assess the facilities available to them when mulling over electric cars.
“We urge individuals who are contemplating buying a new car to initiate a conversation with a representative of our sales team at the dealership who are adept at assessing the most suitable fuel type based on your driving needs, to select the car that aligns with your way of life,” she added.