The global economic recession in the late 2000s led to increased calls for automakers to abandon fuel-inefficient SUVs, which were seen as a symbol of the excess that caused the recession, in favor of small cars, hybrid and electric cars.
The benefits of all-electric mobility are becoming more widely known; typically easy to drive, electric cars perform well and are significantly quieter than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. These benefits are leading to an increasing trend, strong enough to point to a very different future for motorists over the next few years. And with an increase of between 50% and 150% sales in Europe this year alone, the attraction of ultra-low cost electrical travel has seriously started to raise its game.
The sudden popularity is largely driven by increasingly harsh emissions legislation from Europe, as well as steadily improving technology at lower costs and whilst not everyone loves electric cars, the world’s biggest car makers appear to be embracing battery power like never before. For some, including BMW and Mercedes, they anticipate that all model ranges will include either an all-electric or hybrid one day in the future.
At the Frankfurt motor show Audi showcased its e-tron Quattro – a battery powered crossover SUV expected to be launched by 2018 – which boasts an astonishing 310 miles per charge. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, with its affordable price tag and family-friendly range, stormed from nowhere to top sales position in Europe in just one year, and the Volkswagen Group announced plans to launch 20 electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) cars by 2020.
But the biggest news came from Porsche with its first pure electric sports car. “Mission E” has an incredible 800-volt electric powertrain with about 600 brake horsepower that can accelerate the car to 60mph in less than 3.5 seconds. Similar in appearance to the 911, this is one electric car we can’t wait to see!
There’s an enormous momentum pushing sales of plug-in hybrid cars and most experts expect the sales of hybrids to rocket once the electric range improves and the price falls to match that of a similarly specified diesel. The Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4 already has an impressive approximate mile range of 400 miles and a price tag of just over £26,000. But to many in the industry, we are witnessing a huge technological shift and the car companies of today must either make the transition or simply be left behind.
An electric car offers lots of advantages for contractors, self-employed and small businesses, from simple running and maintenance costs to tax benefits. At a glance, here are our top reasons why:
Fuel economy: When it comes to efficiency, battery-powered vehicles are the clear winner and have significantly lower running costs.
Tax benefits for business: The current tax treatment of electric vehicles has huge benefits and offers a number of tax exemptions. A current list can be accessed through the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (Department of Transport) by clicking HERE
Performance and maintenance: There is often a misconception that electric vehicles are slower than fuel-powered cars and nothing can be further from the truth. They are also easier to keep in good condition and this is a considerable cost saving, especially as cars get older.
Reduced carbon footprint: With a clearer consideration for the environment, electric cars don’t emit tailpipe pollutants.
Stylish design: Today’s electric cars are every bit as stylish as their fuel-powered equivalents and often lead the way in innovative design. Take a look at the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Roadster!
Plug-in car and van grants: Significant grants, of up to £5000 off the price of a new electric car and up to £8000 off the price of a new electric van, are available.
This article was provided by our friends at Kudos Vehicle Management.
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