Thinking of going electric? You can find a new car you’ll love and keep your carbon footprint under control.
Transitioning to electric for lifelong petrolheads can be a difficult concept to grasp, but it only takes three stages to become accustomed to a new vehicle – enhance your mindset, find your EV, use your tools. With these stages behind you, you’ll have a much clearer idea of your first EV.
Know Your Eggs
Before switching to electric it’s important to do your research and approach the new situation with an open and informed mind.
One of the biggest drawbacks for those resisting a switch to an electric car is the range, and though it’s controversial to say so – you’d be right, you won’t be able to drive as long as a petrol car without charging.
But those who have converted to electric cars see the whole picture, focusing not on the things you’ll be missing out on, but the aspects you’ll gain. Such as cheaper and less planet damaging fuel, a head start on the 2030 ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars, fewer chances of breakdowns due to less moving parts, and free tax for your first year of capital allowances to name a few!
After adopting the right attitude it’s important to know everything you can about the technicalities, like charging at home and away, before you buy your car to avoid any nasty surprises. Make sure you
know the difference between chargers, like (ultra-) rapid, fast, or slow chargers and ensure you understand your cables, such as a CCS charger or a Type 1 or Type 2.
An EV for Everyone
The London to Paris EV race provided some award winning EVs that may be worth a look. (see Page XX.)
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Have you always dreamed of a life on the open road? With the new Volkswagen ID Buzz, you can travel the globe sustainably in this all-electric camper van. Remodelling the beloved and iconic aesthetic of the classic Volkswagen camper van, this van can do 264 miles on one charge and comes in versions with and without back seats for an empty or full cabin.
Have you always dreamed of a life on the open road? With the new Volkswagen ID Buzz, you can travel the globe sustainably in this all-electric camper van. Remodelling the beloved and iconic aesthetic of the classic Volkswagen camper van, this van can do 264 miles on one charge and comes in versions with and without back seats for an empty or full cabin.
Hyundai IONIQ
Winner of the Saloon Car Category in both legs of the race, the Hyundai IONIQ is an excellent five-seater car for the whole family complete with a touch screen entertainment system. With a range of 193 miles per charge, the IONIQ has often been praised for its energy efficiency, saving you money on each charge.
Kia Niro
Often applauded as an affordable, practical, and spacious electric SUV, the Kia Niro (previously known as the e-Niro before being rebranded in its second generation) is the UKs third bestselling electric car. Though its cousin the Kia EV6 may be more high-tech and luxurious, the Niro gives you similar technology and interior design for a lower price.
Gear Up
There are plenty of tools to help you on your way, most notably the Zap-Map app which allows you to plan your route showing you charging stops along the way. Zap-Map is the most popular charging app in the UK and it’s easy to see why, it has tens of thousands of EV chargers tracked on its database and it even lets you check the status of chargers to avoid the broken ones and to find new favourites.
Another handy piece of kit is the Zappi home charger by myenergi. You’ll need to install a charger outside your home or in your garage to charge your car (most people do this over night for even cheaper energy) and the Zappi charger can take your energy from the grid or renewable energy sources, if you have solar panels already installed you could get a charge for free!