Electric vehicles have finally found a commercial footing, thanks to several key breakthroughs in battery design as well as motor efficiency. Today, EV sales continue to grow, as more and more motorists see both the potential and positive impacts of EVs.

The upswell of consumer support for EVs is often contributed to the ever-developing climate emergency, which has seen more people reckon with their unsustainable practices and behaviours. For many, the family car is the most pollutive part of the household – and the EV is a useful, ecological alternative. But there is a more pressing concern affecting drivers across the country and even across Europe, which is forcing the hand of many: the oil crisis.

The Oil Crisis

The oil crisis is part and parcel of the UK’s current economic landscape, which has seen the rate of inflation breach 10% in the past year. Trade issues – precipitated by Brexit and worsened significantly by poor currency performance in trading markets – haveresulted in skyrocketing costs for all.

Fuel is one such cost, having also been impacted by the war in Ukraine and resulting trade sanctions on Russia. With oil prices set to rise once more, motorists are finding themselves squeezed on all sides by rising maintenance, insurance, and fuel costs alike.

The Benefits of Electric

Which is where the EV comes in. Charging an EV is much cheaper than fuelling a car on a per-mile basis, significantly reducing costs for many. Maintenance is also cheaper, as EVs have fewer parts to fail and require replacement. With the right EV, even insurance can be cheaper – to say nothing of the ecological benefits.

Switching to an Electric Vehicle

Unfortunately, switching to an electric car is not as simple as merely trading out your gas guzzler for a new plug-in vehicle. There are many things to plan and consider, and some are not-inconsiderable costs related to completing the switch – from the cost of the EV itself to the changes you may need to make to your home.

Thankfully, though, these initial costs can pay for themselves relatively quickly over time, as fuel and maintenance costs are reduced overall. With a little assistance in upfront investment, you can guarantee an easy and effective transition to EV ownership.

Firstly, you will need to scour the market for an EV that suits your personal needs. The market has continued to expand in recent years, as demand continues to soar, and manufacturers apply EV technology to more and more models and styles. There is something for everyone, from the nimble city-driving hatchback to the quintessential school–run SUV.

Alongside buying the EV, though, you will need to think about charging infrastructure. Public infrastructure is still growing, but not particularly convenient – especially where many EVs still do not measure up to petrol or diesel vehicles when it comes to distance travel. Adding a domestic charging point is a shrewd move, but a pricey one. The government has a subsidy scheme in place to reduce this cost, offering motorists up to 75% of the installation cost.