The Benefits of Electric Vehicles (EVs); Why Make the Switch?
It is no secret that Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the future of the automotive industry. Although traditional fossil fuels still dominate the market, it is believed that sales of diesel and petrol vehicles have peaked, with more and more consumers opting for electric alternatives. By 2040, it is estimated that electric vehicles will account for 57% of new car sales, 56% of light commercial vehicle sales and 81% of new bus sales.
But why should you switch to an EV?
EVs have a wealth of benefits, evident at every stage of the vehicle’s life cycle, right through from purchasing costs to running costs to maintenance costs. And that’s just the financial benefits. EVs are more environmentally friendly, producing less CO2 emissions and reducing noise pollution.
Financial benefits;
Price
There is a stigma surrounding the price of electric vehicles and a general belief that they are too expensive. Historically, this may have been true, but nowadays, they are comparable with their diesel and petrol counterparts.
There are also a number of grants available when purchasing an EV (€3,800 in Ireland & £8,000 in the UK), making them even more attractive.
Running Costs
Electric vehicles are more economical to run and completely eliminate your fuel bill (Although your electricity bill will increase, it will be offset by your fuel saving).
When we compared the annual running cost our electric bus, the Higer STEED to a diesel equivalent, there was a saving of €21,977* on one vehicle travelling 128,000kms a year, costing only €6,604.
*l/km – 6.18, €1.38 per litre diesel, 0.43kWh consumption, 0.12kWh utility rate
Maintenance
As EVs have fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, there is less need for maintenance. On average, electric vehicles can save you 70% in maintenance costs.
It is also important to note that Harris Group can service all vehicles on site in our Dublin HQ, eradicating the need to ship your vehicle overseas, saving you time and money.
Environmental benefits;
CO2 Emissions
Transport accounts for roughly one-third of CO2 emissions in Ireland but electric energy offers cleaner transport solutions and is actively reducing this figure.
Looking at the same example of the electric Higer STEED vs a diesel vehicle, there was a 48% saving in CO2 emissions. The STEED produced just 25 tonnes of CO2 in a year, whereas the diesel powered bus produced 52.03 tonnes.
Noise Pollution
EVs are on average 4-5dB less noisy than combustion engines, making them more environmentally friendly by reducing noise pollution. For safety reasons, electric vehicles do make noise when travelling at low speeds so they can be heard by pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
Leading the charge in the private and public markets, Harris Group is committed to providing sustainable transport solutions, ensuring a cleaner and brighter future for all. We are constantly sourcing and adding new EVs to our fleet of vehicles, so keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates (Facebook and LinkedIn).
For more information on electric vehicles, you can find your nearest dealer here or contact us and we would be happy to help.