Is It Time to Switch to an EV? Here's What Parents Need to Consider

By 2030, you might not be able to buy a traditional fuel-powered vehicle in the UK, which is why more and more families are starting to wonder if they should start investing in electric vehicles as early as now. Recent surveys show that one in four households are planning to buy an electric car in the next five years. Meanwhile, those who are already using electric cars say that these vehicles are viable for family use, whether it’s for daily commute or even long-distance family trips. If you're still thinking if it is the right time for you to switch your old family car for an electric vehicle, here are some things you might want to consider.

Consider the Cost

It is no secret that EVs are a tad more expensive than traditional vehicles. Upfront costs of purchasing an EV range from £22,000 to £150,000, but this can even go higher with some models that are set to be released soon. However, tax benefits and long-term savings do make up for an EV’s high purchase price. Data shows that the average British driver can save up to £800 annually on fuel and tax costs. As well, recent data from the World Economic Forum shows that the costs of running a standard family car can be lower than petrol or diesel models. A driver’s whole-life costs can be reduced by up to 27% by switching to an EV.

Gauge the Range

How far an EV can travel on a single charge has been an important discussion topic among car owners since EVs have become a mainstream option for regular use. Understanding an EV's range is important as it can help you determine whether it is fit for your family’s needs. Fortunately, most EVs today can travel anywhere between 150 to 300 miles on a single charge. Given that an average driver in the UK only covers around 20 miles per day, the average range of new EVs is certainly more than enough. There are also steps that you can take to maximise the range of your EV. These can include pre-heating an EV’s interior through a connected smartphone app or parking in a garage during cold weather.

Getting the Right Size

One of the most important things to consider when switching to an EV is its size. Parents typically need larger vehicles to fit all the things their kids might need, such as prams and buggies. Fortunately, just like petrol- and diesel-powered cars, EVs also come in a wide range of boot sizes. Even passenger cars have sufficiently large boots that can fit most of your family’s traveling must-haves. A Tesla Model X, for example, can carry 1,233 litres of things while also seating 5 people at the same time. Meanwhile, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a 543-litre boot, which can be increased to 1,575 litres of space by folding the rear space flat. With more models of EVS coming out each year, boot space will never be an issue.

EVs are certainly changing the way we commute with our families. While they are still relatively new, they also come with a lot of conveniences that you and your family can enjoy, such as savings, ample range, and large boot space. If you are at a point where you need all these benefits, then it might be the right time for you to switch to an EV.