The automotive industry is the leading consumer of fossil fuel worldwide, resulting in adverse effects on the environment. So, there’s no wonder we’ve seen a huge shift in the progression of electric vehicles in recent years.
There’s one question that’s in the air right now, are electric vehicles the future?
The Introduction of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
As oil and gas are non-renewable sources of energy, it’s been predicted that these two sources will be depleted within the next 100 years. This has generated an urgency to find other sources of non-fossil energy to sustain our way of living.
The integration of the electrical vehicles is something that won’t happen in an instant, but it’s a change that we can’t deny is happening all around us. It started with the introduction of Hybrid vehicles in the UK in 2000. Sales were slow but began to pick up in 2010. Fully electric vehicles soon followed, and a surge of plug-in sales began in 2014.
What Year Will All Vehicles Be Electric?
Under UK Government plans, all new cars will have to be electrified from 2030 with the inability to build a combustion engine. New regulations are now in place to better the accessibility of charging points. From June 2022, any building undergoing large-scale renovations with over 10 parking spaces are now required to install electric vehicle charging points.
So, will electric vehicles take over? Looking into the future, we say absolutely! If you are looking to make the change, there’s a few things we think you should consider that we’ve outlined below.
Increase in Energy Tariffs
We’ve all been stung by the cost-of-living crisis and surge in energy bills. So much so, perhaps the thought of charging your vehicle at home is a massive deterrent to buying an electric van. The big question is, are electric vehicles worth it in the long run?
Although the cost of electric is increasing, there are things you can do to prevent a hefty electric bill at the end of each month. Some energy providers have introduced an overnight charging rate for electric vehicles that is lower than the standard energy consumption rate. This allows you to plug your vehicle in during the evening, so it’s fully charged and good to go when you leave for work in the morning. (That’s if you work the standard 9-5 job!).
Some companies are charging as little as £12.00 to fully charge your vehicle compared to the usual £39.00 and depending on your mileage, this may last you the entire week. Let’s go back to the question, are electric vehicles worth it? Possibly so, when you work it out, you may be saving a fortune in the long run!
Charging Time vs Distance
As it stands a very small fraction of public carparks and parking spaces have accessible charging spots. Even in California (the most developed electric vehicle market) the 10:1 ratio isn’t significantly better.
Although it’s generally quicker to fill your van with fuel than it is to recharge the battery, charging systems are now better than ever on selected new vans. Some vans have the capacity to recharge up to 80% in just 45 minutes! So, when you’re choosing an electric van, don’t just consider when and where you’ll charge it, but how long it will take to charge and if the van has the capacity to do the distance you need it to.
If you need some specialist advice on the most popular electric vehicles in the market and more specifically, what electric van is best suited to your needs, speak to the team at Vanzone.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
There is no universal standard when it comes to charging plugs and vans. Unlike the pumps at the fuel station, one size will not fit all.
Besides figuring out what charger is compatible for your new van; you’ll also need to figure out what cables and adapters you may need.
Currently there are a few types of charging plugs. For example, Type 1 AC and Type 2 AC are different types of plugs, and if that’s not confusing enough, these plugs are often have different abbreviations such as J1772 or SAE J1771.
The type of charging plug you’ll need will vary on the model and make of your van. With a bit of research and time, you’ll get the hang of which plug and adapter you’ll need to be on the road and charging on the go.
Need Help Choosing Your Next Van?
If you are in the market for a new van, electric or not, give the experts at Vanzone a call. Our team is made up of highly experienced van salesmen, each one able to give you tailored advice on your upcoming van purchase.
Explore our website to browse our variety of vans and finance options today, or get in touch for some personalised advice.
