And why we love the Zoes ?
Spoiler alert, pros outweight any inconvenience caused by switching to fully eletric.
The environmental case is solid, transport is the main source of greenhouse gases in the UK with passenger cars the biggest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions. Driving electric not only helps tackle climate change but also it reduces illness such as asthma, heart attacks and strokes caused by air pollution. End of story.
Hybrid alternatives offer the convenience that some drivers crave. There are two types:
conventional hybrids are only recharged during driving. They use their internal combustion engine to recharge their batteries as they go, which significantly reduces the range of electricity mode.
A plug-in hybrid car plugs into an electric outlet. They can run on just electrical stored power or just gasoline.
As both hybrids still burn fossil fuel and therefore they don't benefit from tax incentives given to 100 % electric cars, plus you will need to pay congestion charge. Both hybrids have complex engines which makes them more expensive to buy and maintain. Plus these are heavier and therefore less efficient.
In contrast, electric cars produce zero direct emissions and help urban communities breathe cleaner air. Moreover, the electricity grid used for charging is increasingly powered by wind farms and other low sources of carbon electricity. There are still a few challenges related to the manufacturing and disposal of the batteries, but the industry keeps on evolving and the battery lifespan is increasing every year.
There is also a strong economic case for driving electric, as the price gap between petrol and electricity widens and the life cycle of the batteries continues to grow. Tax incentives are on the rise and costs of batteries are coming down so the future looks good.
Finally let's address the big elephant in the room: the limited driving range can be problematic during long road trips. The infrastructure to charge is ‘corporate-led’ so it is fragmented and, yes, it is annoying to have to download different apps depending on the provider. Fortunately ZapMap maps chargers quite efectively, including domestic charging points, but you need to plan ahead for a plan B option in case the charger is busy or out of service.
So, Why do we love Zoes so much?
As a relatively small family car, it is energy efficient as it requires less energy to move. However, it is comfortable enough for 5 people and the boot is very spacious.
It is reasonably priced for the features it offers.
250 miles of driving range and a fast charging battery allows flexibility to drive freely without range anxiety. If you miscalculate the energy needs of your car, it is not the end of the world. You can charge 40 % in 30 minutes to get you where you want to go.
At Eureka Cars, we will guide you through your first steps in switching to electric. We know range anxiety is real for many drivers and you want you to enjoy your ride! You can learn more about driving our Zoe, here.
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