Find us
Call us
My account
It’s not so long ago that petrol or diesel was the only debate to have around car engine choices. That debate, however, has been almost completely replaced by the electric vs petrol car one, as electric vehicles (EVs) become more commonplace on our roads.
If you’re lining up your next car purchase but not sure which way to go, we’ve put together this guide that will break down the key elements of the electric vs combustion cars debate as we head into 2021.
The basics
What are the upfront costs?
While there’s certainly more to the electric vs petrol question than just money, the upfront costs of EVs have long been a stumbling block for the average buyer. That is until relatively recently, where we’ve seen prices of EVs start to reduce as competition increases in the market and more big manufacturers get involved with producing all-electric versions of staple models.
If you’re looking at more ‘normal’ electric cars to buy, the disparity between their upfront cost and that of petrol models is still considerable, but much narrower than it used to be.
Take the trusty Vauxhall Corsa, for example. For the traditional petrol or diesel models, prices start at around £16,500. For the new Corsa-e, you’re looking at prices from just over £31,000. The £15,000 plus difference – effectively double the cost – will be enough to put off many buyers.
However, it’s worth remembering that the government’s plug-in car grant provides new EV buyers with up to a £3,000 discount off their purchase.
Overall, while more expensive, the argument on a cost front for EVs is that you’ll now save more in the long run, which brings us nicely onto the next point.
What about the cost of running an electric car vs a petrol car in the UK?
Once you look past the initial cost of buying and into the running costs, EVs start to look like a much more reasonable proposition. In virtually all key areas of running, EVs offer a cheaper long-term solution:
· Fuel costs: According to research from the Direct Line Group, the average fuel costs of a petrol car are £824 per year, while an electric car will only cost £343 in fuel/charging over a 12-month span. That makes the average EV 58% cheaper than the average petrol car.
· Insurance: This is the one area of running costs where petrol cars still have the upper hand. For a variety of reasons (initial purchase price, more expensive materials and knowledge required to repair), EVs fall into higher insurance bands than their petrol counterparts. This equates to EVs being 25% more expensive – costing on average £1,172 to insure against £938 for a petrol car.
· Maintenance: Being more eco-friendly and less likely to have anything go wrong, EVs enjoy 49% cheaper tax and maintenance costs on the year – costing only £227 to tax and maintain compared to £443 for a petrol option.
· Value retention: While conventional cars are known to rapidly depreciate in value, EVs are much more likely to hold their worth better because of their higher demand in the marketplace.
Across all areas considered, Direct Line found annual running costs to be 21% cheaper for EVs (£1,742) compared to petrol models (£2,205).
What about environmental benefits?
Away from the finances, sustainability has become a massive factor in consumer habits generally, with many customers looking to be more eco-conscious where they can amid growing concerns over climate change.
Of course, where climate issues are in play, the impact of cars is a massive factor – a factor which EVs are looking to negate almost completely. For the average petrol car, CO2 emissions sit at 1,867kg a year. For full EVs, the figure is zero.
That means for buyers looking beyond the cash factor and into ethical and environmental concerns, purchasing an EV has significant appeal.
Are there any performance differences of note?
The average EV is notably quicker in terms of acceleration, but not necessarily able to hit the same top speeds as a combustion-powered counterpart. The Tesla Model S, for example, boasts a 0-60mph time of just under 2.3 seconds. That makes it faster than virtually any conventionally powered supercar off the line, which is a remarkable feat considering the Model S is a much more practically designed car.
Arguably the main performance point that remains worthy of mention is the total mileage disparity between refuels, for which petrol and diesel cars still have the upper hand. On average, UK-based EVs have a range of 193 miles, while petrol and diesel cars will comfortably do 300-400 miles on average on a single tank of fuel. This is tempered by the like-for-like mpg/cost comparisons, which are weighted massively in the favour of EVs, and home charging options that are available, albeit at a cost, to EV owners.
Are people buying EVs?
EV sales are growing nationally and further afield, with over 500,000 EVs sold in Europe alone this year, up from 345,000 in 2019. When you consider the commercial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across 2020, it’s fair to argue that figure increase could be much higher in normal conditions. Availability of EV models is also increasing, with over 200 plug-in variants available for sale in the UK as of October 2020.
The best electric cars
So, we have the numbers, but what about the key players in the current EV and hybrid market? At Robins & Day, we have a number of the best electric cars and hybrid options available.
All-Electric
· Vauxhall Corsa-e: The new, all-electric equivalent of Vauxhall’s iconic supermini and all-time best seller, the Corsa-e delivers all the practicality, driveability and all-round usability the Corsa has offered, simply in electric format. For 2021, the Corsa family will undergo some aesthetic changes alongside the rest of Vauxhall’s models, with a colour contrast roof one of the highlights.
· Vauxhall Mokka-e: Boasting the same contrast roof and bonnet option as the Corsa-e, the new Mokka-e is an exciting release for Vauxhall as its striking design, including a standout new “Vizor” grille, makes it a flagship for Vauxhall’s wider design overhaul that will carry the brand into the future. A compact SUV with concept styling but also possessing the brand’s typical functionality and practicality, the all new Mokka-e will offer around a 201-mile range.
· Peugeot e-208: Just as Vauxhall has the Corsa, Peugeot has the e-208. As Peugeot’s first EV design, the e-208 stands out in that it doesn’t stand out, with Peugeot having intentionally designed the e-208 to look like a typical new petrol or diesel model. On release, this separated it from many other EV competitors built to look like EVs (if there is such a thing). As essentially a normal 208 with an electric motor and battery in, the e-208 is an excellent option for those looking for a smooth transition into the world of EVs.
· Peugeot e-2008: Akin to the e-208 in its styling concept, the Peugeot e-2008 brings Peugeot into the electric SUV market with a highly versatile family crossover. The new designs for Peugeot’s SUV family are particularly stylish, with a new square chrome front grille exemplifying the clean and futureproof look that Peugeot has mastered.
· Citroen e-C4: A popular family hatchback with SUV-style elements and Citroen’s typical flash of quirkiness. The Citroen e-C4 offers up a 217-mile range in a spacious package that gives it major appeal to families looking in both the hatchback and the crossover market.
· DS Crossback 3 E-Tense: The only all-electric DS right now, the Crossback 3 E-Tense is the smaller of the two Crossback SUVs in the brand group, separating itself from similar crossover options via the luxury touches and refined design DS prides itself on.
Plug-in hybrid
· Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid: As Vauxhall’s biggest crossover, the Grandland X carries combined power of 300bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds, making it the fastest and most powerful Vauxhall you can currently buy, not to mention a spacious practical family option.
· Peugeot 3008 Plug-in: The newly facelifted 3008 Plug-in gets a makeover inside and out this year, with new styling for 2021 matched by new tech features to create a hugely attractive SUV option for those looking at a halfway house transition.
· Peugeot 508 Plug-in: An elegantly styled saloon, which borders the premium saloon market. The Peugeot 508 Plug-in offers style and sophistication in a saloon space. For those looking for sportier performance, the release of the new Peugeot 508 Sport Engineered saloon, another plug-in hybrid, in 2021 sees an exciting performance arm added to the Peugeot brand.
· Citroen C5 Aircross Plug-in: One of Citroen’s most popular models and an award-winning crossover SUV, the C5 Aircross Plug-in gives fans of the series a chance to take things into the hybrid realm while Citroen looks to bolster its fully electric options.
· DS Crossback 7 E-Tense: The largest member of the DS family, the DS Crossback 7 E-Tense is a premium hybrid saloon that offers a slick and smooth ride to go with the refined DS touches in both the clean outer styling and luxury interior.
So, should I buy an electric car?
Having considered all of the above, you’ll hopefully be a little closer to a decision on whether to buy an electric car, stay with conventional petrol or diesel options or find a balance with a hybrid.
For most people, the decision right now will really come down to whether they can afford the upfront cost of an EV. As we’ve documented above, that cost disparity could be negated and even reversed in the long run thanks to the low running costs of EVs against petrol options. But that may not be enough to justify a bigger initial outlay for many.
In the current electric vs petrol car debate, you’re really weighing up low running costs and future benefits vs a product that is cheaper to buy now and completely familiar. However, with additional performance and environmental benefits of EVs to consider, not to mention sales patterns and government backing, the tide is turning in favour of EVs, and they will become the primary mode of choice in the not too distant future.
If you have more questions about EV ownership, why not get in touch with our friendly experts today.
