Electric vehicles are becoming more popular, slowly replacing the higher polluting vehicles on our roads. But making a large purchase is something only some families can rush into, especially in the current financial climate. But is your family ready for an electric vehicle right now?

Few of us can buy a new car simply because we fancy a change, but if your current vehicle is coming to the end of its life and you are considering a replacement, then an electric car can make an ideal family vehicle. Here’s a look at some of the benefits and factors you should consider before making such a large purchase. 

The Benefits of Electric Vehicles for Families

EV have many benefits for the family including saving money
EV have many benefits for the family including saving money

Environmental Benefits

EVs are much cleaner than traditional vehicles that run on petrol or diesel. They produce zero emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This means that driving an EV can reduce your carbon footprint, crucial for preserving the environment for future generations.

Cost Savings

Electricity costs are much lower than petrol or diesel, meaning that electric vehicles are cheaper to operate in the long run. EVs also require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, reducing maintenance costs. While electric vehicles may have a higher upfront cost, the cost savings over the car’s lifespan make it a financially sound choice for families.

Convenience

EVs can be charged at home, making it more convenient for families with busy schedules. It eliminates the need to visit petrol stations regularly, saving time and money. Additionally, some public places such as shopping centres and parking lots offer electric vehicle charging stations, making it easy to charge on the go.

Safety Features

EVs often come with advanced safety features that can protect families on the road. These features include lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The safety features of family electric vehicles can give you peace of mind while on the road.

Smooth and Quiet

EVs produce less noise than traditional vehicles that use diesel or petrol, making for a smoother and quieter ride. This can be especially beneficial for families with children since it can reduce stress.

Incentives

Governments worldwide offer incentives for those who purchase electric vehicles, such as tax credits, rebates, and reduced tolls. These incentives can make EVs more affordable for families, reducing the upfront cost and making them a more attractive option.

Future-proof

With the increasing concern about the environment and the depletion of fossil fuels, governments will likely continue to incentivise and promote EVs in the future. Investing in an family electric vehicle now can future-proof your transportation needs.

A Good Example

Driving an electric car is the much more environmentally friendly choice. This means that by driving one, you are setting a great example to your children at a time when we’re encouraging them to recycle, reduce waste and think more carefully about how they treat the planet. 

Reduced Maintenance

Cars with petrol engines are complicated machines. They have many moving parts that must work together to make the car work well. This means that there’s a lot that can go wrong with them. Electric cars, despite being newer, are much more straightforward. Less to go wrong means less time in the garage, saving you money and stress. 

Easy Parking

Cities, shops, and offices worldwide offer more convenient parking for electric vehicles. Spaces are often larger and closer to your destination. Some cities even provide priority lanes for people driving electric vehicles, which could cut your travel time. 

No Congestion Charges

More and more places are implementing congestion charges to reduce car use and air pollution. In most areas, electric vehicles are exempt from these charges.

Things to Consider

EV range monitor in neon blue
The range of an EV is one thing to consider for a family car

Range

One of the most important factors to consider when buying an electric car is its driving range. The range refers to the distance the car can travel on a single charge. It is essential to determine your daily driving needs and ensure that the car’s range can meet those needs, but remember, factors such as terrain, driving conditions and style and even the weather can affect an EVs range, and you should add some extra emergency miles when working out what you need.

When shopping for a family vehicle, consider occasional longer trips, like a road trip to visit family or a family vacation.

Charging Infrastructure

Another critical factor to consider when buying an electric car is the availability of charging infrastructure, and you should find out about charging times for electric vehicles. You can charge at home using your standard output, but this can take a long time. Consider having a specialist EV charging port fitted for quicker charges.

Before buying an electric car, you should also research the charging infrastructure in your area, where you work, and other places you often visit to ensure that it is easily accessible when needed.

Battery Life

The battery is the most critical component of an electric car. It is essential to consider the battery’s lifespan and warranty when making a purchase decision. The lifespan of an electric car battery can vary depending on the car’s usage and the environment in which it is driven. Additionally, some manufacturers offer warranties on their batteries, so it is vital to consider the warranty length and coverage, as replacement batteries can be costly.

Performance

Electric cars can offer excellent performance and acceleration, but they can vary from car to car. Consider test-driving the car to assess its performance before purchasing. The acceleration in an electric vehicle is described as more punchy than that of a traditional car.

Price

Electric cars are generally more expensive than traditional cars, and insurance costs can also be more. However, the price can vary depending on the car’s make and model. It is essential to consider your budget and research the available options before making a purchase decision. Additionally, consider the cost savings from fuel and maintenance when calculating the total cost of ownership.

Safety Features

Like traditional cars, safety features are essential in electric vehicles, especially when you have young children. Safety features you should look for include airbags, antilock brakes, child seat anchor points and stability control.

Resale Value

The resale value of an electric car is an important consideration when making a purchase decision. Electric vehicles depreciate at a faster rate than traditional cars, so their resale value can be lower. However, driving the car until you no longer can is much better for the planet than buying a new one before it reaches the end of its life anyway.

Manufacturer Support

Before buying an electric car, research the manufacturer’s support. Consider the manufacturer’s reputation, reliability, and availability of repair services and replacement parts. Additionally, consider the manufacturer’s warranty and customer support in case you need them.

Leasing Over Buying

There are options for leasing electric cars instead of buying them. If you’ve never had an electric car, this is a fantastic option worth considering. 

There are many benefits to driving an electric car, especially for families. But before committing to a purchase, you should consider your needs regarding things like the official driving range and charging points and their infrastructure, but also more traditional considerations like safety and space. Choosing the right family car can be a big decision, so take the time to look at plenty of options and do some research first. 

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Holly MacDonald
Holly studied Digital Journalism at University of Strathclyde. A single mum, her young son Thomas battles for adulation with her love of wine and chocolate, and the very occasional guilt-driven Gym appearance. Other than writing, Holly has a love for making jewellery, thanks to her beloved grandmother.