The shortest answer to “Is an EV right for me?” is yes. Yes it is. Yes it has to be because we’ve got to do something to get the carbon out of our daily lives and this is one of the simplest and easiest ways (relatively speaking – all things are relative, remember) of doing so. The planet needs you to do it, so of course it’s right for you.
But it’s actually the wrong question. The question you should be asking is, “Is an EV easy for me to switch to?” And that is a question with a far more complex answer that involves a lot of ifs, buts and maybes.
Harris Group is one of Ireland’s biggest EV suppliers and Mark Barret, managing director of group franchises at Harris, is used to helping big company fleets manage the transition to electric power. That means he knows more than a thing or two about how to work out if you too can make the switchover from petrol or diesel to an electric car.
“Identifying your ‘must-have’ features ensures that you select an EV that fits your specific priorities. Some drivers may value extended battery life and range for long-distance travel, while others may prioritise payload or having a comprehensive warranty for peace of mind. Or you could be someone who appreciates particular tech and comfort features,” says Barrett.
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“Listing these non-negotiables will help you focus on EVs that meet your key needs and will help you avoid spending on features that are not important to you. It’s all about getting the right balance. Once you’ve whittled down your priorities you can start visiting dealerships and begin the fun part – test driving.”
The best way you can start to work out whether or not it’s going to be easy to switch to an EV is simply to sit down with a pen and paper (or an iPad and a Notes app) and start making a list.
Do you have a driveway or other off-street parking where you can fit a home charging point? If not, then you should arguably just skip to the end and get a hybrid or a conventional combustion-engine car instead, as this is the biggest single factor in working out whether or not an EV is right for you. It is possible to run an electric car without home charging – some people manage to do so fine – but you’re then relying on (expensive and scattered) public chargers or charging at work, which isn’t always convenient.
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Cost is, of course, also a big factor, but Barrett’s advice is to not simply look at the number on the windscreen: “When it comes to your budget, you really need to consider EVs with a view of the total cost of ownership. It’s no secret that electric cars have higher upfront costs but they also offer savings in the long term due to lower energy and maintenance costs. While grants have reduced in recent years, there is still a number of Government incentives for EV drivers to consider.”
All of which can seem a bit complicated but there are ways of making the homework a bit easier. Audi, for example, has a handy ready-reckoner tool on its Irish website, which can help you wade through the sums and figures.
“The Audi.ie range simulator gives users a true range indicator based on the model selected, battery size, topography, tyres and much more,” says Deirdre Schwer, head of marketing and customer experience at Audi Ireland. “The Audi range simulator will show which EV models are viable options for a customer’s needs.
“Today our vehicles are more advanced than ever, with features such as the Audi route planner, available via the MyAudi app, which highlights charge points along your route, so if you have a long distance drive you can plan according to when you might need to recharge your EV. Our models are responsive and will give accurate notification of available range, and the more you drive your EV, the better it can predict your driving profile and the range displayed is therefore a true reflection for your onward journey.”
For all the digital help, as Schwer points out, the only real way to tell if an electric car truly is right for you is to actually sit down and work it all out.
“Every consumer purchasing a vehicle needs to ensure the model they purchase is right for them, whether that’s diesel, petrol, hybrid or fully electric,” she says. “A driver needs to understand their weekly commute and what infrastructure is available to them if considering an electric vehicle.
“We encourage people who are considering purchasing a new vehicle to speak with a member of our dealership sales staff who are skilled in evaluating the correct fuel type for your driving requirements to find the right vehicle for your lifestyle.”
