There are lots of advantages to going electric. The main reason is to reduce emissions, as an electric car doesn’t release harmful fumes from its exhaust. In fact, they don't have exhausts at all - an EV is what’s known as a ‘zero-emission’ car.
Other advantages include the low running cost associated with an electric car, the quietness of electric motors, and the speed with which electric cars accelerate. But there are some disadvantages too. Electric cars generally cost more to buy than a petrol or diesel car and it takes longer to charge them up with electricity than it does to top up a conventional car’s fuel tank at a petrol station.
An electric car or electric vehicle (EV) is one that runs on electricity rather than petrol or diesel. Instead of refuelling them with liquid, you ‘charge’ electric cars with a wire like you do your mobile phone.
All of this means that you have to think much more carefully about buying an electric car than a petrol one. We’ve answered the top questions people should ask before ‘making the switch’ to driving electric.