Electric cars: Is now the time?

Good advice for car and van buyers has never been more important.

This week we heard of the resignation of Carlos Tavares, the Chief Executive of one of the largest motor manufacturers in the world, as a result of falling profits, falling share of market, and falling share prices. The cause of these problems has been the cost of investment in electric vehicles and the slow take-up of these products in Europe, the United States, and the UK by private buyers. The issues have been documented in this column many times, but successive governments have failed to grasp the problem or provide solutions. Company car drivers have been given large incentives to move into electric-powered vehicles, but the private motorist has not had the same level of support. Covid added costs to many products, and manufacturers wanted to recover their investment as fast as possible.

At last, prices are now reducing, and infrastructure, in the shape of more and faster charging facilities, is springing up across the country, and range has increased to suit longer-distance travel. More energy companies are offering cheaper charging rates overnight for those who can have those facilities at their home, and the government has promised to cut the VAT from 20% to 5% on public charging, although without a firm date. More small cars are coming to market to suit commuters, low mileage second cars, and areas where the road system requires them.

Now is the time for new car and commercial vehicle dealers to listen to prospective buyers and give them the benefit of their knowledge and expertise to discover the best product to suit their needs. Many already do, and the trust their customers have placed with them over many years is more vital than ever before. There will be more changes, and technology will improve ease of driving, safety, and convenience to movement locally and around the country. Right now, more people are asking me, “Is this the time to buy an electric car?”. The interest is there because we understand the necessity to reduce emissions and clean up the planet for this and future generations, but the concerns need addressing. For some, an electric car may not be today’s solution, but as the pressures increase on us all and combustion engine cars approach their demise in 2035 (or is it 2030?), their availability will diminish, and the price of parts and petrol will increase.

Rural areas with no off-road parking ability to charge will be the most difficult to satisfy, and the challenge for councils is to find more ways to charge and provide these to the local community at reasonable prices. Retail stores, shopping centres, and motor dealers should lead the way by providing facilities for their customers at competitive prices to give confidence and convenience, encouraging motorists to make the change.

Some of you may feel you have read and heard enough and made the decision an electric car is not for you at this time. I respect this, but it may be good to have a plan, even if it is in the future. It is the motor dealers’ job to give you support and advice to aid your decision.