5 Reasons Why Your Next Car Should be Eco-Friendly

Whilst eco-friendly cars such as electric and hybrid models have grown in popularity, there are still many drivers who are yet to see the benefit. With the UK looking to be net-zero by 2050 and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, more drivers may consider how their fuel powered vehicles are contributing to high levels of pollution. If you’re considering an electric or hybrid vehicle but aren’t sure whether to go for it, the guide below looks at the top 5 benefits of owning an environmentally friendly car and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What is an environmentally friendly car?

Environmentally friendly simply means something that has a less harmful impact on the environment. Fuel powered cars such a s petrol and diesel release harmful carbon dioxide into the environment when they’re driven which speeds up the rate of climate change and pollutes the air we breathe. An eco-friendly car is one that is kinder to the environment and releases reduced or no emissions when the vehicle is powered. A fully electric car has no need for petrol and diesel and is instead powered by electrical batteries which don’t produce any CO2. A hybrid car uses both electric and petrol or diesel to power the vehicle, but the petrol or diesel engine tend to be much smaller than that of a traditional combustion engine so reduce the number of emissions released.

 

Why should you get an electric or hybrid vehicle?

1.      Better for the environment.

The number one reason to switch to an eco-friendly car is the less harmful impact they have on air quality when you drive your car. Cars that are powered by petrol or diesel release carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air. These harmful emissions affect global warming but also damage human health too. EVs are completely emissions free and hybrid cars aren’t as harmful, but they still do have a petrol or diesel engine present. However, some forms of hybrid car such as plug-in hybrid can have an electric battery that can work independently which turns a hybrid car into a fully electric car for a short distance.

2.      More options to spread the cost.

We do agree that electric and hybrid cars can be more expensive to buy which may put drivers off. Due to the advanced technology used in these vehicles the purchase price can be more higher  but there are now more options to help spread the cost. Both electric and hybrid car finance deals are now offered by more lenders to help get an eco-friendly car and pay for it over a term that suits you. You can choose a budget and a loan term that suits you and pay for your car over a number of years.

3.      Lower running costs.

Don’t let the higher purchase price of an electric or hybrid car put you off! Their lower running costs can make owning an eco-friendly car more cost effective in the long run. It costs much less to recharge an electric car than it does to fill up your vehicle with petrol and diesel. Even if you choose a hybrid car that isn’t 100% electric, your fuel consumption can still reduce massively and be much better for your pocket.

4.      Affordable to maintain.

When it’s time for your yearly service and MOT, you’ll be pleased to know that maintenance cost for electric cars is some of the lowest around. A combustion engine has hundreds of moving parts, and anything can go wrong at any time, but electric batteries are much easier to maintain when it comes to repairing the vehicle. Hybrid cars can be on par with petrol and diesel cars when it comes to cost to maintain as there is still a combustion engine present though.

5.      No congestion charges to pay.

More cities in the UK are introducing clean air zones and ultra-low emission zones. These are designated areas that charge drivers from going through them in a vehicle that is non-compliant. Higher polluting vehicles will be given a daily charge for using these areas, but electric vehicles and most hybrid vehicles are exempt from this charge.