EVs set for major boost in 2023

The importance of EV education

With so many more new drivers predicted to be making the switch this year – whether buying or leasing, new or used – there’s more the industry needs to do in terms of education. And those that do make a purchase should have all the information they need to get up and running with the day-to-day basics, including a good understanding of home and public charging. That way no one is driving away for the first time without a basic knowledge of how to charge and run their new EV. Without this important focus the industry could be left with a lot of unhappy customers. 

Helping customers understand how to pick right vehicle for them has never been more important. 

The cost of EVs in 2023

Directly comparing an EV with its closest ICE (internal combustion engine) equivalent can lead to some misleading conclusions, beginning with the price tag. Although the upfront cost of an EV might in some cases be more expensive, the total cost of ownership is likely to be less, and sometimes significantly so. As well as the obvious savings to be made on fuel, EVs have fewer moving parts and therefore need less maintenance. 

Even in the face of rising electricity prices, the cost argument for switching to an EV, when considered in the round, can be compelling.

Here are some more education basics people need help to understand:

1. Choosing the right electric vehicle for the right lifestyle 

Firstly, we need to help prospective electric vehicle owners choose the right car to fit with how they’re going to be using it. Helping a customer choose the best model for their lifestyle is essential for them to have a positive EV experience. 

Many people unknowingly have lifestyles that would be very compatible with owning an EV but jump to dismiss them as inappropriate for their needs. For example, someone may live in Manchester but, because they drive to Cornwall once a year for a holiday, decide an EV wouldn’t be right for them. However, an EV would very likely be perfect. Last year the average range of a new EV was over 200 miles, with many capable of 300 miles on a single charge. A longer journey may just mean combining a lunch stop with charging. After all, longer journeys are where electric drivers make their biggest savings. We need to encourage people to think differently about the trips they make.

2. Thinking differently about refuelling

The way we ‘refuel’ or charge an EV is different to a petrol or diesel car. Unlike a petrol or diesel car, EVs can be 'refuelled' at home for those with charger, meaning charging can happen conveniently overnight or when the car isn't needed. For drivers using public charging, there are several options, from topping up as you go shopping to fast charging at a service station.

A big misunderstanding is that you don’t need to fully charge an EV using public chargers every time – you can just put in enough to get you safely home, or to your next destination. 

3. Be aware of driving variables

While a lesser-known benefit of some EVs is the ability for them to defrost themselves, without the need to get out the de-icer or scrape the windscreen, cold weather can affect the range of an EV, in the same way it effects the fuel economy of a petrol or diesel car. Drivers should prepare for a reduction in range in cold weather, with most manufacturers giving guidance on the effects of cold weather on their websites. Driving efficiently will also have a very positive effect on range.  

The importance of EV charging facilities

As well as education, there’s still more to do from an infrastructure perspective. For the 30% of people that, according to Lloyds Bank data from people applying for a mortgage, don’t have a garage, driveway, or space for a car, there’s good news - the UK’s charging infrastructure is improving every year. The latest data shows there are over 37,000 charging points at over 22,000 locations across the UK. A continued focus is needed from government to support the rollout of public charging points in residential – and particularly rural – areas.

The government has also made some positive steps by ensuring new build homes are fully equipped to have charging facilities, and many more existing homes can have a charger fitted. 

We will also see other changes. Car sellers will have to have charge points in their dealerships so that they can let people test drive more electric vehicles. The transition to electric isn’t just a mindset shift; it's an operational and product supply shift.

As an industry, we need to be aware that customers are analysing electric vehicles for their faults in a way that they're not analysing traditionally fuelled vehicles; simply because they're used to them, and work around them every day. In 2023, with more newly interested customers than ever before, a focus on education will help everyone better understand how this technology differs, so we can help keep the UK’s transition to electric vehicles running smoothly.