There are some challenges and regional differences in the electric car market, without a doubt. For example, the need for more investment in charging infrastructure, the reduction of subsidies, and the varying consumer preferences, according to the BBC.
According to the BBC, electric car sales soared in 2021, despite the Covid pandemic and the chip shortage that affected the supply of many conventional models. However, used electric car prices seem to be caught in a downward cycle with perhaps even more trouble ahead, says Car Dealer Magazine.
Used electric cars on finance in the UK
Buying a used electric car on finance in the UK has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on your situation and preferences. For example, used electric cars are generally cheaper to buy and run than new ones, as they have lower purchase prices, lower taxes, lower maintenance costs, and cheaper fuel. However, they may also have lower battery capacity, lower range, and lower performance than newer models, according to WhatCar?.
Used electric cars may be more affordable to finance than new ones, as they have lower monthly payments and interest rates. According to the RAC, they may also have higher depreciation rates, higher insurance premiums, and higher repair costs than new ones.
Some also say that used electric cars may be more environmentally friendly than new ones, as they reuse existing materials and reduce waste. However, they may also have higher emissions and lower efficiency than new ones, depending on how they were driven and maintained. Therefore, whether it is a good time to buy a used electric car on finance in the UK depends on your budget, needs, and values.
Best electric cars for sale in 2023
There are many electric cars for sale in 2023, and choosing the best one for you depends on your personal preferences, budget, and needs. However, here are just some of the most popular and highly rated electric cars in 2023:
-
Hyundai Ioniq 5: This is a stylish and spacious electric SUV that offers a range of up to 280 miles, fast charging, and impressive performance. It also has a high-tech interior with a large touchscreen and wireless charging. The Ioniq 5 is one of the best electric cars to buy in 2023 if you want a versatile and comfortable family electric vehicle, says Auto Express.
-
BMW i4: This is a sleek and sporty electric saloon that rivals the Tesla Model 3 in terms of speed, handling, and luxury. The i4 can reach 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds and has a range of up to 367 miles. It also has a premium cabin with a great infotainment system and plenty of features. The i4 is one of the best electric cars to buy in 2023 if you want a fast and refined car that can also be practical.
-
Porsche Taycan: This is a stunning and powerful electric sports car that delivers exhilarating performance, agile handling, and superb quality. The Taycan can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 2.6 seconds and has a range of up to 301 miles. It also has a futuristic cockpit with multiple screens and a high-end sound system. The Taycan is considered to be one of the best electric cars to buy in 2023 if you want a thrilling and luxurious car that can turn heads.
What’s the range of an electric car?
The range of an electric car is the distance it can travel on a single charge of its battery. The range of electric cars depends on many factors, such as the size and capacity of the battery, the efficiency and performance of the electric motor, the driving style and speed, the weather and road conditions, and the use of accessories like air conditioning and heating.
The average range of electric cars in 2023 is between 100 and 300 miles, but some models can go as low as 29 miles or as high as 520 miles, according to Eco Cost Savings. The most popular and highly rated electric cars in 2023 have ranged from 137 miles (Honda e) to 412 miles (Tesla Model S Long Range). Some of the new electric cars that offer impressive ranges are the Hyundai Ioniq 5 (280 miles), the BMW i4 (367 miles), the Porsche Taycan (301 miles), and the Lucid Air (517 miles).
The range of electric cars tends to vary and depends on how you drive them and how often you charge them. Electric motors love a good charge and an electric car’s battery can do extraordinary things compared to petrol and diesel cars.
Do electric cars cost less to insure?
Electric vehicles and whether or not they cost less to insure depends on various different things, such as the type and model of the car, the driver’s profile, the location, and the insurer. According to Money SuperMarket, electric car insurance costs have fallen in recent years, but they are still slightly higher than petrol or diesel car insurance costs on average. However, this may change in the future as electric cars become more common and more affordable.
Are electric cars environmentally friendly?
Electric cars are more environmentally friendly than conventional cars, which run on petrol or diesel, but they are not completely green. The production of electric cars requires more energy and resources than the production of conventional cars, especially for the batteries.
The batteries are made of metals and minerals that need to be mined and processed, which can cause land degradation, water pollution, and habitat loss. The batteries also have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced or recycled, which can pose challenges for waste management and resource recovery. According to one study by Eco Experts, the CO2 emissions from electric car production are 59% higher than those from conventional car production.
Electric cars are environmentally friendly in terms of reducing tailpipe emissions and noise pollution, but they are not entirely green in terms of their production, charging, and disposal. The environmental impact of electric cars can be reduced by improving battery technology and efficiency that’s for sure. Electric cars are a step towards a more sustainable transportation system, but they are not a perfect solution.