Electric cars by 2030. Is the UK ready?

Will there be a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles?

For us at e-car lease, the recent news on combustion engine to electric cars by 2030 announcement was not a surprise. Electrification of transport has already been happening at a rapid rate; much more so than most people have perhaps been aware of. For the general public we do appreciate there has been a lack of publicity for the growth, and benefits of, electric cars/vans.

Even after the announcement this week, we read a number of mainstream articles from “genuine” press outlets. Most of them were littered with some fairly inaccurate statistics and information for customers. This included an incorrect analysis of the grants, a lack of understanding on charge points, misunderstanding charging times, and misleading analysis of the electric car.

Electric vehicles are NOT a compromise. In many cases, an equivalent EV is both better to drive, quicker and will be cheaper to run and operate.

What the consumer needs to understand with electric vehicles is that they are NOT a compromise; you are not moving into a lesser vehicle. In many cases, an equivalent EV is both better to drive, quicker and will (on a whole of life cost analysis) be cheaper to run and operate. Why else would Porsche be so quick to launch their leading luxury Taycan model?

Should I or my company start to panic about the future of our personal/business cars?

Absolutely not. There may some initial fear about the future of transport - ultimately, we don’t like to be “forced” into a decision when it comes to our cars.

The reality is that EVs still account for a small percentage of the new cars registered every month in the UK but the product available and the corresponding demand is increasing. For company car drivers, the immediate benefit has been the 0% BiK available for 2020/1. It has been many years since the “free company car” has existed. Indeed, the last few years we have witnessed growing BiK in the company car world in addition to changes under WLTP and RDE! Being a company car driver has in fact become a laborious and expensive position to be in, leading to more company car allowance (cash for car) situations.

Is the UK ready to go “all electric” by 2030?

The move to electric could see the return of the company car, and salary sacrifice, over the next few years in the UK. The COVID-19 pandemic has only served as a catalyst for this transition. What we are seeing is less miles per annum for many customers with office closures, customer visits on hold and a new working-from-home culture. That's not to say that high mileage leasing and requirements are redundant but there is a very much a reduction in monthly travel. Will this change from 2 December when Boris opens up the UK again?

Some of the big objectives to EVs is the choice. "There are not enough vehicles available!" "They are too expensive!" Again, these common statements which we hear, and see, on a regular basis seems to suggest this is a major obstacle for both personal lease and business lease customers.

On the contrary, manufacturers have done a tremendous job to create a new range of electric alternatives to the combustion equivalents. From budget to luxury, we are witnessing more and more product available for the UK, with 2021 being a crucial year for customer choice. In our opinion, the move to EVs will see a much-needed product simplification. We have too many cars, derivatives, specification options and similar. This creates unnecessary confusion to customers and unnecessary costs for the manufacturer.

In our opinion, the move to EVs will see a much-needed product simplification... if we are to achieve a sustainable and environmentally-conscious future.

What we need is few cars with less packs/options (particularly since WLTP has placed additional obligations on manufacturers). Consumer demands and appetites are important but they need to be tempered if we are to achieve a sustainable and environmentally-conscious future. Even as a vehicle supplier (and sellers of vehicles/finance) we understand the need for this practicality.

But are there enough charge points for electric drivers?

As you will see from Zap Map’s updated charge point map, thinking that there aren't enough charge points out there might not be a true reflection of the current situation! But it’s hard to pay for a vehicle charge point, isn’t it?

Again, check out the consolidation efforts from “Zap-Pay” as they aim to bring together all major charging networks under one search, plan and pay system. Indeed, there are more than enough connections, devices and locations for customers to choose (see below for just one example).

Part of the issue is the ignorance drivers have because they have not yet operated an EV. If you don’t drive an electric car, how would you know what a charge point looks like and how it would operate? What we also say to customers is that if a home charge point is possible in your situation, as you have off-road parking, then you should definitely utilise this to simplify charging your electric vehicle. With a £350 grant, customers need only pay between £200-700 for a charge point to be fitted to their home.

If you are a northwest electric car driver and need a recommended supplier, just contact E-Verve Energy who can organise this with you. Their team operate across Manchester, Liverpool and Warrington.

Will the whole of the UK be driving electric cars by 2030?

This is certainly an ambitious target, and we are not unaware of the obstacles we all face in making the transition. However, at e-car lease, we are truly committed to educating personal, company car and business users on the true benefits of electric car (and van) adoption. We believe that with a concerted effort between policy makers, local governments, manufacturers, leasing companies and dealerships we can make 2030 a realistic target.

Kia E-Niro Electric Estate 150kW 4 64kWh 5dr Auto

In terms of the car shown, the Kia E-Niro Electric Estate 150kW 4 64kWh 5dr Auto (Pure Electric Vehicle ), this is based on the following configuration:

 

• Graphite Premium paint
• Leather - Black
• High gloss black centre fascia
• 17" alloy wheels

As standard the car includes privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, solar glass, hill start assist, apple carplay/android auto, wireless smartphone charger, adaptive cruise control, forward collision avoidance.

Lane keep assist, front parking sensors, rear parking sensors, 10.25” touch screen with satellite navigation, 7” TFT colour display, auto dimming rear view mirror, driver attention warning, emergency stop signalling, electrically folding/heated door mirrors.

 

Bluetooth, JBL sound system with 8 speakers and a sub-woofer, Bi-LED headlights, air conditioning, leather upholstery 60/40 split folding seats, ambient lighting,17” alloys daglock and alarm/immobiliser.

On the technical side, company car and business users can note the P11d at £37,940.00 and CO” at 0g/km. The 64kWH battery delivers a 283 mile range (WLTP) which equate to a “real range” of 195 miles in winter and a 265 miles in milder temperatures.

 

The 0-62 times are 7.8 seconds based on 200ps. In terms of charging, a standard home charger unit of 7kW should fully charge in just over 10 hours and a 20-80% is possible on a 50kW rapid DC charger in just under an hour. Service intervals on an electric Kia Niro are every 12 months or 10,000 miles, whichever lands sooner.

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