I am by no means an expert on electric cars. I would see myself as an interested party that is keen too understand more.
As someone who has been interested in cars for most of my life I think the first element that it is useful to recognise is that private new car buyers can have very different views than companies or company car drivers, and private buyers buying used cars can have a very different outlook indeed.
The EV debate seems very polarised with those arguing for them being almost evangulistic in their praise with others who suggest that nothing could persuade them into an EV. I am in the middle and am genuinely interested in learning what is best. To do that I need to raise some of the perceptions and opinions that i have heard being articulated.
Perception is a funny thing as I think sometimes perceptions are dismissed as being irrational ramblings. They may indeed be but explaining is always better than just dismissing.
Range Anxiety
Range Anxiety is a real thing. Is it overhyped? - probably!
What I do hear though is "most people travel nowhere near enough miles in their journeys most of the time for it to be a concern. I have no doubt this is true especially as ranges on some cars are increased. Actually though what about the perception of the journey I am undertaking that falls outside of the normal. There is evidence to show that women are more worried about safety at some of the charging infrastructure. I suspect that for disabled drivers it is a similar picture. Where is the reasssurance that when travelling outside of "most" that there isn't cause for concern?
Financial Risk
One of the triggers for me writig this blog article was media stories this week of the prices of new EVs being slashed as manufacturers race to meet required limits on their sales. Figures of more than 30% off were mentioned. This is probably great news for anyone - company or private buying a new car next week, but what about the private buyer who bought one last week. That's depreciation of more than £12,000 overnight.
Many of those selling EVs are new or newishto the market. If I had bought a Fisker Ocean as tested by AutoExpress for £61,725 then I suspect that I might be feeling very queasy following that company closing down three months later. At the time of writing Autotrader only has fourteen for sale with all but one being offered for less than half that price.