The Hidden Secrets of EV ownership that no one wants you to know
Overview of the current situation with EVs in the United Kingdom
How many electric vehicles (EVs) are on British roads? The answer might surprise you. Estimates suggest that just over 1,000,000 EVs and another half-million hybrids, which combine petrol and electric charge, are currently on UK roads. Overall, the United Kingdom has approximately 33,500,000 registered vehicles on the road. This means that about 4.5% of all vehicles on British roads require charging. The United Kingdom plans to eliminate the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035, compelling drivers to purchase or lease these alternative vehicles.
This article is an opinion piece written from the perspective of someone who drives an EV, and it reflects my view on why EVs are an abomination that represents a step backwards in technology. In this article, I will emphasize the superiority of maintaining a gasoline-powered vehicle over transitioning to an EV. Finally, I will not explore the arguments stating that it takes six years to recover the cost of an EV to break even, nor will I delve into reports that suggest EVs are more environmentally damaging than gas-powered engines.
My Experience
Mileage on a fully charged EV versus gas-powered engine
In my opening, I assert that electric cars are a step backwards. In reality, electric cars have existed for nearly 200 years, with the first cars being electric in the 1830s. It was not until about 50 years later that the first patent for a gas-powered engine was filed in 1885. Despite the long history of electric cars, the technology has not significantly improved.
For example, my last two vehicles were diesel. When I owned them, I could drive my diesel vehicle on the open road, motorways, and A roads, achieving up to 70 miles per gallon (m.p.g.). In the city, I averaged between 25 m.p.g. and 35 m.p.g.
In sharp contrast, during winter, my electric vehicle (EV) only gets 40 miles per charge. So, what does 40 miles per charge equate to? It is about half a gallon of diesel on the highway or just over one gallon of diesel when driving in the city. In summer, I am fortunate to achieve 100 miles per charge, despite manufacturers advertising nearly 300 miles on a single charge. To get 100 miles in summer, I cannot use air conditioning or drive with the windows down. To drive in efficiency mode means driving in a setting that restricts or prevents use of climate control, like air conditioning. During the summer, this can be quite dangerous since it can lead to heat stroke. Drive at night or use the air conditioner to drain the battery to get the most per charge.
Since the charge depletes quickly, especially in winter, I charge my vehicle up to ten times a month, with each around 55 kilowatt-hours (k.w.h.). Imagine your winter electric bill; as the number of these vehicles increases, the demand it will place on energy companies in winter will be significant.
The Hidden Costs of owning an EV
Finding a charger
We discussed the cost of charging in the previous paragraph, and the upcoming section will delve deeper into the expenses related to these vehicles. If you own a full EV or a hybrid vehicle that requires regular charging, the cost of a charging port for your home can range from approximately £500 to £1200, including installation. If your battery runs low, the charging process can take around 8 hours. Installing an EV charger will require an electrician, and your property must support the electrical requirements of the charger. Installation typically takes about 1–2 hours.
Furthermore, if you do not invest in a home charging station, you will need to locate and pay to use an EV charging station. A rapid charge will take at least 2–3 hours, whereas a non-rapid charger could take up to 8 hours. Depending on your location, the cost of using these chargers can range from £20 to £40 per charge, which may take several hours of your time. Additionally, if you do not reside in a large city, it could involve driving several miles to find a suitable charger for your vehicle.
If you are fortunate enough to install a home charger, what happens if you move? The issue here pertains to cost. You will either need to pay an electrician to uninstall it, pay an electrician to reinstall it, or consider purchasing a new charger.
What are your options for charging the vehicle if you move to an apartment or house without a driveway? For instance, a point at an apartment requires it to be available for your use. If there isn’t a charging port accessible, you will need to locate a charging point to recharge your car for several hours or think about acquiring a vehicle that is more compatible with your living situation
Size and weight
One often overlooked drawback of electric vehicles (EVs) is their size and weight. Because EVs operate using a battery, this battery adds length, width, and weight to the vehicle. Consequently, parking can become challenging, particularly in very tight spaces. Over time, the vehicle’s weight may lead to sinking in your driveway, and in some areas, the extra wear from the vehicle’s weight could result in increased tax charges.
Limited Use
In my experience, to maximise mileage and minimise charging, electric vehicles (EVs) are best suited for long routes where the speed limit is below 60 mph and traffic is flowing smoothly. If you intend to use the vehicle on the highway, drive to the grocery store, engage in shopping, or commute to work, be prepared to observe a significant decrease in charge as you drive and anticipate the need for frequent driving.
Advice
If you are considering buying or leasing your next car, it is advisable to avoid electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrids that require charging. The technology has not significantly advanced over the past 200 years, so when a manufacturer advertises a charge range, it is prudent to halve that estimate to obtain a more realistic expectation under normal conditions. During winter driving, when it is necessary to run the car to defrost the windows and heat the interior, it is advisable to divide that estimate somewhere between 4 and 8 to gain a more accurate understanding of what you can expect.
Final Thoughts
If the government invests significant funds into improving technology to extend battery life, and until manufacturers develop methods to prevent services like heating and air conditioning from draining battery power, consumers may be better off purchasing gas-powered engines.