The trend for electric cars is gaining undeniable traction. In 2018, sales in the UK rose by 21%, accounting for one in 12 new car purchases that year. We asked three drivers why they decided to ditch diesel and petrol, and how driving electric really compares.
Robert Llewellyn, actor and author
I drive electric cars because they are better technology. It’s as simple as that. They last longer, are much cheaper to fuel, much simpler to use, and we can generate the “fuel” they need at our homes, or within our communities, and certainly in our country. We don’t need to send billions of pounds out of our economy to buy fuel from some of the world’s less benign regimes, and we could easily be energy independent as far as electric cars are concerned. They are more relaxing to drive too – no vibration from rattling, Victorian-era technology that constantly needs servicing and replacing.
My electric car has 70,000 miles on the clock and has had one service. It’s had three new tires, a wiper blade and screen wash, and that’s it. Nothing has gone wrong mechanically, partly because it’s so simple. Batteries worry people who’ve not driven electric cars, but they are developing very fast. The latest electric cars on the market have a battery close to the same weight and size as my older model, but where that had a range of 80-90 miles, the new cars have 250-300 miles. Batteries are rapidly getting better and cheaper.
Cass Gundry, TV producer
I’ve been driving electric for the past three years, and I love it. It’s fast, quiet and compact, allowing me to get around town and to set quickly. I got an electric car because I wanted to move away from a gas-guzzling vehicle – I hated paying for gas each week – but my favourite thing is the convenience. I get to charge my car at work, and I may never have to make another visit to a service station (except for snacks).
I was initially worried about the size and that it wouldn’t suit my lifestyle, but I haven’t had any issues. It comfortably fits a couple friends for trips around town. If you’re in the market for a commuter car that is fun to drive, charges while you work/sleep and is equipped with modern technology, I strongly recommend it.
Chris Marshall, hardware company director
I switched from my C Class to an electric car two years ago to save money, to be honest. And the savings are huge; I’ve gone from spending £70-£80 a week on diesel, to about a tenner. In a year, I save about £4,000 in running costs.
Even though I made the switch for financial reasons, the way a car feels when I drive is important to me. I suppose you could describe me as a bit of a petrolhead; I like to feel speed when I drive – and, honestly, electric feels as good as petrol or diesel.
My car is very agile, has good acceleration, and because the batteries are in the base of the car, it’s weighted in a way that gives it great grip. The torque rating is much higher than its petrol equivalent, so you get that feeling of speed and power when you set off.
I got a bit of stick from my mates when I switched, but the ones who’ve driven mine all like the way it feels. And once I told them how much I’m saving, they agreed it makes a lot of sense. If you need something to zip around the city with, an electric car is perfect.
Interested in your own city zip-around? Find out more about the Volkswagen e-Golf at volkswagen.co.uk
