Juggling different schedules and ensuring each family member is where they need to be at the right time is a constant challenge for busy parents. It’s essential to have a family car that can cope with all the kit and clobber that comes with kids, and is reliable enough to make constant short journeys shuttling family members around. As such, the decision to do what many are doing and upgrade to an EV is a bit harder for families on a hectic schedule. Here, we’ll go through everything busy parents should know before picking an electric car.
Charging Infrastructure
Picking out an electric vehicle isn’t as simple as the traditional ‘sell my car and choose a new one’ process. EVs require different infrastructure from petrol and diesel vehicles, so you’ll need to think about where and how you will be charging your new car. While charging points are becoming better distributed across the country, places like Devon and Cornwall are still lacking in EV infrastructure. If you live in an older house with poorly distributed electricity outlets, you might have to install a home charging point. If you don’t have off-street parking, you may be reliant on public charging points – which can be difficult to come by in more remote regions.
Running Costs and Upfront Price
Electric vehicles do tend to cost more upfront than their petrol or diesel counterparts. However, this is balanced out by lower running costs over the life of the vehicle – the cost per mile of driving an EV is significantly less than that of a conventional car. Plus, government grants are available to reduce the initial purchase and installation costs. Do note, however, that EVs can be more expensive to fix if they break, and don’t have the same scrap value as traditional cars, as they are hazardous (and therefore expensive) to break down for parts.
Convenience
Most of the charging is likely to happen at night when you’re sleeping. But what happens when you’re heading out for a long journey? The good news is that rapid charging points, which can charge your car to 80% in as little as 30 minutes, are becoming increasingly widely available across the UK. However, it is still important to plan your journey and charging stops in advance, especially if you’re driving to a new location. If you’re doing a lot of driving around remote moorlands with few (if any) charging points, think hard about how you’re going to keep the battery charged on a daily basis.
Importance of Space
As a parent, you need a vehicle that can accommodate car seats, buggies, sports equipment, and shopping. Some EVs offer less boot space than traditional cars due to the presence of the battery. However, many new models now have the batteries integrated into the floor, freeing up extra space. So, it’s a good idea to thoroughly check the car’s capacity and evaluate whether it meets your family’s needs before making the purchase.
Final Thoughts
Electric vehicles offer many benefits, including considerable fuel savings, lower maintenance costs, and a reduction in harmful emissions. However, they also come with unique challenges for busy parents. Before deciding to cash in your old car and go electric, make sure you’ve thoroughly considered things like charging availability, running costs, the convenience factor, space needs, and potential resale value. An electric car is a substantial investment, so make sure that it truly aligns with your family’s lifestyle and needs.