This year’s World EV Day comes at a crucial moment in electric vehicle uptake around the globe.
More than 1.2 million electric cars are now on UK roads, Norway has just set a world record with EVs gaining 94% market share in August and GRIDSERVE continues to deploy new High Power charging across the country.
All great news.
And yet, YouGov data shows there’s still a long way to go as the majority of non-EV drivers have a poor understanding of how they work.
More than half of petrol and diesel drivers scored less than two out of 10 when quizzed on true or false statements about EVs, including running costs, grid capacity and charging infrastructure.
So, what is World EV Day and how can it help?
What is it all about?
The annual event is now in its fifth year and as the name suggests celebrates electric vehicles of all shapes and sizes.
Originally created to raise awareness of just how rewarding and easy making the switch to electric can be, it now goes a step further by uniting individuals, companies and policy makers to #DriveChange towards a decarbonised world.
It’s still a grassroots day, too. Beyond vehicle manufacturers and automotive brands supporting World EV Day, those passionate about EVs are encouraged to organise meet-ups with EV owners in their area to share knowledge, and invite those thinking about switching to help them on their journey.
Why make the switch to an electric car now?
Honestly, there are plenty of reasons to make the transition from a petrol, diesel or hybrid car into an electric model. Not least the way they drive.
If you’ve not driven an electric car, you’re also in for a treat. They’re quieter and faster than petrol or diesel cars and packed with the very latest technology. There’s also loads of choice, with everyone from Audi to Volkswagen making a range of EVs to suit every budget and lifestyle.
Using an electric car is easier than ever, too, with an extensive UK-wide public charging infrastructure that reduces range anxiety and makes it feasible to own an EV even without home charging. Led by the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, there are thousands of EV chargers across the UK with more and High Power chargers installed each month.
Thirdly, electric cars are greener and positively impact climate change, helping us to limit the global temperature rise to 2oC as part of the Paris Agreement and improve local air quality. Transport accounts for around a quarter of our country’s total emissions and a reported 91% of all transport emissions come from road vehicles. That’s 111 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from road vehicles every single year – think what an effect a few more EVs on the road would have.
And if none of that convinces you, the Government has put in place a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. This means that, for those wanting to buy new, they won’t have any choice but to go electric after this date.
