Electric cars are considered by almost all governments and automotive manufacturers as being a necessary step on the route to net zero. Transport accounts for around 22% of global carbon dioxide emissions (from fossil fuels) and 39% of that (nearly 9%) is due to the use of fossil fuels in passenger cars (using 2019 data). If we are to end our addiction to fossil fuels, then we need to end our use of petrol and diesel. A car is still a luxury for many in the world and, for most people with a car, it is one of the most expensive parts of modern life after accommodation. Changing a car is often a stressful decision and people don’t want to make a big financial mistake. On the other hand, what can be a better sign of intergenerational solidarity than choosing to stop using fossil fuels?

There are negatives as well as positives for electric cars. But the stand-out benefit is the reduced use of fossil fuels. We all must reduce our use of fossil fuels if we are serious about limiting climate change. As our electricity grids become lower carbon from less coal, oil and gas being burnt in power stations, so the environmental benefit of electric motoring strengthens even more. The other pros and cons are somewhat secondary to that. As long as we are aware of them we can work and live with them. Some of the cons are being dealt with by governments and industry so may not really be an issue in a few years time in any case.

Pros	Cons
No more petrol or diesel => reduced fossil fuels	Battery needs more critical minerals
No tailpipe emissions	Emissions as a result of electricity used => owners choice of electricity matters
Lower lifecycle emissions	Pollution associated with battery material mining, refining and manufacture
Electric motors are very efficient	Range anxiety limited range
Compatible with renewable energy	Slow charge times (compared to a fuel pump)
Can be used as grid attached storage	How to charge at home if no drive or garage?
Fewer mechanical parts so expect higher reliability	Not enough on-street charging yet
Regenerative braking make use of energy available during stopping / deceleration => lower brake wear expected	Generally heavier vehicles with higher tyre wear
Drives like an automatic and more responsive, better acceleration. Nippy around town.	Extra stress on long journey when need to plan in re-charging points
Lack of engine vibration and noise	Can be too quiet for pedestrians (now most are fitted with artificial whirring sound)
Expect longer life from electric car

We must all make choices that will affect our lifestyles in the years ahead. Transport is just one of many choices that we will make. It might be that we can go without a car and instead rely on public transport. Or we might choose to keep fit and use a bicycle. If we do decide to ditch fossil fuel cars and move to electric vehicles then there are plenty of choices for both new and second hand cars. There are even some handy comparison sites online to help you decide what make and model would be good for you.

So how do I work out the running costs of an electric car and how does that compare with a petrol, diesel or hybrid car? Click here to work out the cost benefits and click here to work out the carbon dioxide reduction. Click here for an overview of some useful battery electric vehicle knowledge.