Can’t quite make up your mind whether to jump on the electric vehicle bandwagon? Here are some reasons that might get you moving.
1. You save on fuel and maintenance
EVs might cost more to purchase than conventional ones currently. But over time, better fuel efficiency, lower charging and maintenance costs can offset the upfront price.
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) – also called fully electric vehicles, do not need oil to lubricate the engines. So say goodbye to oil changes. They also have fewer parts that can break down. Electric vehicles are usually easier on the brakes, so you do not have to replace pads as often as a conventional car.
Overall, you won’t have to service your EV as frequently and you can keep repair costs low.
2. You enjoy rebates and incentives
The push for electric vehicles in Singapore has gained greater traction thanks to the Singapore government’s incentives.
For example, you will enjoy rebates for electric vehicles that fall under the A1 band (least pollution) of the enhanced Vehicular Emissions Scheme (VES) which took effect on 1 January 2021. The fully-electric vehicle BMW iX3, which falls under the A1 band, enjoys a maximum rebate of $20,000.
Other incentives include adjusting road tax to a comparable level between electric cars and traditional combustible engine ones.
Test drive an electric BMW
3. You cut down on harmful emissions and noise pollution
BEVs such as the BMW iX3 and BYD e6 run purely on electricity so they produce no harmful tailpipe emissions.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) combine an electric motor with an internal combustible engine (ICE). When driven in all-electric mode, they have zero tailpipe emissions.
Even with the ICE, emissions are still typically lower than those of conventional cars. Just make sure your PHEV is charged up so that you are driving mainly in electric mode!
The other thing that drivers will notice with an electric car is how quiet the vehicle is. This creates a relaxing driving experience for you while helping to reduce noise pollution significantly.
Test drive the fully electric BYD
4. You get a fun new driving experience
The almost silent driving experience belies the power and fun you will get to enjoy with an electric vehicle.
All electric cars give you instant torque. The second you press the accelerator from a stand-still, you are zooming off from the spontaneous surge of speed.
It can be an exhilarating experience leaving behind the pedal-happy driver who has been noisily rev-ving his engine next to yours at a traffic stop when the lights turn green.
Electric vehicles also have a low centre of gravity. Their batteries are often found in the floor of the car. This provides excellent weight distribution and balance which make for smooth handling of corners and a comfortable ride.
But don’t take our word for it. The best way for you to find out if an electric vehicle might be right for you is to take one for a test drive.
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5. Your future is electric
In the not-too-distant future, virtually every car will be an electric one.
Governments around the world are already planning to ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles. In Singapore, the target is to replace all Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles by 2040. Talk about putting ICE vehicles on ice.
Major car manufacturers are also going the electromobility route. BMW, for example, is committed to putting more than 7 million electrified vehicles on roads around the world by 2030.
With the combined efforts of governments, manufacturers and drivers, our driving future looks to be cleaner, more efficient and more enjoyable.
Check out our electrical vehicles at Performance Motors or Vantage Automotive.
