What types of electric cars are there? What are their ranges like? Is it always possible to quickly recharge the battery? And how fiscally advantageous is purchasing an electric car? We have compiled a list of a few interesting facts.
Electric mobility has the wind in its sails
The rise of the electric car is unstoppable. More and more car manufacturers are investing in electric mobility, making it easier for motorists to switch from petrol or diesel to electric.
According to the vehicle leasing company Stroohm, by 2030 there will be between 600,000 to 800,000 electric cars on the road in our country. The federal government recently approved a plan to encourage the adoption of electric cars into company fleets. Other policy measures to promote electric driving, which will also apply to private individuals, are likely to follow.
Types of electric vehicles
There are essentially four different types of electric cars:
- Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV): this type is fully electric.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): this type has both an electric motor and a petrol engine.
- Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV): this hybrid also has an electric motor and a petrol engine, but unlike the PHEV, it cannot be charged at an electric charging point.
- Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (E-REV): this is another type of hybrid with both an electric motor and a petrol engine, but only the electric motor is used for driving.
Making the right choice depends on several factors. PHEVs, for example, are ideal for people who often travel short distances and regularly make longer trips. Hybrids are often used for delivery rounds because stopping often means the engine can continually recharge.
Electric driving: a wise move
Why do people make the switch to electric driving? The most obvious answer is for ecological reasons. However, there are many other good reasons:
- Electric driving is cheaper than petrol or diesel: not only does electric power cost a lot less, maintenance costs also drop significantly because an electric car has no moving parts.
- Tax benefits: as mentioned, tax incentives for electric driving are increasing, which further reduces the overall cost.
- A pleasant driving experience: electric car owners are very enthusiastic about the smooth automatic gear changes, the powerful acceleration and the quiet driving experience
Some still have doubts because...
Despite these attractive advantages, there are challenges or concerns that may slow the switch to electric mobility:
- Limited driving distance on a single charge (autonomy or range)
- Doubts as to whether the public charging infrastructure has sufficient capacity
- Uncertainties about charging an EV (electric vehicle) at home: does it require additional investment?
- The relatively high price tag of an electric vehicle
- Questions about battery life
These concerns don’t necessarily put the brakes on electric driving. Once you are aware that the average distance between home and work in this country is about 22 km (and that the average Belgian drives 40 km per day), it is apparent that current EV driving ranges are more than sufficient. Recharging can indeed be done using either a home or an employer’s electrical socket, while public charging points are best used for topping up. Car manufacturers are currently making huge efforts to significantly increase the number of (affordable) electric models, including investments in smaller, more powerful batteries.
Tax benefits on the move
Most European countries have tax measures to encourage electric driving. Our country is no different, with attractive rules at both federal and regional levels that include higher tax deductibility for fully electric cars. As an EV owner you will also pay a lot less vehicle registration tax (BIV), and in Flanders you pay no BIV at all. Moreover, there is also an attractive discount on road tax, which varies per region.
Ready to make the switch to electric driving?
Put yourself on the road with a car loan. It enables you to spread the purchase cost in line with your budget and situation. And of course, you have optimum protection for your new car against any damage or accidents.
At ING you can take out a car insurance for your electric/hybrid car; a comprehensive cover and 10% discount on your premium. Get the assurance that, if you need to make a claim, you are not on your own and can count on professional help.
- Insured by NN Non-Life
- Read the information document of the insurance product & general conditions before subscribing.
Attention, borrowing money also costs money
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