I can’t believe it’s almost the end of Jan...this was supposed to be my “Happy New Year” post!
Another new year, another year closer to the 2030 Petrol/Diesel ban. Despite the effect of Covid and its numerous variations, combined with global semi conductor supply issues, 2021 saw 1.65million new vehicle registrations – 115,000 being plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and a whopping 190,000 full battery EVs (BEVs). Perhaps it’s the pressure of ULEZ charges or the Capital’s mission to become a cleaner city but 20% of these PHEVs and BEVs were accounted in London and the South East alone.
So what has changed in the last year to cause the incline from 2020?
- Manufacturers releasing new models! Consumers are now being provided with a more varied choice of vehicles. Whether it’s a small compact VW ID.3 or Mini Electric as a run around car, the electric Volvo XC40 or Mercedes EQC for a family SUV or perhaps an Audi etron GT… just to spice things up! For consumers, it’s the variety combined with improving electric range, easing off the sweaty palms and panic attacks - common symptoms of Range Anxiety.
- The fear of “not enough” Public Charging Points - along with the increased EV registrations in 2021, we also saw an increase of 37% of charging points across the UK. The current numbers sit at 28,375…5,156 of which are rapid chargers.
- Availability (possibly more applicable for retail customers) if you’ve visited a dealer in need of a car sooner rather than later due to your current agreement ending, or perhaps you’ve written off your car, a 6-9 month wait is simply not good enough. Luckily, there was a brand new, shiny EV on display that you hadn’t considered before but the new car smell and charming Sales Specialist has drawn you in. An hour later you’ve got a signed order form and you’re on the phone to the recommended Home Charging Installer.
- Employer “Offer Packages” for Future Employees. Although I’ve only been in the Recruitment world for 4 months, most roles I have been fortunate to work on use an “eco company car” as a perk to join the company, whether that be BIK or Salary Sacrifice. Both parties are happy: the candidate gets a brand new car with modern technology and doesn’t have to worry about outgoings towards the maintenance, whilst the employee gets the tax benefits!
But most importantly, it’s the EV Gurus in the Automotive Sector providing consumers with reassurance in regards to the products, charging solutions and the running costs! A company I have been following is Zoom EV who have recently partnered with Lloyds Banking Group offering exclusive packages and discounts, as mentioned above, for Lloyds Customers. Their offerings include “EV Benefit Bundles” from public to home charging, parking and accident management as well as leasing offers across numerous manufactures, insurance with Direct Line and car sharing schemes.
What makes Zoom EV stand out from the rest? Spreading their knowledge across the Dealer network, blogging their own driving experiences for consumers to gain a true insight as well as offering short term leasing options… “try before you buy” style!
They’ve also partnered up with the likes of BP Pulse, EO, Osprey Charging and OVO Energy – considering they started up in 2018, these are the EV Gurus you want to be following in 2022!
The partnership provides reassurance to customers considering EVs that they can easily access the right services.
Read the original article here