Do it for the planet and your pocket

Has the time come to go out and buy an electric car? That is probably the most common question a motoring journalist is asked these days. And for an increasing number of people, the answer is ‘‘yes’’.

As EVs move into the more mainstream realm as ranges increase and costs come down, the switch to electric is becoming a more realistic proposition for a far wider range of people.

Already, the luxury and high-performance end of the spectrum offers seriously compelling options at equivalent pricing to ICE models, with the added bonus of cheaper running costs, superior performance and, of course, far less impact on the air we breathe.

But the key is the entry end of the market, because that is where the real differences can be made and appreciated. And while will take more time to achieve price parity with petrol cars there, it is starting to creep closer.

There is still a premium though, but once you factor in the ‘‘whole of life’’ running costs for an EV, the equation shifts considerably. EVs are massively cheaper to run than ICE vehicles, and have lower overall servicing costs for the most part as well.

But for now probably the single biggest deciding factor for going electric will remain a question only you can answer – do you want to make the change for the betterment of the planet? And what is that worth to you?

Yes, the processes involved in making batteries does still involve carbon emissions, but it doesn’t take long for an EV to build up an advantage over an ICE vehicle. An advantage for the planet, that is.

So is now the time to go electric? In ever-increasing cases, the answer is yes. There is still a cost difference, but depending on what you drive and how you drive it, the overall equation can already come out in favour of an EV.

OK, if you’re a tradie or a farmer who uses a ute, then not quite yet, but if you are an urban commuter, then it won’t take long for a new EV to claw back that price premium and start saving you money overall. And if you prefer searing performance, then the EV argument gets even more compelling.

The long-standing answer to the question ‘‘what car should I buy?’’ is ‘‘the one that suits you the best’’. And that applies to EVs, and the whole decision to switch, too – if an EV suits your needs, (which includes price, range and size, of course) then the arguments for going electric are getting stronger every day.