The Rise of Electric Vehicles: Navigating the Shift to Sustainable Driving

The topic of sustainability has been dominating the headlines for some time now. There’s no denying that there needs to be a plan for a more sustainable driving culture in the UK, however the logistics of this still look a little complicated to much of the population.

The effectiveness of this shift relies on technological advancements, government policy and the right infrastructure. There’s no denying that much of the UK is committed to adopting more sustainable practices into their every day – and sometimes it’s a case of understanding the change that’s needed. One way to achieve this is through electric vehicles (EVs). Whether you’re keen to buy a brand-new EV or opt for a more cost-effective used Vauxhall car for sale, it’s important to get to grips with the lifestyle changes you’ll experience.

Here’s what you need to know about how we can achieve a nationwide shift to sustainable driving.

Technological advancements

Electric vehicles have been a hugely important part of changing attitudes when it comes to driving.

Certain factors have contributed to their appeal, including improvements in battery technology and range capabilities. New electric vehicles can travel further than previous iterations, for example. Many models are suitable for large families too, proving to be practical while producing no carbon emissions when in motion.

Government initiatives

Policy and incentives set by the government are vital in kickstarting societal shifts. In the pursuit towards normalising net zero-emission vehicles, there’s an expectation of authorities to roll out incentives that will encourage people to make the shift more seamlessly.

The zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate sets out a framework in which 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in the UK should be zero emission by 2030 before increasing to 100% by 2035. Plus, the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Grant offers up to 75% of the costs of installing a smart charge point at home.

Charging infrastructure

While some reports have raised the increase in electric vehicle sales, others have questioned whether the UK has the right infrastructure in place to facilitate a complete shift. Having the correct infrastructure is key to making a more sustainable future a reality. In this instance, accessibility to charging points is an essential first step.

With this comes an acknowledgment of the fact that owning an electric car isn’t always practical. For example, those living in flats are unlikely to be able to install an at-home charger.

However, the ongoing improvement of fast-charging technology is something that could be hugely beneficial to the shift as this would help to limit potential blockers.

Environmental impact

Ultimately, the main motive for making this shift is to reduce emissions and promote clean energy. Aside from during the manufacturing process, fully electric vehicles do not emit carbon emissions.

In turn, this can help to improve air quality which will reduce the risks to our health. Currently, those living in areas with extremely poor air quality are at a significant risk of respiratory conditions and poor health resulting from this.

Alongside efforts to reduce emissions with EVs, there have also been efforts to improve public transport networks to offer another alternative to driving petrol or diesel cars as frequently.