![SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]](https://sdvh.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SDVH_logo_concept_4-02.svg){kind=logo}
As civilization embarks on a journey towards a sustainable automotive future, electric cars have emerged as the top choice in the realm of transportation, and many people opt to hire them. We’re here to charge up your curiosity with the electric car facts you probably weren’t aware of before.
This article will cover basic details, such as how these vehicles help prevent air pollution and how they differ from gasoline cars. There will be coverage of the first electric car and other little-known facts as well. We’ll also clear up some misconceptions people often have about these vehicles.
Table Of Contents
- 1 15 Interesting Facts About Electric Cars
- 1.1 1. Its Origin Dates All The Way Back To 1832
- 1.2 2. A Tesla Model Is The Best-Selling Electric Car
- 1.3 3. Electric Vehicles Are Maestros Of Silence
- 1.4 4. They Have Become Hollywood Stars
- 1.5 5. EVs Are An Eco-Friendly Production Gem
- 1.6 6. Electric Cars Come In Three Main Types
- 1.7 7. You Can Use Them In Case Of A Power Outage
- 1.8 8. A Lunar Future Is Powered By Electricity
- 1.9 9. EVs Boast More Charging Points Than Regular Petrol Stations
- 1.10 10. Government Favours EVs
- 1.11 11. Mainland China Is The Largest EV Market
- 1.12 12. Their Popularity Skyrocketed In Recent Years
- 1.13 13. EVs Are Significantly Easier And Cheaper To Maintain
- 1.14 14. Only 1 In 10 Drivers Buys The Vehicle Outright
- 1.15 15. EVs Can Travel 100-200 Miles On A Single Charge
- 2 Myths About Electric Cars
- 3 Who Should Hire Or Buy An Electric Vehicle?
- 4 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5 Conclusion
15 Interesting Facts About Electric Cars
Before we take a deep dive into the facts about electric cars, we should clarify what electric vehicles actually are. Electric cars are vehicles that run primarily or entirely on electricity stored in batteries. Instead of traditional internal combustion engines that are fueled by gasoline or diesel, they use an electric motor. They can also be charged using solar or wind power. You can read more about electric cars and their key components in our blog post.
1. Its Origin Dates All The Way Back To 1832
Scottish inventor Robert Anderson is credited with creating the first electric vehicle in the 1830s. Thomas Parker is one more significant name in the history of electric cars. He was an English inventor who invented electric taxis and also laid the foundation for the use of electrical power in public transportation. When it comes to the US market, William Morrison created one of the earliest electric cars in the United States.
2. A Tesla Model Is The Best-Selling Electric Car
When someone mentions electric cars, Elon Musk and Tesla vehicles are the first things that come to mind. Tesla is the dominant force in the UK car market—the Tesla Model Ys, to be precise. The popularity has resulted in this Tesla model becoming the bestselling EV. Renault Zoe, however, was a serious competitor with Tesla models with high sales as well.
3. Electric Vehicles Are Maestros Of Silence
Electric cars boast quiet operation, which is a stark contrast to traditional internal combustion vehicles. This results in a quiet driving experience. However, to ensure the safety of pedestrians, the UK government now requires all-electric vehicles to make an artificial noise when driving.
4. They Have Become Hollywood Stars
Electric cars have slowly started taking over the big screens as well. Their film appearances have surged by 140 % in the past 5 years. Some of the movies these vehicles have featured in are The Kingsman (2015), Entourage (2006) and Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). As their presence becomes more prevalent in real-life scenarios, their representation in films is likely to continue evolving.
5. EVs Are An Eco-Friendly Production Gem
Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions during operation. One study shows that the average UK car drove 6,600 miles per year, which can leave a lot of a carbon footprint. The good news is that younger people show more and more interest in climate change and prefer for their first car to be fully electric.
Drivers who want to contribute to a more eco-friendly environment can learn how to do so by clicking here.
6. Electric Cars Come In Three Main Types
Here is an overview of the main types:
- Battery electric cars – Run solely on electric power stored in large batteries.
- Plug-in hybrid cars – Combine internal combustion engine with battery and electric motor.
- Hybrid cars – Unlike plug-in hybrids, these cars don’t need to be charged externally.
If you want to find out more about how exactly plug-in hybrids differ from hybrids, make sure to check out our post.
7. You Can Use Them In Case Of A Power Outage
Yes, you read that right. Of course, it’s not a simple process by any means, but with the right equipment, you can use it to power your house. The procedure involves using electric car batteries to supply electricity to the home.
8. A Lunar Future Is Powered By Electricity
The iconic NASA Lunar Rover, a four-wheeler rover that was used for moon exploration, was powered by electricity. It was running on 36-volt silver-zinc potassium hydroxide non-rechargeable batteries.
9. EVs Boast More Charging Points Than Regular Petrol Stations
In a remarkable shift towards sustainable transportation, the UK has witnessed a substantial increase in electric car charging infrastructure, so much so that the number of charging stations surpassed the number of traditional petrol stations by 58%. This shift also mirrors the growing popularity of these vehicles.
10. Government Favours EVs
Federal government incentives for electric vehicle purchases are noticeable worldwide. As part of their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, they want to motivate both manufacturers and consumers to promote the adoption of EVs. Incentives include tax credits, free parking, rebates, free tolls, etc.
11. Mainland China Is The Largest EV Market
China is a major player in the electric car market. It generated an unbelievable £230 billion in revenue just in 2023. This is due to the efforts of the Chinese government, which implemented ambitious policies and incentives to promote electric vehicle adaptation.
12. Their Popularity Skyrocketed In Recent Years
The surge in electric car popularity extends beyond environmental enthusiasts to a much broader demographic. It’s even predicted that by the year 2030, one in three cars on UK roads will be electric. Young people, families and even celebrities have all shown an interest in the benefits this car can offer them. With more models evolving each year, the desire is expected to continue to grow.
13. EVs Are Significantly Easier And Cheaper To Maintain
The simplicity of electric vehicles makes them a much more affordable option. Sure, you will have to pay more upfront, but your car will require far less maintenance because it has fewer moving parts, relies less on fluids, and benefits from regenerative braking. You’ll also save time since you won’t need to worry about regular maintenance tasks and visits to service centres.
14. Only 1 In 10 Drivers Buys The Vehicle Outright
Due to their higher initial costs, buying electrical vehicles can be a challenge for customers. This made them seek alternative financing options, such as leasing or financial plans. In fact, the research shows that a staggering 91% of EV cars are paid on finance.
Hiring allows drivers to experience the car without committing to it long-term.
15. EVs Can Travel 100-200 Miles On A Single Charge
This ability is primarily attributed to regenerative braking. This system captures and converts kinetic energy back into electric energy during deceleration. This energy is fed back into the EV’s battery, which will extend the driving range.
Myths About Electric Cars
As with every popular thing, misconceptions are bound to happen, so it’s time that we clear some of the most common ones:
- They lack a variety of models – You can find pure EVs, hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid electric options in a wide range of models, from compacts to SUVs and luxury vehicles.
- Electric vehicles aren’t fully eco-friendly – Some argue that the production of batteries isn’t environmentally friendly. However, EVs operate without burning fossil fuels, unlike vehicles with petrol and diesel engines, which results in a significantly lower carbon footprint.
- The electrical system in the country can’t handle the demand for electric cars – The UK’s electrical infrastructure is continually evolving to accommodate the increasing adoption of electrical vehicles. Things like vehicle-to-grid, smart charging solutions and other advances in technology are addressing concerns about overloading the system.
Who Should Hire Or Buy An Electric Vehicle?
People looking to reduce their carbon footprint are those who should hire or buy an electric vehicle. EVs are significantly cheaper to maintain compared to gas-powered vehicles, so the power provided by EV battery packs will not only result in less noise pollution but will also save you money. EV purchases and rentals are also common among people who enjoy and are easily adaptable to new technologies.
For a green and sustainable travel experience, contact SDVH today to take advantage of our budget car hire deals or cruise in style with our eco-friendly economy cars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do Electric Cars Cost?
Electric cars cost between £23,000 and £150,000 in most cases. The electric vehicle market offers different options, such as battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, and your price will depend on the type you choose. You’ll also find electric supercars, which cost far more. An example is the Aspark Owl hypercar, which cost about £3 million.
What Is The Most Common Type Of Electric Vehicle?
The most common type of electric vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). These vehicles are fully electric and rely on electric power. They don’t have an internal combustion engine but instead depend solely on an electric motor. The Tesla model is the most famous brand of electric vehicle, with numerous cars sold globally each year.
Do Electric Cars Need Maintenance?
Yes, electric cars need maintenance. However, they typically require much less maintenance compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts. The initial cost might be higher, but you’ll save money in the long run. The reason for this is that they boast electric motors instead of internal combustion engines in gasoline-powered vehicles, and there is no need for many moving parts. This, coupled with the environmental benefits it can provide, results in more and more electric cars being sold each day.
What Powers An Electric Car?
The electricity stored in the rechargeable batteries powers an electric car. The batteries supply electric power to a motor, which then drives the wheels of the vehicle. Electric cars typically have lower maintenance costs compared to petrol or diesel cars. Plus, electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions during operation, which contributes to better air quality.
How Fast Can Electric Vehicles Go?
Electric vehicles can go as fast as 412 km/h (256 mph), based on the top speed of the Rimac Nevera. The maximum speed of an electric car will depend on the specific model and its design intent. Some cars will prioritise efficiency and practicality for city driving. Others, on the other hand, have high performance as their highest priority, and they can achieve top speeds.
Conclusion
As we conclude our article on electric car facts, it’s clear that these vehicles aren’t just a trend but a transformative force that’s sure to dominate UK roads in the future. Now you’re equipped with knowledge that can help you decide whether you’ll hire an electric vehicle or you’ll still opt for an old-fashioned petrol or diesel car.
Are there additional benefits of electric vehicles- EVs?
Yes, there are many others. For one, they cost 50% less to run than diesel or petrol. For example, if EV drivers spend £6,000 on charging it, they would need to pay £17,700 to go the same distance with diesel or petrol cars. They reduce dependence on foreign oil as well.
How many electric cars are in the world?
There were 26 million on the road as of 2022, and they’re only growing in popularity. For example, this year in San Francisco, half of all new vehicle registrations were electric cars.