Electric driving: the future is within reach

While the Toyota Prius initially had something of a "woolly jumper" image, that perception is increasingly being revised. An energy-efficient car is no longer just for the eco-hippies among us. Thanks to smart marketing by the Car manufacturers makes its image turn towards hip, happening and even sexy. And that applies to all energy-efficient cars. From hybrid and plug-in hybrid to fully electric cars. Because that is where the future of mobility lies.

Elektrisch rijden is het rijden in een voertuig dat wordt aangedreven door een elektromotor, waarbij stroom wordt geleverd door een batterij.

Most people will undoubtedly know this, but for the sake of completeness, I will briefly tell you what Driving an electric vehicle is actually. Where ‘normal’ cars run on petrol or diesel, the electric car therefore runs on electricity. You don't refuel at a petrol station, but you literally plug your car into a socket. The Electric motor and batteries charged in that way, allowing you to safely get back on the road.

Advantages of electric driving

Of course, it is main advantage of driving electric that it Much, much better for the environment. With an electric motor, you no longer have CO2 emissions, which keeps the air cleaner. By using green, sustainable energy (such as solar and wind energy), we can continue to drive electric cars for all time. The fossil fuels we use for traditional cars will eventually run out. The Earth is being depleted, and this won't happen if we make a mass switch to electric cars.

And what about the rest advantages:

• Electric cars are much quieter for a quiet driving experience
• Electric driving is Thrifty. You use much less energy per kilometre. Furthermore, charging your car costs about €6 per charge, whereas filling the tank nowadays quickly costs €60.
• Our small Netherlands is very suitable for electric driving. On average, we drive 16.7 kilometres per trip. relatively short distances the electric car is an excellent alternative for us Dutch people to drive.

What are the disadvantages then?

Naast voordelen kleven er uiteraard ook een aantal disadvantages to electric driving. It mainly concerns practical matters.

• An electric car has a short range of about 150 to 200 kilometres. Afterwards, the car needs to be charged. So if you often drive longer distances, it's almost impossible to drive an electric car. A green alternative are hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars. Although I must immediately add that technology is developing more and more in this area, meaning the range will ultimately only increase.
• Despite charging points popping up everywhere, finding a parking space where you can also charge your car at the same time remains a challenge for now. And also a Charging point for home can be a considerable investment.
• And yes, it image also plays an absolute role. Although brands like Tesla and BMW are working hard to change that. The looks of the cars themselves are becoming more modern and sexier, and through clever marketing, young professionals are increasingly drawn to these green cars.

Is electric driving the future?

Absolutely. I'm convinced of that. Especially when practical matters like range and the number of charging points improve in the coming years, then electric driving will slowly but surely gain the upper hand. Already, the advantages are starting to outweigh the disadvantages, although not everyone is convinced of that yet. Whether you should immediately trade in your old car for an electric car? If you drive short distances and want to make a positive contribution to the environment, then I would certainly consider it. But make sure you get well-informed by the dealer first. Preferably an independent dealer, so you can make a good decision.