A study on the example of the VW Golf: the ownership of the electric car cheaper than cars with internal combustion engines in 5 European countries
Electric cars have become cheaper to own than their petrol or diesel alternatives in five European countries — the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Norway.
In the course of research of the International Council for environmentally friendly transport (ICCT) were studied the costs of purchase, fuel and taxes for the bestseller in Europe Volkswagen Golf in electric, hybrid, gasoline and diesel versions in 5 countries in Europe — the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Norway.A report by researchers from the International Council for clean transportation (ICCT) showed that tax breaks are an excellent way to stimulate the development of electric mobility and combat climate change and air pollution.
Gasoline-and diesel-powered transport is making a significant contribution to global warming, which has become visible in the European Union in recent years. Vehicles with ice create a significant amount of air pollution, which leads to 500 000 early deaths per year in the EU.
Compared to fuel cars in Norway, electric cars are exempt from a large registration tax. The ICCT analysis was conducted just after the recent reduction of British benefits and incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles. British drivers save on the purchase of an electric car — 5%, in Germany, France and the Netherlands savings vary from 11% to 15%.
Cost of ownership for 4 years of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric Volkswagen Golf including purchase, maintenance, fuel costs and all taxes (Euro):
According to Sandra Wappelhorst of ICCT, most trips are within the available range of the electric car, and it is the electric car that turns out to be the most cost-effective transport in four years. Financial incentives for electric vehicles will not be needed when purchase prices fall to the price of fossil-fuel vehicles, which is likely to happen between 2025 and 2030.
“This will happen because the cost of batteries is falling, which means that the initial price of electric cars will also fall,” she added.
The cost of electric vehicles is not the only factor for the development of electric mobility. While electric car owners can also benefit from reduced Parking fees and road tolls, they need to be sure that there are enough charging points.theicct.org
The analysis showed that plug-in hybrids were the most expensive cars to operate for four years, partly because of the higher initial cost, because plug-in hybrid cars have two engines.
Car costs in the UK, US and Japan were studied in December 2017. The main focus of the analysis was on car depreciation and fuel costs. Obviously, electricity is cheaper than gasoline or diesel.
According to a study published in 2017 by James Tate of the University of Leeds and his colleagues, the UK government should do more to stimulate the growth of electric vehicles, and to withdraw from the market the most polluting and inefficient off-road vehicles with ice, which produce the largest CO2 emissions and sales of which continue to grow. Tax policies that vary according to fuel consumption, for example in the Netherlands and Norway, need to be updated.
British taxation increases through the use of official vehicles, but not for individuals.
In 2018, sales of new electric vehicles in the UK increased by 21%, reaching a market share of 6%. Diesel car sales, on the contrary, fell by 30%, although the market share was still 32%.
According to Tate (James Tate), the demand for electric cars ahead of supply. Manufacturers are increasing production and developing new models.
According to Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation, the enthusiasm of the UK government for electric vehicles is obvious, but it must make sure that its policy is clear and consistent so that individuals can make decisions about the purchase of electric vehicles that will not be undermined by further policy changes.
