In this post, we’ll dig a little deeper into the trend with 8 benefits of buying an electric car on finance.

1.   Fuel costs

Firstly, there are the benefits of electric cars compared to getting a petrol or diesel vehicle on finance. Now more than ever, people are looking to get away from the unpredictable (and generally sky-high) fuel prices. Electric vehicles are the best alternative.

According to EDF Energy, it costs around £7 for 100 miles of range from a rapid charge point. Even in a relatively efficient 50mpg car, that would require around 9 litres of fuel – costing at least £14 with today’s fuel prices.

2.   Running costs

When you choose an electric car on finance, you also benefit from lower running costs. Aside from fuel, electric cars require less maintenance than those with internal combustion engines because they have fewer moving parts. At present, fully electric vehicles are also completely exempt from road tax. Not to mention the money you’ll save on inner-city emissions charges, with lots of cities looking to follow suit after London.

3.   Spread the cost

Now onto the benefits of an electric car on finance specifically. Despite the cost advantages above, there’s no denying that electric vehicles come at a premium. At the moment, that’s because they’re produced in smaller numbers and use newer technology. But that doesn’t mean you have to wait until they become more commonplace to make the switch.

Car finance allows you to spread the cost of your electric car over two, three, four or even more years. Over 48 monthly payments, a £3,000 difference between a petrol and electric car becomes just over £60 a month, plus a little interest depending on the rate you’re offered.

4.   Get the latest model

When electric cars were in their adolescence, range was one of the biggest stumbling blocks. Drivers were put off by cars that could only achieve 100 miles or so before they needed charging. Now, those worries have been swept aside with a standard electric car easily achieving upwards of 200 miles from a single charge.

That said, if you want the widest range, you’re best going for a newer model. Without car finance, you may have to settle for an older model and frequent recharging. By opting for an electric car on finance, you can enjoy the freedom of better range – not to mention all the other state-of-the-art features you’ll get with a newer model.

5.   And carry on doing so

Enjoyed driving one of the latest electric cars? You can continue to do so with the right car finance on your side. Personal contract purchase (PCP) deals, for example, come with an optional balloon payment at the end of your deal. In simple terms, you make monthly payments towards the cost of the car, then choose whether you want to make one final, bigger payment to own it outright when your term ends.

If you want to stay up to date and swap your electric car for a newer model, you can do exactly that. Give the car back, sidestep the balloon payment, then take your pick from whatever the car world has to offer in a few years’ time. With the current pace of electric vehicle developments, there could be some pretty impressive cars to choose from.

6.   Stay ahead of the curve

Because finance makes it easier to switch to an electric car, it allows you to do so right now. That means you won’t spend the next three, four, five or even more years wanting to make the switch – but putting it off.

Here’s why that’s such a boon – the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will end in 2030. The closer we get to that date, the more demand there is for electric cars and the infrastructure that supports them. We’re talking about home chargers, above all else.

By getting an electric car on finance, you can make the switch before most other drivers. You can get to grips with driving an electric car, kit out your home with a nice charger and then sit back while everyone rushes around in a few years’ time.

7.   Don’t forget the environment

Have we really listed six points before getting to the environment? Apparently so. Because there’s no combustion to generate power, electric cars don’t emit harmful gases as they drive around. That’s not to say they’re completely eco-friendly at present.

According to the UK Government’s energy brief, just over 40% of electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. That means that electricity and electric cars still impact the environment to some extent. However, it’s undeniably far less than the impact of petrol and diesel cars. As time goes on, that 40% share will only decrease, making electric cars even better for the environment.

8.   Improve your credit score

Some people looking for an electric car on finance worry that their credit score isn’t up to scratch. Over time, that can also affect applications for loans, mortgages and even tenancy agreements. Thankfully, car finance is one of the areas where there’s a bit more leeway.

It’s absolutely possible to find car finance for poor credit. n doing so, as long as you keep up with repayments, you may also improve your credit score over time. That means your electric car on finance could well be the reason you get accepted for tenancies, mortgages or loan applications in the future.

Start your electric car journey today

If you want to make the switch to electric without the big upfront costs, My Car Credit can help. Using our large network of trusted lenders, we aim to find a deal that’s great for all kinds of drivers. Contact us today on enquiries@mycarcredit.co.uk if you have any more questions about getting an electric car on finance.