We’ve compiled some of the key facts surrounding the debate regarding diesel versus electric vehicles.
Diesels |
Electric |
Filling Up |
|
| 5 mins to fill tank | 30 mins to charge |
| £1 = 10 miles | £1 = 29 miles |
| Full tank = 652 miles | Full charge = 250 miles but it varies greatly between city and motorway use |
| 8500 stations in UK in all area types | 19500 points but mainly concentrated in cities |
| Home charging available | |
Environment |
|
| 99% of N0x emissions reduced by DPF | Zero emissions from car |
| New EU7 standards reduce emissions further | Pollution from fossil fuel / nuclear power stations |
| Engine development constantly improving | |
Driving Experience |
|
| The joy of engine roar | No sound |
| Choice of gearboxes | Only automatics |
| Responsive at all speeds | Responsive pulling off |
| Underpowered on the motorway | |
Road Tax |
|
| Emissions based | No road tax |
| Newer diesel cars are cheaper | |
Insurance |
|
| Same | Same |
| Availability of specialised parts may cause issues | |
Driving in the UK |
|
| Better for long journeys | Only viable for city driving |
| Drive anywhere | Mountainous terrain decreases range |
Weather |
|
| Preheaters enable engine to start within seconds | Range decreases by 40% in freezing weather |
Verdict
At the moment, the switch to electric vehicles would not be a viable unless you lived or operated your business in a large city.
Even though electric vehicle technology is advancing constantly, charging times and the decreased efficiency caused by terrain and weather are a significant factor.
So to is the lack of charging point locations nationally.
Diesels are here to stay until significant improvements are made technologically and to the UK transport infrastructure.
Is it time to switch? Not yet