EV News: The Driver Update

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is changing constantly. Zest is keeping current and prospective drivers up to date with some of the developments that will be shaping the industry going forward.

EV and hybrid price parity

Despite previously being associated with high costs, EV prices are coming down. Solid proof comes from the new Vauxhall Frontera SUV; both the electric and hybrid versions will start at £23,495. This is the first time that price parity has been achieved between an EV and a combustion-engine hybrid variant of the same car.  

The new Frontera will be launched in the autumn and will be capable of driving 186 miles on a full charge. Another version of the Frontera EV will be launched in the coming year which will have a substantial 248-mile range. These developments mean EVs are becoming as affordable as hybrid models.

Solid-state batteries developed

Battery technology continues to make strides. Recent analysis of nearly 5,000 EVs by Geotab shows an impressive average annual battery degradation rate of just 1.8%, meaning modern EV batteries will comfortably outlast the vehicle’s usable life.  

To further strengthen this technology, MG is set to revolutionise the EV market with its first car featuring a solid-state battery, launching in 2025. These solid-state batteries promise higher energy density and faster charging times compared to conventional lithium-iron phosphate batteries. For current and prospective EV drivers, this means more reliable, longer-lasting batteries, making EVs a more attractive and practical choice than ever before.

EVs less likely to be written off

Despite concerns about the high cost of battery repairs potentially leading to more write-offs, EVs are actually less likely to be written off than petrol or diesel cars. Research shows that only 0.9% of EVs are condemned as write-offs compared to 1.89% of their petrol and diesel counterparts. This may be due to EVs having more safety technology and fewer moving parts than fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Ultimately, this lower write-off rate underlines the durability and reliability of EVs, making them a sustainable choice. By adopting EVs, drivers not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also benefit from a vehicle that is less likely to be scrapped prematurely.

Electric models adopted across transport industry

Electric technology is advancing rapidly and is being applied to much larger vehicles. Initially, it was thought that HGVs couldn’t be electrically powered due to their high-power needs, but Volvo is developing HGVs that can travel 99 miles on a single charge. Rapid advancements in battery technology mean lighter, more powerful batteries will soon power large vehicles like HGVs on a large-scale.  

Beyond road transport, an Australian shipyard is constructing a large electric ferry, and research suggests future passenger aircraft could carry up to 90 people. These innovations highlight the growing viability and diverse applications of electric technology.

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