Benefits of driving an electric vehicle
Why electric driving is the right choice
You may have noticed that more and more electric cars are appearing on the streets. This makes sense, because electric driving offers nothing but advantages – both for the planet and for you as a driver. Here are the main advantages:
- Sustainability
Electric cars contribute to better air quality because they have lower CO2 emissions than petrol or diesel cars. Many countries are already working towards stricter emissions regulations to meet the EU's climate neutrality goal by 2050. Switching to an electric car now means that you are ahead of the curve. Even if only non-renewable electricity is used to charge an electric car during its entire life cycle, it remains more sustainable than a comparable car with a combustion engine in all cases.
- Ultimate driving pleasure
Once you’ve been behind the wheel of an EV, you’re guaranteed to love it. The car makes virtually no noise, which is very pleasant for both you and the lucky passengers who get to ride along. In addition, the electric motor is usually more powerful than a non-electric car's internal combustion engine and all this power is immediately available, resulting in truly dynamic driving pleasure.
Driving an electric car is fun, easy and special because you only have to use one pedal. And you don't have to shift gears either – every electric car drives automatically. In most cases, you can also control the car's heating remotely, so you can keep warm in winter and cool in summer.
Electric vehicles are also much quieter, which results in lower driver stress levels. In most cases, the experience of driving an electric car is enough to convince someone of the advantages of going electric.
- More EVs available each year
Fully electric cars are becoming more accessible and affordable, thanks to the rapidly developing innovations at companies such as Tesla, but also established car brands such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Nissan. Charging infrastructure and technology is also continuously developing and improving, and the charging network in North America, Europe, and China, in particular, has grown exponentially in recent years. With the falling costs, a deluge of new brands and models, and disappearing range anxiety with the construction of each new charging point, it has never been easier or more attractive to drive electric.
- Tax advantage
In Belgium, all tax rules are currently linked to CO2 emissions, so electric cars are particularly beneficial for tax purposes. Depending on the region where you live, you pay no road tax (in Flanders) or the minimum only (in Brussels and Wallonia). You also pay significantly less for the benefit in kind than for petrol or diesel. Are you self-employed? If so, the purchase of your car and charging station and the electricity you use for charging are 100% tax-deductible!
- Comfort
People who drive electric cars are satisfied drivers who report that electric cars are “more fun, more exciting, and easier to drive”. The car makes virtually no noise, which is very pleasant for both you and your passengers. Plus, you don't have to shift gears since every electric car drives automatically.
- Range
Electric cars have an ever-increasing range that is far enough for most drivers' everyday use without having to recharge on the road. The latest generation of electric cars offers a realistic range of between 300 and 500 km. Even travelling south on holiday is no longer a problem.
The charging networks are expanding rapidly and the technology is becoming increasingly efficient (leading to shorter charging times). With a minimum of planning (many EVs do that all by themselves, by the way) you will reach your destination with ease. In other words, there is no longer any reason to be afraid of not reaching your destination (goodbye, range anxiety)!
Low/zero emission zones
Always access low emission zones
The big attraction of an EV is the fact you are doing mile after mile of emissions-free driving. When you're on the move, the EV system is a 'closed loop', meaning that the battery drives the electric motor and powers all of the onboard electrics but doesn't produce any waste material.
And that’s great news for EV drivers. Why? Because you can still access low emission zones. Many cities keep cars with internal combustion engines away from their centers because of the harmful air pollution they cause. More than 200 cities, including London, Amsterdam, Stuttgart, and Stockholm, have already introduced low-emission zones. The most polluting cars with combustion engines are also banned in Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent. With electric cars, you continue to have access to low-emission zones.