Benefits of electric driving

Electric vehicles offer a completely different driving experience with comfortable, relaxed travel for all passengers. In addition, electric engines are generally more powerful than the combustion engines of a comparable car, with all of this power readily available, resulting in truly dynamic and pleasurable driving.

Driving an electric car is fun, easy and exciting thanks to "driving with just one pedal". Shifting is also unnecessary, since all electric vehicles are automatic.

Electric vehicles are quieter, resulting in lower levels of driver stress. In most cases, the experience of driving an electric car is enough to convince someone of the advantages of electric mobility.

Switching to an electric vehicle is better for the environment. Without emissions from the tailpipe, electric vehicles can improve air quality and, generally speaking, have lower CO2 emissions than petrol or diesel cars.

Even if an electric car is charged with non-renewable energy during its entire lifecycle, it will always be more sustainable than a similar car with a combustion engine. In addition, drivers appreciate the ability to contribute positively to the environment.

The range of electric cars is increasing, and is sufficient for the daily needs of most drivers, with no need for additional top-ups along the way. The latest-generation electric vehicles offer realistic mileage ranging from 200 km to 500 km.

An electric vehicle’s range depends on the model. The range interval is specified by the manufacturer based on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) standard. This measurement procedure was created for the purpose of calculating actual fuel consumption values. In practical terms, range depends on several factors, such as personal driving style, weather conditions and the amount of highway mileage.

Along these lines, charging networks are becoming increasingly more robust, while charging technology continues to diversify and improve. This means that ranges are on the rise, and charging times are becoming faster. In this way, there’s no need to fear whether you will arrive on time.

The number of available electric vehicle models is considerable these days, and is quickly growing. There are more and more electric car brands and models becoming available on the market. In addition, the levels of comfort and available features rank among the very best in products from equivalent combustion engine models.

Do people still ask why electric cars are so expensive? The times when these vehicles were unaffordable belong to the past!

The electricity used to charge an electric car is cheaper than fossil fuels. Electric cars also have attractive tax benefits, and are thus becoming increasingly more affordable.

In addition, electric vehicles require less maintenance, which also results in some cost savings. This is because an electric engine has fewer moving parts than a combustion engine. Its architecture is also simpler, and thus less susceptible to wear and tear. There are no more spark plugs, drive belts or clutches to be replaced, nor any oil to be changed.

Government initiatives are making electric vehicles more attractive, with drivers paying less in taxes. In Portugal, government incentives for electric mobility include:

• Purchase incentive

For individuals, the purchase incentive for 100% electric cars is €4,000 for purchases made starting 1 January 2022 (below €62,500). Companies no longer have access to assistance for the purchase of light passenger vehicles, but can apply for up to two vehicles in the category of light goods vehicles, and up to four vehicles for motorbikes, mopeds and electric or conventional bicycles.

• Vehicle Tax (ISV)

Tax reduction/exemption calculated based on CO2: 100% electric vehicles are exempt from ISV, and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) have a 60% reduction for vehicles with CO2 below 50 g CO2/km and a range of more than 50 km.

• Vehicle excise duty

Exemption from vehicle excise duty for 100% electric cars.

• Autonomous taxation (AT)

Exemption from AT for 100% electric vehicles and up to 50% reduction for PHEVs with CO2 below 50 g CO2/km and a range of more than 50 km.

• Value-added tax (VAT)

For companies, VAT is deductible for vehicles with an acquisition cost of up to €62,500 for 100% electric vehicles, and up to €50,000 for PHEVs. VAT for energy consumption of 100% electric vehicles and PHEVs is also deductible.

Parking for this type of vehicle is easier: simply park in one of the many locations reserved for electric vehicle charging.

Many cities also encourage electric mobility through parking meter fee discounts or exemptions, such as in Lisbon, where 100% electric cars pay no parking fees in locations managed by Empresa Municipal de Estacionamento de Lisboa (EMEL), provided that they have a Green Tag (with annual fee). Beja, Funchal, Loures, Guimarães, Oeiras, Oliveira de Azeméis and other cities also offer parking.

Cities are limiting the entry of cars with combustion engines, depending on their age and volume of emissions, into urban centres due to the harmful pollutants found in fuels. Low-emissions zones already exist in more than 200 cities. These restricted zones are still accessible using electric vehicles.