Benefits of switching to an electric vehicle

Choose an electric vehicle for a superior driving experience in a cleaner environment at lower costs.

More and more people are now willing to switch to an electric car. Not out of obligation, but out of awareness. The practical and economic benefits are the main reasons for the success of electric vehicles, making electric mobility an increasingly more common reality that we cannot hide.

This transformation is also accelerating among companies, whether due to sustainability policies, or because employees themselves are looking for more sustainable solutions.

Choosing electric mobility has never been so easy. There are more electric vehicle models available on the market every day, which facilitates the transition.

A complete plan for any route.

So you can make the transition to electric mobility and enjoy all its benefits, worry-free. Whether for you, your company or your employees, eMotion Plan is more than just having an electric car.

Better for you and the planet

All over the world, electric cars are becoming the most in-demand vehicles. They provide environmental benefits throughout their entire lifecycle and provide plenty of advantages for you as the driver. If you’re thinking of making the switch to electric, here are a few more reasons why you should go for it.

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.

Modern technology

The latest generation of electric cars has a realistic range of up to 500 km on a charge, and more charging stations are being added. With electricity currently being the cheapest fuel, charging an electric car costs less than filling a petrol or diesel tank. Also, electric motors require less maintenance: another money- and time-saving benefit. The power of the engine is usually greater than with a comparable car with a combustion engine, and that power is also immediately available in full, which ensures dynamic driving pleasure.

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.

Upcoming legislation changes

To accelerate the EV revolution, new legislation around electric vehicles were introduced. In June 2022, a European Parliament vote mandated that all new cars and vans sold in the European Union should be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. Manufacturers will no longer be allowed to sell new cars or LCVs with internal combustion engines. In 2030, the EU will aim to have at least 30 million electric vehicles on the roads. More and more cities are implementing low-emission zones (LEZs), as they look to improve air quality for residents. More than 200 cities now have some version of an LEZ policy, and this number will only continue to rise.

Benefits for fleets

Since EVs don’t produce any direct emissions, companies can make considerable progress towards their sustainability goals by shifting to an EV fleet. And with more EVs hitting the market each year, the costs to run them is decreasing. What’s more, maintenance costs for EVs are considerably lower. And, also important to mention, to meet the growing number of EVs on the road the EV charging infrastructure is growing rapidly.

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.

How do electric vehicles work?

What is an electric vehicle? An electric vehicle is a type of vehicle that uses propulsion by means of electric engines. The energy used to drive an electric vehicle is stored in the battery, which is charged at a [charging station](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/) (at home, at the office or at public charging stations). Electric vehicles are part of the group of vehicles called "zero emissions" which, due to their non-polluting means of locomotion, help to reduce the emissions of environmentally harmful gases, together with noise pollution, since their engines are quieter than internal combustion engines. What types of electric vehicles exist? Even though vehicles powered 100% by electricity are the only ones considered electric, automobiles with mixed technologies (hybrids) are currently available on the market. Learn about all of the [existing types](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/). Are electric vehicles safe? Electric vehicles duly tested in terms of their safety, just like conventional cars. In the event of a collision, there is the slight possibility for some parts to receive an active load or for a short circuit to cause an electrical fire, but safety and construction precautions have limited this risk to the absolute minimum. What do I need to charge the electric vehicle? You may need a charger (Wallbox), a charging cable and a charging card. Learn more about [charging](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/). What is the range of the batteries? The range (number of kilometres) varies according to the size of the battery and the electric vehicle’s efficiency. Depending on the model, the range will be from around 250 to more than 500 km on a fully charged battery. For PHEVs, ranges vary from around 40 to 60 km in electric mode. A fully charged 40kWh battery allows you to drive from 200 to 250 km, while a 64kWh battery has a significantly longer range of 350 to 400 km. Speed accounts for the majority of the battery’s consumption, which is why you should always drive within speed limits, while also considering several other factors affecting battery life: - High or low temperatures (resulting from the use of heating/air conditioning) - Driving in strong winds - Driving for a long time uphill How many kilometres can I drive with a fully charged battery? A fully charged 50 kW battery will allow you to drive 250 to 300 km. If you are a defensive and ecological driver, you will be able to drive even further. Speed has the greatest effect on the amount of battery power consumed, so it is recommended that you stick to the legal speed limits. Additionally, car manufacturers are investing heavily in improving the battery capacity of electric vehicles to address one of the main barriers to purchase: range anxiety. When we take a closer look at the new models hitting the market, we see that the ranges of these electric vehicles are increasing considerably. Learn more about [charging](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/). How long does it take to charge my vehicle’s battery? The charging speed will depend on several factors, including the vehicle type, the battery’s power, the vehicle charging capacity and the [type of charging station](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/) used. When charging a car with a standard power outlet, 5 to 10 hours of charging will be needed. However, when using a fast charging station, most commonly found along the highways, it takes approximately 30 minutes to charge 80% of the battery. Estimated charging time by type of charging: - Slow charging (3.7 kW and 7.4kW): 4-8 hours. This type of charging is recommended for residential applications. - Semi-fast charging (22 kW): 2-4 hours. - Fast charging (>50 kW): 30 minutes to charge to 80%. What types of outlets exist to connect my electric vehicle? Various types of outlets exist for electric vehicles, such as alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Learn more about [available charging solutions](targetSelf:/en-pt/driving-electric/ev-charging/).