How far on a fiver?

 

One of the biggest considerations for consumers choosing an electric or hybrid vehicle (EHV) is its range i.e. how far can each model travel on a single charge? Many people are under the impression that electric vehicles are far more expensive to run, and this can often prove a big barrier to purchase. So much so, manufacturers are continuing to race to improve and enhance this key operational factor.

 

Car buying comparison site, Carwow, recently asked the question: “how far can the average electric car travel on a £5 charge?” and completed a comprehensive study to found out the answer.

 

The company directly compared the distance travelled by a VW e-Golf charged with £5 worth of power with a petrol and a diesel model Golf with £5 worth of fuel in the tank. It also analysed average bus and train journeys in 10 different UK cities that could be covered with the same money.

 

The results were a surprise to many in the motor industry with the VW e-Golf travelling a minimum of 40 miles further than its petrol-powered counterpart and public transport options. The electric vehicle actually travelled almost twice the distance of the petrol and diesel cars containing a fiver of fuel. Furthermore, an individual spending £5 on a bus or train ticket would only achieve a fifth of the mileage covered by the VW e-Golf.

 

Carwow also calculated the cost-per-mile performance of an average electric vehicle model. Using regional electricity prices to work out the price per kilowatt hour to charge a VW e-Golf’s batteries, it worked out the distance that the car could run before its battery went flat.

 

It estimated that, under normal driving conditions, the e-Golf could be driven for 102 miles. The diesel Golf could achieve 56.5 miles and the petrol Golf would get through £5 worth of unleaded fuel in 49.6 miles.

Commenting on the study, Andy Coulton, managing director here at Prosol UK, said: “These ‘how far on a fiver?’ figures speak for themselves and demonstrate that the evolving technologies of EHVs just gets better and better.

“Some electric vehicles can be more expensive to purchase and insure than their traditional rivals so, as with any car purchase, we must consider the whole life cost of each vehicle before jumping to a decision. That said, it’s clear that attitudes towards EHVs are changing as more and more of us are considering and opting for an electric or hybrid vehicle.”