Should I go electric or hold my horses?
I currently own a 2015 Mazda 3 Saloon and, although it’s practical and runs well, our family has expanded and we need a bigger car.
In the past, I would have simply read the reviews on whatcar.com and used them to inform my buying decision.
However, I’m confused about what type of engine to go for, due to the impending ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel-engined cars in 2030.
I’m tempted to buy an electric car, but they are expensive at present and should become more affordable in three to ve years’ time.
I am concerned that if I buy a petrol or diesel now, it could lose value steeply, leaving me with a large de cit when I do upgrade to an electric car. So should I go electric now or wait a bit longer? Karandeep Singh
WHAT CAR? SAYS…
At least 23 new fully electric vehicles (EVS) are due to go on sale in 2021, along with a host of plug-in hybrid models, so there are plenty of tempting ones for you to choose from. Even the less performance-orientated models generally have zippy performance, so they’re fun to drive.
As you say, though, EVS are usually more expensive than their petrol and diesel counterparts at present. The Volkswagen ID.3 family hatchback will set you back around 22% more than the equivalent Golf model (£32,990 versus £25,835). The BMW ix3 is priced from just under £55,000, whereas the X3 on which it’s based starts at a little over £40,000.
EVS can be pricier to insure and can cost more in consumables, such as brakes and tyres. Even so, EV sales are predicted to increase exponentially over the next few years, from one in 10 cars in 2020 to one in five by 2026, and this should push down prices.
So, for now, you could opt for a plug-in hybrid before going fully electric in a couple of years’ time.
Our Plug-in Hybrid of the Year for 2021 is the Skoda Octavia Estate 1.4 TSI iv. It has plenty of room for a growing family and an electric range of 41 miles, which is enough for most local journeys. At £29,900 for our preferred 1.4 iv in SE Technology trim, it’s exceptionally good value for money.
A plug-in hybrid will be cheaper to run than its petrol or diesel equivalent if you are able to charge the car’s battery for free or cheaply, so it’s worth investigating your charging options at work and in your local area.
If you have off-street parking, you could also get a home charger installed. Taking advantage of the current £350 government grant towards this would significantly lower the cost, and getting a home charger would mean that you’re well prepared for charging up a fully electric car when you do decide to buy one.
However, if you choose to stick with a petrol or diesel-engined model for your next car, we don’t think the phasing out of these fuel types will have a hugely detrimental effect on their second-hand values.
It’s likely that, because there will no longer be the opportunity to buy them new, they will become sought after among car buyers who live in rural areas and people who cover high annual mileages.