While paying higher costs for newer technology is hardly a new concept in today’s world, electric cars have proven to be a little on the pricey side for those looking to make the switch. With recent changes to the Government’s EV grant scheme, there is limited help available for those looking to make the switch to electric, but could this be a problem for much longer? With prices predicted to fall to put EVs on par with petrol or diesel alternatives, eco-friendly driving could be more accessible than you think.
During November’s COP26 (Glasgow climate talks), predictions were flying that the cost of producing and buying electric vehicles was about to drop, bringing them into a far more accessible range. However, following these predictions, the UK Government changed and ultimately reduced the EV grant. The changes came in the form of a cut to the Plug-In Car Grant from £2,500 to £1,500, as well as a change in the eligibility criteria to vehicles below £32,000 compared to the previous £35,000. Additional changes also include the exclusion of hybrid vehicles and a cut to the grant for Light Commercial Vehicles.
These cuts and changes have understandably raised concern amongst those looking to make the switch, with debates as to whether this will make electric vehicles even more inaccessible than before.
The reality, however, seems to be that the price of electric vehicles, in general, could be starting to decline, meaning that the cuts to grants may not have much of an effect on affordability at all. EVs are becoming cheaper to make and produce, with battery EVs already having seen price drops that could see them on par with petrol and diesel vehicles as soon as 2025 and possibly even cheaper after 2027.
As well as cheaper production, manufacturers have developed a ‘from-scratch’ way of designing electric cars, rather than using or adapting existing platforms to suit and as such, can produce a much cheaper and much more efficient vehicle for the market. As some of the industry’s biggest names fight for market share as the world makes a shift to electric in the coming years, as well as their fight to meet government-set targets, prices are only set to drop further.
The additional benefit that buyers could see to help with affordability, is that electric vehicles are beginning to hit the used vehicle market at a much higher quantity than previous years, namely because existing EV owners are upgrading or commercial fleets are switching out for newer models. With the ban on new petrol or diesel vehicles on the horizon in 2030, commercial companies will likely be operating within an electric-only market from now on, meaning that older models will likely be sold as ‘used’ as they switch out for new ones. For those with stricter budgets for buying a car, this could be a helpful solution.
While it’s difficult to predict with stark clarity just how the automotive industry will behave in the coming years and what might affect prices, it currently appears that EVs will see a price drop soon.
If you already own an electric vehicle that is in need of a service or repair, or you’re holding out with your existing petrol or diesel engine for a future EV price drop and need it serviced, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team to book your vehicle in.