Driving is skill that, in some circles, is necessary for everyday life. It’s also an activity that has an environmental consequence.
As a generation of eco-conscious drivers heads out onto the road, car manufacturers are continually developing eco-friendly vehicles that may eventually edge out their petrol and diesel counterparts.
Eco vehicles such as hybrids and electric cars are quickly gaining popularity but are they a plausible option for the first time buyer?
We look at some of the considerations and consider whether a new driver should ‘go green’ straight away…
Consider the cost
Unless you’re very lucky, the biggest factor that will dominate your decision when choosing a new car is cost. It’s more than just buying; you would also have to factor in the insurance, maintenance, registration, and running costs. You can save on fuel with an eco vehicle, but you also have to know that green cars may come at a higher price. You can check out pre-owned hybrid and electric models from dealerships, but do your research first.
If you think your budget can’t stretch to a full-on eco vehicle but you really want a green car right now, consider getting a fuel-efficient car that’s safe, affordable, and economical to run, even for new drivers on a limited budget. For instance, a new wave of diesel cars are now available. These are no longer the noisy, smoke-belching vehicles of old, but powerful autos boasting of 20% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 30% improved fuel economy. The tax on these can be as low as £20 a year.
Consider where you’re going
Where you plan to drive is also an important consideration when choosing whether to get an eco vehicle or not. If you are planning to take your car on long road trips and don’t want to worry about running out of fuel, then a hybrid is a good idea.
The best use of eco vehicles is actually in the city, because the traffic makes you stop constantly. How is this good? Well, hybrid cars have the ability to capture energy when braking, which then recharges the battery and lets you use more electrical power and less gas. Electric vehicles shine the most in the city; those that run solely on battery power are best for short trips. So, if you are only going to drive around the city or in nearby towns, then an eco vehicle is a more plausible option.
Consider also the location of charging point and whether there are enough of these nearby to keep you moving.
Investment
A new driver needs to appreciate that their first vehicle is a big investment. An eco vehicle may be slightly more expensive – whether that’s an eco diesel model or a full-on battery powered effort – but they might well be worth spending the cash on.
If you want to ‘go green’ then plan ahead while you’re learning and try to save every penny possible toward the cost of your first car. You can do this by utilising all of the free online resources available that can help make it easier to pass the theory test. Also try to get family members to take you out in between lessons to help you pick up practical skills as quickly as possible.
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