DISCOVER YOUR POTENTIAL REDUCTION IN FUEL COST WITH THE COMPARISON CALCULATOR
This savings calculator provides a comparative estimate of the fuel costs of our electric vehicles by comparing it to the user’s current combustion-engine car. The estimate obtained is a guide and not guarantee of actual savings.
The homologation values of the electric energy consumption of each vehicle present in the simulator are based on the WLTP cycle. These values are indicated in order to enable comparison of different vehicles’ data and may not be representative of actual energy consumption values, which depend on multiple factors such as driving style, route, weather and road conditions, the state, the usage patterns and equipment of the vehicle etc.
The simulator’s estimate of the economic savings can differ, even significantly, according to multiple factors, such as, for example, driving style and conditions, type of route, weather conditions, air conditioning of the passenger compartment, vehicle status, battery charge level and age, etc. We do not warranty or assume responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of the estimate of potential economic savings calculated by the simulator. Nathaniel Cars is not responsible for any decision to purchase an electric car by users based on the results provided by the simulator.
The simulator envisages a year consisting of 350 days, of which 250 days per week and 100 weekend days and also assumes 15 days of non-use of the vehicle.
100% Electric or Plug-in hybrid. Both 100% Electrifying.
EV (Electric Vehicle) sales have increased rapidly over the past few years and it is a trend that is set to continue. There is now a lot of choice and the prospect of switching to EV can be met with both excitement and trepidation. At Nathaniel Cars, we see the transition to electric vehicles to be the benefit of motorists, the environment and to our wider communities. With so much information available, it can be confusing. With our in-house plug-in car experts from our Cardiff and Bridgend branches, we have created this short handy guide to answer the most common questions we are asked regarding the coming EV revolution.
EV options
Not all alternative fuelled vehicles are made equal. Most now fall into two categories, PHEV also known as Plug In-Hybrid electric vehicles and BEV also known as Battery Electric Vehicles. Each have their advantages.
Battery operated vehicles are fully-electric and are powered by a rechargeable battery. The battery runs both the electric motors and all other onboard electronics. BEVs must be plugged into an external electricity source for power. Battery operated vehicles are 100% tailpipe emission free. They have the least environmental impact but have a certain range before they need to be recharged.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are powered by a rechargeable battery alongside a conventional engine. They can be powered 100% by the battery, 100% by the engine, or in hybrid mode which blends both. They can be plugged into an external power source or can rely entirely on petrol for a longer journey. Plug-in hybrids offer zero CO2 emissions when in pure electric mode or lower emissions when in hybrid mode. They produce less harmful emissions compared to traditional vehicles, but more than a battery electric vehicle. They do not have the range limitations of a 100% electric vehicle.
The benefits of electric mobility
Reduced environmental impact
With reduced reliance on fossil fuels and the ability to choose renewable energy sources, electric cars are kinder to the environment.
It’s kind on your pocket
For the first time ever, electric cars have a total life cost lower than their petrol and diesel equivalents.
Superior driving experience
The comfort of a traditionally fuelled car with the added benefit of instant torque, acceleration, a low centre of gravity and quiet running. Electric cars really are a dream to drive.
It feels great
You’ll always remember the first time you drove an electric car. They really do make you smile. It feels great knowing that you’re doing your bit for the planet.
Electric cars are the future
With plans to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars from 2030, electric cars represent the latest in cutting edge technology.
Saving money while reducing the cost to the environment
For the first time ever, an electric car now costs the same or less than an equivalent petrol or diesel to own and run. While the vehicle purchase or leasing cost of an EV are higher than a comparable petrol or diesel, this is typically more than off-set by the reduced running costs. To illustrate we’ve provided an example over a typical 48 month agreement, comparing a brand new petrol MG ZS Automatic with a brand new 100% electric MG ZS EV over 8,000 miles. Typically, with an electric car, the higher your mileage the greater your saving. There are also large savings for business users with no benefit in kind for 2020/2021. This equates to an additional £1,949 saving per year for a 40% PAYE tax band driver on the electric MG ZS compared to the petrol. Electric vehicles can also potentially save thousands of pounds a year from being exempt from congestion charges, such as in London, and ultra low emission charges like the one being introduced in Bristol in Summer 2022.
Top 10 myths about electric cars
Electric cars are expensive
While lithium-ion batteries comprise a significant part of the cost of an electric car, the price has fallen over the past five years. The savings in running costs are usually more than enough to offset the extra cost of the car. Most customers today puchase a new car using a finance product so there is often no extra up-front cost.
Electric cars are less reliable and more expensive to repair
Common consumables and components such as oil, spark plugs and clutches are not needed with an EV. With fewer moving parts there is less that can go wrong. Servicing costs are lower than an equivalent petrol or diesel car.
Electric car batteries only last a couple of years
There is a growing body of research which shows that the lithium-ion batteries powering today’s electric cars are likely to have a lifespan well beyond that of a typical car. A 2020 study of 6,000 electric cars concluded that after 7 years the typical electric car battery will still retain over 85% of its original capacity. MG electric vehicles are supplied with a 7 year 80,000-mile warranty, which includes the battery, while the Fiat 500e battery is supplied with an 8 year 100,000-mile warranty.
Electric cars lose their value more than a petrol or diesel
Resale values have improved over the past few years. This is boosted by various factors including increased demand for used EVs, a maturing of battery technology, a wider consumer choice, and improved charging infrastructure. In addition, with the majority of electric vehicles now being bought or leased using a finance product such as Personal Contract Purchase or Personal Contract Hire, resale values should not be an issue for the typical electric car user. With these types of agreement the resale value of a used car is either guaranteed by the finance company or the vehicle is simply handed back and swapped for a new one at the end of the term.
They take a long time to recharge
There are now a wide range of charge point types ranging from domestic 3 kW wall boxes to 300kW public chargers. With most electric cars being charged either overnight at home or at work, a standard 7 kWh home charger will fully charge a car like the 100% electric MG ZS EV in approximately 6 to 7 hours. A 50kW public rapid charger will charge an MG ZS EV from 0% to 80%, giving 100 miles of range, in approximately 35 to 40 minutes.
There aren’t many charge points
Most electric car drivers will charge their cars at home or at work, so public charging will be infrequent for the typical user. There is a growing network of public chargers, including rapid chargers at all major motorway service stations. These can be accessed either through a contactless payment card or a mobile phone app. Even longer cross-country journeys away from motorways are now feasible. For example, the 180-mile trip from South to North Wales, which takes 4 hours 15 minutes, is easily possible with a short comfort break at an en-route rapid charger. With the significant planned public and private investments, the public charging network is set for a massive growth over the next few years. There is a range of EV charge point locator phone apps, such as Zap Map and WattsUp that incorporate a number of the major provider networks.
Electric cars have a limited range
Our 100% electric cars have ranges of between 112 and 214 miles (WLTP* combined). The average petrol car in 2019 covered 7,800 miles a year or just 21.4 miles a day, meaning that a typical electric car driver would only need to charge their car once every six or seven days. Just like a conventionally fuelled vehicle, there are a wide variety of factors that can affect the range, but for 90% of motorists, their usage pattern and the expanding public charging network means that an electric vehicle will be suitable for their needs. For those exceptional longer journeys, MG and Nathaniel Cars now offer 14 days of petrol car usage free of charge in any twelve month period. This exceptional benefit is designed to provide reassurance and peace of mind and is a UK first. *WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. It is an industry standard test for comparing fuel efficiency. Actual efficiency figures may vary due to a wide range of factors including driving style, ambient temperature and terrain. GoEv Cymru and 4 individuals are trying to prove it further by driving their electric car to Qatar World Cup 2022.
Electric cars are no better for the environment than a petrol & diesel
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions while in use. However, to get a complete picture of an electric car vs a conventionally fuelled car requires a “lifecycle analysis”. This includes assessing things like embodied energy use during manufacturing, end of life recyclability, as well as the CO2 in the energy creation. There is now a choice of competitive 100% renewable energy suppliers in the UK, and recent studies conclude that an electric car powered by renewable energy will produce 70% less CO2 over the lifecycle of the vehicle compared with a petrol or diesel car. This drops to a less impressive but still significant 30% if using electricity created from non-renewable energy source.
Electric cars are dangerous
There is no evidence to support the claim that electric cars are more dangerous than a traditionally fuelled vehicle in the event of an accident. Electric cars are subject to the same safety testing procedures as any other vehicle. While there are specific procedures when dealing with an electric vehicle in the event of a road traffic accident, these are now well understood and standard practice for the emergency services.
An electric car won’t suit my needs
We believe the reasons for going electric are clear, but chatting to our customers, some feel that now is not quite the right time. While today an electric car may not be ideal for a small minority, we often find that people are being held back because of a misconception or a lack of information.
Our EV range
A compact and iconic city car, Europe’s first 100% electric estate, a stylish crossover, a full sized SUV, even the world’s first hybrid 4×4. Starting at just £19,995, Nathaniel Cars has an electric or plugin hybrid for every taste or lifestyle.
New MG4 EV
All-New MG4 EV is MG’s first fully-electric hatchback car. With up to 281 miles of electric range and two battery options, standard features include a 10.25″ colour touchscreen with Apple CarPIayTM and Android AutoTM , MG iSMART app connectivity, and MG Pilot suite of driver assistance systems, making MG4 EV the no compromise electric car.
Range > Up to 281 miles
MRRP Price > from £26,450
MG ZS EV
The best selling 100% MG ZS EV is now even better! Now with even more technology, fast charger and a range increased to up to 273 miles (WLTP combined cycle), the MG ZS EV is fast becoming one of first truly affordable mainstream electic vehicles in the UK. With stylish crossover styling, low price, high specification, including heated seats, parking camera, and a suite of advanced safety features.
Range > Choice of up to 199 miles or up to 273 miles
MRRP Price > from £28,900
MG HS Plug-in hybrid
MG HS Plug-in is MG’s third model with an electrified powertrain and the company’s first ever Plug-in Hybrid. It uses the petrol model’s 1.5-litre turbocharged engine working in tandem with a 90kW electric motor to give an EV-only range of 32 miles with zero tailpipe emissions – plenty enough for most commutes. Inside, soft-touch materials reign supreme as MG’s designers have prioritised comfort and quality to make the cabin a very inviting place. The well-appointed driving position and roomy seats make MG HS a quality space for quality family moments.
Range > Up to 32 miles in 100% electric mode
Cash Price > From £31,400
Ready to take the next step?
Do you still have Electric Vehicle questions? Are you confused about the difference between a kW and a kWh, or a Type 1 and a CHAdeMO, then please do get in touch. We have dedicated EV specialists who are ready and waiting to assist. Having helped hundreds of satisfied customers transition to electric we understand that everyone’s jouney is different. We can talk you through your options, help with your charging questions and even provide you with a personalised quotation showing your potential savings against the car that you’re driving right now. There is also the opportunity for an extended 24 hour test drive to test an EV in real world situations. We look forward to chatting with you soon.
Nathaniel Cars – The EV & Plug-in Car Experts Serving Cardiff, Bridgend, Cwmbran, Newport, Swansea, and South Wales.
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Electric Vehicles FAQs
- What Is An Electric Car?
- Is Now The Right Time To Buy An Electric Car?
- Why Are Electric Cars Better For The Environment?
- Are Electric Cars The Future?
- What To Know Before Buying A New Electric Car.
- How To Charge An Electric Car.
- How Far Can You Drive An Electric Car?
- What Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car?
- Should I Buy An Electric Car Now?
- Top 6 Myths About An Electric Cars (That Aren’t True).
- Are Electric Cars The Future?
