There are many electric options available on motability, ranging from the fiat500 to the audiq4.
Motability cars are paid for through the mobility element of your disability benefits however some more expensive cars will require an advance payment. Electric cars on motability have advance payments ranging from £0 to £6k+ for a three year lease.
Reducing fossil fuel use by switching electric cars improves health in built up areas and reduces the production of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
However, there are a number of environmental impacts associated with electric cars which are important to be aware of.
1. Lithium production.
The production of lithium is mostly done in shallow surface mines in a primitive way which is damaging to the water and the local ecosystem. There is no getting away from this, it is the only negative of electric cars which is not found in ICE cars. However, of course, the production of fossil fuels is also hugely polluting, with many incidents even before accounting for the impact on climate change. ICE cars consume fuel throughout their life, not just when producing the battery the per car environmental impact of extracting lithium is not comparable to fossil fuels.
2. Transport in production
Modern supply chains are long and complex, cars are no exception. Parts for one car can criss cross the globe and both sea freight and air transport are major contributors to climate change. This is an issue with most car manufacturing, and indeed most modern manufacturing of any kind. Electric cars are no better or worse than other cars in this respect.
3. Electricity generation
In Scotland the majority of electricity is generated by carbon free methods. In different parts of the world the mix is different, so the energy moving your car may be from fossil fuels after all.
Even in this scenario electric is an improvement. The benefit to public health of reducing local emissions is proven, however even in the far from ideal scenario where the electricity powering it is 100% from fossil fuels then carbon emissions will be reduced. An electric motor is over 90% efficient, while a petrol engine wastes most of its energy on heat and noise. Although a gas power station is not so efficient as an electric motor it still converts most of the energy in its fuel into energy, which is several times more efficient than an ICE car. Less fuel burned means less emissions, even before the ongoing switch to renewables.
4. Increased consumption
Electric cars still need roads, energy, space and resources. In a finite planet personal car ownership is a luxury some say we cannot afford. As with all of these criticisms, electric vehicles are at the least an improvement. If you do not need a vehicle all the time a car club is a good alternative. You can also reduce your impact and improve your parking options by opting for an electric moped or e-bike.
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