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The Electric Vehicle Guide

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EV benefits

Motorised road transport is the third largest source of UK greenhouse gas emissions and remains the main source of many local pollutants including 1,3-butadiene, benzene, carbon monoxide (CO), particulates (PM₁₀) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).

• In Greater London, road traffic contributes over 18% of all CO2 emissions so contributing to climate change (nationally, the proportion is over 25%)
• Around 41% of London's emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) originate from road transport
• Around 97% of London's emissions of particluates (PM10) originate from road transport
• Pollution levels can be 3 times higher inside a car than outside on the street
• About 24,000 people in the UK suffer an early death each year because of air pollution
• 1 in 7 school children in Britain has asthma

The principle advantage of battery electric cars is that they are the only commercially available zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Being zero-emission, EVs therefore provide local environmental benefits - including cleaner air and reduced noise in urban areas.

Emissions are produced during the generation of electricity, the amount depending on the method of generation. When conventional power station emissions are taken into account, most impacts are still significantly reduced - for example the life cycle CO₂ for a mains-powered electric car is typically 40% less than for a petrol equivalent. Where pollutants are generated, these also tend to be emitted away from major urban areas. If renewable electricity is used, then all life cycle emissions are virtually zero.

As a direct result of their environmental advantages, EVs also provide users with a number of financial benefits. Currently, EV users pay no road tax, no London Congestion Charge and have access to an increasing number of free/ discounted parking spaces across the Capital. Fuel costs (per mile) are very low as compared to conventional fuels - this can be used to balance the higher purchase costs for some EVs. Discounted insurance premiums are also increasing available for owners of electric cars. Company car users can also benefit as benefit-in-kind rates for all battery electric cars are set at the minimum rate of 9%.

Businesses can benefit from using EVs as part of their fleets - all electric vehicles are eligible for enhanced capital allowances (100% in first year) and companies can apply for grants to cover at least 30% of the capital costs to install alternative fuel recharging infrastructure (including electric recharging points). To qualify for funding, charging points must be accessible to 3rd parties. For more information about capital assistance for new recharging points, contact the Energy Saving Trust.

Sources: London Mayor's Climate Change Action Plan, London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory.

For more information about the environmental benefits of battery electric vehicles, see the report entitled Life Cycle Assessment of Vehicle Fuels and Technologies, which can be downloaded in pdf format here: LCA Report 2006 (1MB).

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