Climate change is an undeniable reality, and a reality which is concerning more and more of us with each passing month. Data harvested from tree trunks has shown that the summer of 2023 was potentially the hottest in two millennia, illustrating the incredible scale of the issue at hand.
While the onus is firmly on businesses and nation governments to address the stratospheric levels of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, individual efforts to reduce carbon emissions have not abated. Ecological concerns are widespread, and businesses listening – including in the automotive industry, where a new eco-friendly era is on the precipice of beginning.
The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Cars
The environmental benefits of shying away from conventional fossil-fuelled vehicles are practically self-evident. Gas-guzzlers are directly feeding CO2 to the atmosphere, while modern eco-friendly alternatives like the electric vehicle (EV) are responsible for far fewer emissions. There are ancillary benefits to the consumer too, as electricity can be cheaper per mile than petrol.
Gap Insurance for Green Vehicles
As someone looking at eco-friendly vehicles for your next daily driver, you should be considering getting a gap insurance quote alongside price enquiries for newer models of vehicle. Chasing eco-friendliness in today’s market essentially means buying in to EVs, the EV market still being young, fast-moving and febrile in nature. New EVs are not cheap, on account of their forward-thinking technology and the cost of materials in their cell batteries. This not-inconsiderable price will not be protected by a conventional insurance policy.
This is because of depreciation, or the value which a car loses as it ages and sees more time on the road. New cars depreciate quickly, and start to do so as soon as they leave the showroom floor. What this means for you is that, if you are unfortunate enough to suffer an accident and your car become a write-off, the amount you paid for your EV (or agreed to pay via financing) is not what you’d receive in the payout. Gap insurance tops up the value offered by your conventional insurer, allowing you to receive the purchase price of your vehicle as opposed to the adjusted price.
Top Eco-Friendly Models in the UK
The eco-friendly corner of the automotive market is ever-changing, but there are nonetheless some standout models that are worth your attention. Polestar is a UK-based EV brand producing high-quality vehicles with low carbon footprints; try the Polestar 2 for a great saloon alternative. The Nissan Leaf, too, is a great choice – being an electric hatchback with over a decade of presence on UK roads.
In conclusion, transitioning to an eco-friendly vehicle is a significant step towards a greener lifestyle. While the initial costs and considerations might seem daunting, the long-term benefits for both the environment and your wallet make it a worthwhile investment. As technology continues to evolve and the market for eco-friendly cars expands, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.