Whether you’re planning to buy a car. Or just researching the best new and used cars for sale. You should consider the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). And the money you can save. Here’s 5 good reasons to buy an electric car in Antigua.
1) Electric cars cost less to run
Buy an electric car and save 55-70% on fuel
Electric cars don’t use gas. They only need electricity. To power a single gear motor that moves your car forward and backward with ease. And the better you drive, the more you save. Based on APUA electricity rates and the cost of gas, EV drivers spend 55-70% less on fuel alone. So an average Antiguan driver – doing 800-1000 miles a month – saves $3,500 EC to $5,300 EC a year by driving electric. And that’s just the fuel savings.
Save even more money with solar panels
Home chargers are more affordable than ever. And we supply and fit them. So you’ll never need to wait in line again. Not to mention, we can install a solar energy system at your home or office. Once you’ve paid for the equipment that will reduce the cost of powering your electric car to zero. For several decades to come.
2) Electric vehicles are affordable and easy to maintain
Simple electric drivetrains, means reliable cars
Electric cars don’t need oil changes, oil filters, spark plugs, belts, piston rings, engine tuning, transmission fluid, radiator coolant… you can see where we’re going with this! There’s less than 30 moving parts in the powertrain of an electric vehicle. Compared to 100s of moving parts in a gas or diesel car. So servicing is a breeze. Also, remember how inconvenient it is when your gas car breaks down and you have to take the bus. Because EVs are much simpler, they’re also more reliable.
Spend 66% less on servicing
On average the cost to maintain an EV is ⅓ that of maintaining a gas car. Yes, 66% less. And we know that because we do the maintenance ourselves. With certified electric vehicle technicians, who grew up fixing gas cars! So trust us when we say electric cars are cheaper to repair. And because we’re an authorised dealer we get original car parts direct from manufacturers. So there’s no job too big or small for us. Think about what you spend now. And imagine what your savings will look like with an electric car.
3) Electric vehicles last, and they hold their value
A new electric car will last
Quality electric car manufacturers warranty their batteries for 5-7 years. Because we’re an official dealer we pass that warranty on to you. But in reality batteries last longer, up to 20 years. And motors last even longer because they use technology that virtually eliminates friction. Any electric car parts that do wear over time – like tyres, brakes and suspension – are no different to those in a gas car. And typically no more expensive.
A used electric car will sell
Antiguans don’t drive a lot of miles compared to American, European or Japanese car drivers. So we find the electric cars we sell depreciate slowly. For example, a second hand Nissan LEAF that’s 3 years old will sell for only 15% less than a new one. But even so used electric cars sell well, because demand outstrips supply.
4) Buying an electric car helps preserve our beautiful Antigua
Gas cars damage our environment
If you drive a gas car in Antigua 20 miles today. Then you’re pumping about 20 lbs of carbon dioxide (CO2) a day into the environment. Which contributes to global heating. But also the pollution of the natural environment Antigua depends on for tourism. Not to mention the other nasty things coming out your tailpipe – toxic chemicals and small particles that get stuck in our lungs.
Electric cars are much less polluting
Are electric cars really better for the environment? Yes, absolutely. Firstly, EVs don’t create any exhaust pollution – there’s not even a tailpipe! Secondly, driving an EV that same 20 miles creates about 6 lbs of CO2. And that’s assuming it’s powered by electricity from burning heavy fuel oil. Which is the main source of Antigua’s electricity. So just by changing your car you can immediately reduce your CO2 emissions by around 70%. But you can also couple your EV with a home solar energy installation. In which case your CO2 emissions – and your fuel costs – will drop by 100%, to zero! How’s that for taking care of our beautiful island home.
5) You won’t run out of electricity – really!
You may have heard about Americans or Europeans in electric cars running out of battery. But remember how big those countries are! At its farthest points Antigua is only 14 miles across. And there isn’t an electric car we sell that won’t get you from one end of the island to the other 10 times over without charging. Our electric cars go between 163 and 292 miles on one full battery charge. That kind of range will take you around beautiful Antigua several times. So most EV drivers just charge overnight every few days. What’s more, with regenerative braking you can increase your range by driving more efficiently and enjoying the sights. And if you’re worried about the state of the roads, don’t. We’ve just introduced an electric SUV. Currently on introductory offer with a free home charger.
If you need some more reasons to go electric, check out this popular article based on research by Forbes.