For years, we’ve relied on combustion engines, but time is running out for them as the world embraces electrical alternatives in a bid to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions. It’s not a moment too soon, but it does beg the question as to what will become of your beloved Ferrari, favourite Bentley or prized Lamborghini.
From 2035 onwards, no new combustion-engine cars will be being produced, so whilst it won’t become illegal for you to drive the ones you’ve already got, it will mean that any new additions to your luxury supercar collection will need to be electric. And, whilst they might not make the same satisfying sounds as your current favourites, they will be far kinder to the environment.
The wider adoption of e-mobility will allow us to move away from CO2-emitting fossil fuels and into a new era of relying instead on energy generated from electrical power sources that are charged via the national electricity grid. As the threat of climate change continues to influence modern life, the decarbonisation of the transport sector now, rather than later, is essential, and will ultimately lead to a cleaner and greener future for all.
Given the impending deadline, now seems like as good a time as any to embrace e-mobility and its benefits, and the good news is that there are many. And while, once upon a time, electric cars were few and far between, there are now a huge number of lavish, high-performance options to choose from that will look just as good on your driveway as their combustion-engine counterparts.
The world’s leading luxury car manufacturers are clamouring to come up with the best offerings to entice affluent and high-net-worth buyers – which means your favourite brand could soon be coming out with the perfect alternative for you. Over the past year, we’ve seen many exciting new EV launches, and 2023 is set to bring with it more still.
Infrastructure to support e-mobility and electric vehicles is ever-improving in the UK, with the government unveiling plans to support the market in reaching 300,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charge points by the year 2030 – that’s nearly five times the number of petrol pumps currently available for refuelling across the country. So, if the stress of when and where you’d be able to charge your electric vehicle should you decide to make the switch has always been a sticking point, then let that allay your worries.
Of course, if you’re more concerned about having to compromise on the fun that comes with driving your favourite luxury car and the powerful surge you get when you put on the accelerator, then granted, you might still be feeling a little reluctant. But you might be surprised to know that electric cars and vehicles are actually faster when compared with their traditional counterparts, because the surge of torque delivered by the battery power as soon as you set off means they can reach your desired speed surprisingly more quickly.
Add to that the innovative technology that underpins EVs – from enhanced autopilot to full self-driving capability – and there’s no denying that electric vehicles offer something that your current drive simply can’t compete with. In some models, you can even warm up your car whilst still relaxing in bed in the morning, all through a few swipes of a mobile app – so it’s ready to go as soon as you are – and what could be more high-tech than that?
As fuel prices continue to surge, one obvious advantage of splurging on an electric vehicle is that they’re most cost effective to run. Even those for whom money is no object prefer to spend their cash on fun stuff and keep essential expenses to a minimum, and with an EV, you can do just that. Whilst it’s true that the upfront cost of a new car is significantly more expensive than many combustion counterparts, the running cost will be around three times cheaper.
Still not sold? Then it’s worth considering two more things. One, that the entire scheme is designed to help reduce our collective carbon footprint, and thus, our negative impact on the planet – and if that’s not reason enough to consider it then we don’t know what is. And two, we hate to say it but the truth is that before long, it won’t be a choice, but compulsory.
If you’re wondering where to start, then the innovative new Smart #1 is the perfect way to dip your toe in the water.
The Smart #1
Fusing futuristic design with seamless connectivity, the new Smart #1 is fast becoming one of the most highly sought-after electric cars – and is available in a range of models including the Pro+, Premium, Brabus and Launch Edition. This four-door SUV is a departure from the original – and tiny – Smart car we know and love, and is spacious enough to accommodate a family of up to five, as well as offering between 260-273 miles driving distance per charge.
On that note, it charges rapidly, too, taking just 30 minutes to reach an 80 percent charge from a starting point of ten percent (with DC superfast charging) – which makes pit stops during longer journeys quick, easy and efficient.
With top speeds of 112mph due to its 272hp electric motor, it’s speedy, too – and will get you from A to B just as quickly as your beloved supercar.
With prices starting from around £35,000, it’s a great way to get acquainted with the benefits of driving an EV in 2023 – and who knows, after your first drive, you might just be a convert.
All imagery supplied by Smart #1
