Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing as fuel prices spike, according to Auto Trader.

The proportion of electric cars viewed on its marketplace had dropped from a high of 26% in late September 2021 when the petrol crisis took hold, to just 16% in February. But since prices at the pumps started to rocket, so has consumer interest. In the past week alone, Auto Trader says car buyers are conducting 27% more advert views for new EVs than they were the previous week, and now account for 20% of all advert views.

Ian Plummer, Auto Trader’s commercial director, said: “At a time when consumers are facing increasing financial pressure, it’s perhaps no surprise that even the more affluent motorist may be hesitating to make the switch to EVs.”

Plummer believes there’s a clear opportunity for the industry to highlight the lower running costs of EVs.

“Our analysis shows that EV owners can save £140 every 1,000 miles, which is up on the £100 we recorded just a few months ago – it’s this level of detail on cost savings that will be key to softening the impact of the green premium and bringing EVs into line with their petrol or diesel equivalents” he added.

Last year, EVs accounted for 11.6% of all new car sales, up from 6.6% in 2020, driven, in part, by manufacturers offering more choice than ever before, with four times as many new electric models available on Auto Trader compared to 2020. Auto Trader believes the headline figures tell a misleading story, however. It says the UK will “run out” of people rich enough to buy electric cars.

Read more: AMonline

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Introduction

Renault was a pioneer of electric cars in the early 2010s, with its Zoe EV remaining one of the most popular EVs made to date. But after a solid start, progress seemed to slump at the French firm.

Until recently, that is, when the firm began its ‘Renaulution’ – essentially its future plans, many of which focus around electrification. There will be a raft of new EVs, some with new names, and others playing on the brand’s heritage, including this new Megane E-Tech Electric.

Based on an all-new platform designed purely for EVs, which will be used on a range of models in the future, and allows greater flexibility when it comes to packaging and design, as this is without doubt one of Renault’s most stylish looking cars in some time. But is it worth considering? Let’s get behind the wheel.

Performance

Renault offers three powertrains on its new Megane E-Tech Electric, which are all new for the firm.

Kicking off the range is a more affordable option using a 129bhp electric motor and 40kWh battery – equating to a 0-60mph time of 10.3 seconds, and a claimed range of 186 miles. The 129bhp motor is also available with the larger 60kWh battery – this version managing 292 miles of range between charges.

More buyers are likely to go for the top-spec powertrain, which bolts a 215bhp electric motor with a 60kWh battery, dropping the 0-60mph time to 7.2 seconds, and increases the electric range to a respectable 280 miles.

They can charge quickly too, at a rate of up to 130kW, which Renault says allows 186 miles of range to be added in 30 minutes for the smaller battery model. A full charge with a 7.4kW wallbox takes just over six hours for the small battery and nine for the 60kWh battery model.

Read more: CarKeys

It’s Time to Go Green!

If you would like to know more about Solar Panels and the PowerBanx range of home battery systems, and get a free instant quote, please complete our online form: