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Electric cars and machines, the future?
Electric machines are on the rise. Almost all major car brands have developed electric models and manufacturers are producing more and more electric versions of their machines, but why make the switch?
Ultra-Low Emission Zones
To improve air quality, 18 local authorities have introduced clean air zones (CAZ) or other sorts of Low Emission Zones (LEZ). Meanwhile, London has the first Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). Entering a ULEZ zone with a vehicle not meeting emissions standards will incur a daily charge. This zone covers now an area up to the North and South Circular roads but will expand to all London boroughs from 29 august 2023. It's only a matter of time before the first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) will be introduced in which only zero-emission vehicles are allowed in the inner-city areas. Cities such as London, Birmingham, and Bristol are encouraging drivers to use newer, less polluting vehicles or make the switch to public transport. That includes all diesel and petrol vans or trucks. To enter these city centres with a company car, it will have to be an electric or hydrogen car.
Grants and support
There are several different ways to get financial support while buying a cleaner vehicle. There's for example the office for Zero Emission Vehicles, which offers a range of grants. They offer grants for electric vehicles, charging points, and installers. There's also the Air Quality Grant which provides support through local authorities across England. They have been granted almost £11 million in 2023 to fund projects that will improve air quality. There may be other grants or funds from your local authorities. Check your local government's website for possibilities.
Advantages of electric machines
Electric van-pack machines also have a number of advantages over petrol and diesel machines. For instance, the energy consumption of the electric machine costs less than that of its fuel counterpart. In addition, using electric machines in enclosed areas such as car parks is not harmful to staff and bystanders due to the absence of exhaust fumes. Moreover, the electric motor produces significantly less noise than a fuel engine, allowing work to be carried out early in the morning and late at night without noise pollution. Especially when the electric machine is built into an electric car. In any case, all these factors make us rethink our future plans.
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