The Electric car snowball gains momentum….

As we leap into 2022, some of us may have set a resolution or two that we aim (hopefully!) to stick to. Perhaps you’re looking to try your hand at the gym or are looking for ways to reduce the impact you have on the environment. A new year is a truly exciting time, full of possibilities and potential.

However, it’s also important to reflect on the year that we’ve just left behind, for what a year 2021 was! Today, we’d like to take you on a journey to revisit some of the most incredible developments not only in the electric vehicle space but also the impact of lockdowns on our environment. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s very special entry.

2021: A Breath of Fresh Air

 It’s undeniable that the coronavirus pandemic has impacted everyone’s lives, be it in a small or large way. We’ve seen people re-evaluate what family means to them and have gotten closer as a result. 

For fans of David Attenborough, you may have seen his new show ‘The Year Earth Changed’, which provides an incredible look into the numerous ways lockdowns have impacted the environment.

For the first time, a city in India was able to see the Himalayas thanks to the reduction in air pollution, the river Ganges in India saw an 80% increase in oxygen levels, and thanks to the cessation of cruises, communication between whales saw a dramatic increase.

Amongst the astounding number of positive impacts lockdown had on our environment lies the glowing truth that the way we live our lives truly has a direct correlation to the health of the environment we live in. With tourism slowing to a trickle during the past two years, we’ve seen what’s possible when we decide to live in a more sustainable way.

Something as simple as upgrading to an electric car not only has multiple benefits for ourselves but can also do wonders for our world. If the lockdowns have shown us anything, it’s that a community effort can achieve the unthinkable.

A Big Year for Electric Vehicles

And what a year 2021 has been for EVs! From Cop26 to the Greek island of Halki going fully electric, 2021 has given us a taster for what’s to come in the EV space. 

We’ve seen industry giants such as Toyota and Ferrari unveil their plans to go electric, and we couldn’t be happier. With such titans getting fully on board, we can’t wait to see what their creations will be.

There’s also been a huge increase in global plugin vehicle registrations. In November 2021 alone, BEV (Battery operated Electric Vehicle) registrations comprised almost 20% of the UK new car market share, as well as 64.2% in Norway, showing that this electric snowball is picking up some serious speed now.

In early November, we also saw the gathering of leaders from around the world to Cop26, which saw such changes as greater climate transparency in the private sector, a big step forwards when it comes to recognizing the impact of businesses on the environment.

If 2021 was anything to go by, we’re set to witness some truly exciting changes in the EV space as we move into 2022!

If You’re Considering an Electric Vehicle…

But what do all the changes that have come about over the past year mean for someone looking to purchase their very own electric vehicle? Well, in short, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.

We’re not going to leave you with that rather unsatisfying answer, however! One of the greatest impacts owning an EV will have for you is the ability to save you money in the long term. Have a look at this video, where our very own Dr Euan McTurk breaks down some of the savings you can make. It’s certainly an eye-opener (and a cash-saver)!

From lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts to the ability to save up to 60% on ‘fuel’ costs, it’s a no-brainer. 2021 has shown us that affordable new cars are out there on the market, such as the Fiat 500e and VW e-UP. However, even more savings are now possible thanks to the increasing popularity of second hand EVs. Take for example this 2019 Renault Zoe that clocks in at only £17,000. 

2022 is sure to bring even more exciting second-hand vehicles to the marketplace, so keep your eyes peeled as we move forwards.

2022: The Road Ahead

For those of you who have seen Harry Potter, you may be familiar with the scene where Harry is given his first letter to attend Hogwarts. After these attempts are rebuffed by his aunt and uncle, the house is utterly filled with letters one not-so-peaceful Sunday.

What we’re getting at with this seemingly bizarre reference is that 2022 looks to be the busiest and thrilling year yet for EVs. We may not be able to post the 2022 Audi E-Tron model through your letterbox, but we’ll be certain to give you all the latest news as we hear it.

From the mammoth Ford F-150 Lightning to the super sleek Lucid Air, there are plenty of options arriving in 2022 that may just tickle your electric tastebuds. New homes in the UK will also have to be built with an electric car charging station, and manufacturers will be looking to bulk up their manufacturing capacity with the likes of gigafactories across Europe.

Whether you’re a hardcore EV veteran with a fleet of electric vehicles at your disposal, or an intrepid onlooker deciding if EVs are right for you, we’re certain that 2022 will be full of news that will be right up your street. 

Here at TheEVMarketplace, we can’t wait to be there beside you as we see what 2022 has in store for us. With such a fantastic and eye-opening year in the rear-view mirror, it’s never been clearer that electric is the future. We wish you a fantastic new year and can’t wait to see what lies ahead in 2022!