What About the Environmental Footprint?
Electric cars don’t have exhaust pipes and don’t emit gases while operating, thereby benefiting both the climate and air quality. They are also more energy-efficient, consuming less than one-third of the energy that conventional vehicles use.
Concerned About Driving Range?
The driving range of battery-powered cars continues to improve, and it’s more than enough for your daily travels. According to the European Commission, in 2022, 57% of electric vehicles had a range of over 385km on a single charge, and an additional 34% had a range between 235 and 384km.
If you're concerned about where to charge your car, you should know that the charging network in Greece is constantly expanding. In addition to private charging stations, chargers are now available in busy areas, such as many supermarket or mall parking lots. By the time you finish your shopping, your car will be charged!
Fast charging takes about 30 minutes to reach 80% battery capacity. If you have your own garage, you can charge your car using a standard household outlet. This method is more affordable but also slower, taking 6-8 hours for a full charge.
Electric cars are cheaper to maintain
When comparing costs, it’s important to keep in mind that electric cars consume less energy and have lower maintenance needs than conventional vehicles. As a result, the overall cost of owning an electric car is lower over its lifetime compared to a similar conventional vehicle.
What makes electric cars more expensive to purchase than their internal combustion engine counterparts is mainly the cost of manufacturing large lithium-ion batteries. However, continuous improvements are gradually reducing this cost.
How long does a battery last?
The limited durability of electric car batteries is no longer a valid argument for critics of electric mobility. A recent study conducted by the Austrian battery analysis company Aviloo, based on data from over 7,000 electric vehicles, debunks this theory.
Initially, there’s a quick but small drop in battery efficiency. In the first 30,000 kilometers, battery efficiency drops from 100% to 95%. After that, and particularly after 100,000 kilometers, the drop in battery power slows down. At 200,000 kilometers, it stands at approximately 90%. In vehicles with over 300,000 kilometers, the average battery power remains at 87%, well above manufacturer guarantees.
The hybrid alternative
If you're still hesitant, you can opt for a hybrid model. Hybrid cars have smaller batteries with lower energy capacity, allowing you to drive fully electrically for a limited distance - between 30 and 50 km. Hybrid cars also feature an electric motor that drives the wheels and acts as a generator to produce energy. They can be charged via a regular home outlet or a fast charger.
Additionally, depending on your usage, you can choose between smaller and larger models. Smaller electric vehicles are better suited for the city, as they don’t have the range for long trips on a single charge, whereas larger models offer greater range, necessary for longer trips.
Subsidy Programs
To promote electric mobility, government subsidy programs (KINOUMAI ILEKTRIKA) have been designed and are available. These can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle. Go to gov.gr to get detailed information on:
- A 30% subsidy on the price excluding VAT for purchasing an electric car, up to a maximum of €9,000.
- A trade-in reward of €2,000 and a subsidy for purchasing a smart charger (€500).
- An additional €1,000 subsidy for purchasing a vehicle for people with disabilities. For large families, an extra €1,000 per dependent child starting from the third child, up to €4,000 in total.
- An additional €1,000 for purchasing a car for young people under 29.
As with any major decision, the more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel about your choice. Take the time you need to do your research and you’ll come to a decision that meets your needs.