Hampshire &amp; Isle of Wight


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1348" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-new-forest.jpg" alt="electric BMW car in the new forest Partridge of Hampshire" class="wp-image-33395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-new-forest.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-new-forest-800x719.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-new-forest-1000x899.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-new-forest-768x690.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>A new generation of electric cars is making it more practical (and pleasurable) than ever to go electric, with billions spent by manufacturers translating into stylish cars to suit all kinds of drivers. </p>



<p>Still need persuading? Here, we get the lowdown on electric cars and the infrastructure around Hampshire from local automotive experts <a href="https://hants.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/partridge-of-hampshire/">Partridge of Hampshire</a> and George Thurman, co-founder of <a href="https://linktr.ee/womendriveelectric">Women Drive Electric</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-1-the-driving-experience-is-a-whole-lot-smoother-and-quieter">1/ The driving experience is a whole lot smoother (and quieter)</h2>



<p>Unless you’re a serious petrol head (vroom, vroom) you won’t miss the noise of a combustion engine car, say Partridge of Hampshire. The driving experience of an electric vehicle is much smoother, quieter and seamless in comparison (so far more relaxing for passengers and drivers). With ‘instant torque delivery’ electric vehicles are typically brisker and more responsive when it comes to acceleration, too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-2-access-to-charging-points-for-electric-cars-isn-t-the-drama-you-might-think-it-is">2/ Access to charging points for electric cars isn’t the drama you might think it is</h2>



<p>The accessibility of charging points is still one of the practical reasons many people are holding off a move to electric. However, according to Partridge of Hampshire, the picture is changing with a growing network of charging infrastructure locally and beyond. Figures from the Department of Transport show there were 646 publicly available electric charging devices in Hampshire [as of Oct 2023], including 161 rapid chargers.</p>



<p>“The charging network is increasing massively day on day, although it does require a small amount of planning on a longer route than your day-to-day journeys,” says Women Drive Electric’s George Thurman.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-outside-hotel.jpg" alt="BMW I7 electric car outside a country house hotel Partridge of Hampshire" class="wp-image-33392" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-outside-hotel.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-outside-hotel-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-outside-hotel-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/BMW-outside-hotel-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>“Nationwide, we currently have 55,000+ public chargers in the UK – and that number is increasing rapidly. You find chargers along your route with the help of apps like <a href="https://www.zap-map.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">zapmap</a>. ‘Destination’ chargers are becoming increasingly popular too, meaning you can charge at your hotel, Airbnb, adventure park etc. And you can always use your 3-pin plug to charge up at the in-laws!”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-3-the-operating-costs-could-work-out-lower-than-your-last-car">3/ The operating costs could work out lower than your last car</h2>



<p>If you charge up regularly, on a cost-per-mile basis an all-electric vehicle can save on fuel costs compared to conventional combustion engine cars. Partridge of Hampshire also point out that some city locations (including Winchester and Southampton) also offer discounted rates on season ticket parking and (if you live locally and get a <a href="https://www.southampton.gov.uk/travel-transport/apply-pay/itchen-bridge/smartcities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SmartCities</a> card) having an all-electric car means you can swerve the toll on the Itchen Bridge.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Business or pleasure, there’re a big advantage of driving electric if you head to London too, including 100% discount on the Congestion Charge and Exemption from the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) charge.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/Electric-car-charging.jpg" alt="Electric car charging BMW" class="wp-image-33391" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/Electric-car-charging.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/Electric-car-charging-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/Electric-car-charging-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/hants/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2024/03/Electric-car-charging-768x513.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>According to George Thurman, one of the biggest misconceptions about electric cars is that they have a relatively short battery life. “The majority of EV drivers that have a charger at home don’t have to worry about this too much,” she says. “Most EVs come with between 8yrs/100,00miles and 10yrs/150,000-mile warranty on the battery. There are plenty of example EVs out there now exceeding 300,000 miles on the same battery and performing well.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-4-electric-cars-are-subject-to-rigorous-safety-standards-and-can-be-more-reliable">4/ Electric cars are subject to rigorous safety standards – and can be more reliable</h2>



<p>The exciting innovations around the move to electric have arguably made driving safer than ever, not only for the occupants but for pedestrians too,” says Thurman.&nbsp;“Like all cars in the UK, they are subjected to a rigorous Euro NCAP testing assessments.”</p>



<p>“Reliability is very high as there are far fewer moving parts to go wrong such as a clutch or gearbox, electric vehicle brakes do much less work as deceleration is done by regenerative braking. Taking this all into account it means they are far cheaper to run. A home charger with a competitive tariff means you can charge overnight while you sleep, saving you money and saving your waistline with fewer petrol station visits!”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-5-going-electric-helps-lower-carbon-emissions-and-reduce-air-pollution">5/ Going electric helps lower carbon emissions – and reduce air pollution</h2>



<p>Last but certainly not least, Partridge of Hampshire points to the global and local eco benefits. Climate change is a complex picture but as we’re all being encouraged to do our bit, there’s no doubt electric vehicles have a crucial role to play in reducing carbon emissions. Locally, the more people make the switch the better when it comes to levels of air pollution in our communities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>A family-run BMW retailer, Partridge of Hampshire is fast becoming the name for BMW and MINI across the UK. For more information about the new all-electric series from BMW, visit </em><a href="//www.partridgebmw.co.uk"><em>partridgebmw.co.uk</em></a></p>


5 reasons to buy an electric car

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