New app calculates cost and environmental benefits of EVs

A new app that calculates how much money UK drivers could save by switching to an electric vehicle (EV) has launched today (September 9). 

The EV8 app is free to download and is backed by £2.7m of UK Space Agency Funding. 

Alongside the cost benefits of going electric, the app also provides users with details on the CO2 savings and air quality improvements that they could achieve.

Drivers can also see which EV would be most suitable for them based on their current vehicle and lifestyle. The app also shows drivers how close their nearest charge points are and which journeys can be completed without the need to top-up en-route. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: ‘This World EV Day, I want to not only provide easy access to the tools that people need to feel confident about making the switch but also to make sure that charge points are accessible, affordable and recognisable

‘That’s why we have already committed £1.3bn to accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure up and down the country, and as we look forward to COP26 and beyond, our vision is that the UK is at the forefront of the zero-emission transport future, creating thousands of green jobs in the process.’

Together with electrifying.com, the Department for Transport has also produced a Beginners’ Guide to Going Electric, the aim is to help drivers understand what’s involved in switching to an electric car. 

Founder of Electrifying.com Ginny Buckley added: ‘We know that switching to an electric car can be a daunting prospect with a host of new information to absorb and jargon to cut through. But it’s not as complicated as it may seem and our research shows that once you’ve gone electric you won’t want to go back to a petrol or diesel car.

‘We’re delighted to have teamed up with the Government to help clear the air for drivers with a straightforward, unbiased and jargon-free guide for World EV Day.’

Photo by Andrew Roberts