As the UK prepares to host the COP26 climate summit this November, the government is working with private companies to provide the tools and advice drivers need to switch to electric vehicles.
The Government has launched the EV8 Switch, a free app to help drivers in assessing what the costs would be should they move to an electric vehicle.
What are the benefits of the EV8 app?
The app calculates how much money drivers could save by switching to an electric vehicle (EV) compared to their current petrol or diesel vehicle.
Drivers using the EV8 Switch app will be provided with suggestions to which EVs would be most suitable for them based on their current vehicle and how switching to an electric vehicle could fit in with their current lifestyle.
In addition, drivers will be provided with details on the carbon dioxide (CO2) savings and air quality improvements they could achieve from switching to an electric vehicle.
How the EV8 Switch app works:
- EV8 Switch works by analysing the journeys you make in your current vehicle
- This enables the app to monitor usage patterns and the way a vehicle is driven
- The data is then interpreted to display a variety of stats and metrics specific to you and your driving behaviour
- A “Switchability Score” is provided to indicate how well an EV could fit into your lifestyle
- EV8 Switch then displays EV options that match your requirements
- EV8 Switch also outlines the potential savings and opportunities to make CO2 savings and air quality improvements, tailored to each driver’s needs and behaviours
The Government has also extended the £50 million fund to install electric vehicle charge points, giving small businesses such as B&Bs access to the Workplace Charging Scheme.
Those in leasehold and rented accommodation are also now eligible to access the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, which should encourage more people to install home chargers.
Commenting on the latest developments in the move towards greener transport alternatives, Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: "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 chargepoints are accessible, affordable and recognisable.
"That’s why we have already committed £1.3 billion 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."
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