What are the advantages to getting an electric car?

The short-term advantages are: they're cheaper to run, easier to drive and simpler to maintain. The main long-term advantage is that because EVs are zero emission, our built up areas and cities will have much cleaner air for us all to breathe. That reduces risk of ill health and death and, of course, protects and preserves our planet and wildlife.

What are the disadvantages to getting an electric car?

EVs can be expensive to purchase (that's where electric car subscriptions can help) and charging or range is a blocker for some people. It doesn't have to be, though, as you can turn charging on its head and make it work for you with a bit of planning.nnAs for range, it's said the average UK driver does no more than 30 miles per day; nearly all modern EVs would happily get you around in that scenario with just one charge per week. That doesn't stop range anxiety creeping in of course, but Jess from the team has written about her experience and how she quickly overcame it.

How can I afford an electric car?

At the moment, electric cars are more than their ICE (internal combustion engine) equivalents. But, that doesn't mean they're out of reach.nnYou could think about leasing an electric car, but leases still often require a large upfront deposit and lengthy contracts. With electric car subscriptions, you can usually get an EV delivered to your door within a week with no deposit required and just a 60 day or 12 month minimum term.

How much will my electricity bill go up with an electric car in the UK?

A good question. The cost of electricity is in flux for a number of reasons and will likely remain so for some time. That said, even charging an electric car from home all the time, it's highly likely you'll still end up paying less than if you were to add fuel costs for your ICE car (internal combustion engine) to your existing utility bills.nnSo, in short, you'll notice your electricity bill go up a fair bit -- but when you compare to what you were spending each month overall, you should notice a saving.nnWe've written about how depsite charging cost increase, electric car drivers still save money on our blog.

Buy or subscribe? The dawn of a new age

By John Curtis

Sep 4, 2023

John Curtis is a motoring columnist, EV advocate and host of the EV Café.

He is working in partnership with elmo to help spread the good word on EVs and subscription.

Buy or subscribe?

In an era defined by rapidly evolving technology and shifting consumer preferences, the concept of car ownership has found itself at a crossroads. Do I tie up tens of thousands of my or my business cash in a vehicle or do something a little more innovative, without the capital impact of outright purchase.

As we stand on the brink of a transportation revolution, a ground-breaking solution has emerged that promises not just mobility, but a lifestyle upgrade: elmo EV subscriptions. This approach combines the allure of electric vehicles (EVs) with the financial savvy of salary sacrifice or subscription, rendering traditional car ownership obsolete and unleashing a world of benefits for individuals and society at large.

A man getting into an MG5 EV parked in a nature park.

The dawn of a new age

COVID and lockdown were a turning point for me on my car ownership journey.

I have always owned my car, paid cash, funded everything and was proud of the big tin box sitting outside my house.

At lockdown, the car remained exactly what it always has been, a big tin box, sitting outside my house, but with no prospect of going out for a little drive. Post COVID, I use my car for about 5% of the time. 95% of the time it sits on my driveway, looking at me wondering if it will ever go out to play again.

I work from home and so don’t have a daily commute. Our need for a car, full time, is small.

Every month during lockdown I sat and wondered why we were forking out massive amounts of money for a vehicle I couldn’t and rarely use. I am lucky that my wife has a car of her own but occasionally I need to go somewhere that she isn’t.

Let’s face it – the days of splurging a large portion of one’s savings on purchasing a vehicle outright are becoming antiquated. Enter, for me, elmo, a refreshing departure from the burdens of ownership.

With this innovative service, individuals can effortlessly embrace the electric vehicle revolution without the daunting upfront costs. Imagine having the freedom to choose from a fleet of cutting-edge electric vehicles, from sleek saloons to sporty SUVs, all without the baggage of ownership.

I now have my new electric vehicle, can enjoy an upgrade from my very old Nissan Leaf and not commit a huge amount of money to buy an EV.

Driving financial liberation

The heart of elmo lies in its financial flexibility, offering a choice that transcends the constraints of conventional car ownership. Rather than tying up significant capital in a depreciating asset, subscribers enjoy the luxury of committing to manageable monthly payments. This leaves room for financial growth, investment, and indulging in experiences that truly matter.

Moreover, by employing the concept of salary sacrifice, individuals can further optimise their budgets. By allocating a portion of their pre-tax income towards the subscription, subscribers not only drive an EV but also benefit from potential tax advantages, leading to substantial savings.

As I do not work as a salaried employee, subscription works for me; I don’t get a “salary” or work for a company that would enable me to have a salary sacrifice vehicle.

For others, having a regular amount taken from the salary each month means absolute simplicity and some lovely tax breaks.

A FIAT 500e driving in London outside a coffee shop called 'Gentleman Baristas'

Empowering choice and sustainability

A major draw of the elmo subscription model is the rich tapestry of choice it provides.

Subscribers can switch between different EV models according to their evolving needs and preferences, from urban commuting to weekend getaways.

This approach to mobility encourages exploration, adaptability, and experimentation, empowering users to discover the perfect fit for their lifestyle. In doing so, subscribers not only gain access to a world of electric mobility but also actively contribute to a more sustainable future, reducing their carbon footprint and endorsing cleaner transportation alternatives.

I haven’t availed myself of a change of vehicle after my first two months, partly because I chose well initially with the Kia e-Niro and it sits well as a monthly cost. I have been eyeing an upgrade but that for now I am happy with what I have. It does everything I could want at a cost I can afford. If circumstances change then subscription is flexible enough to flex with me.

It’s not for everyone though…

Moving to a subscription vehicle isn’t necessarily an easy move. For a while I looked at the monthly cost as “dead money”, as I could be paying more than I would for a lease. However, having had time to properly look at my circumstances and how I want to be flexible in what I drive, make changes if I wish or indeed not have a car at all, I knew that moving to subscription was the ultimate in flexibility, and it suits me down to the ground.

Tesla Model 3 parked with man in drivers seat

The way forward

As cities become more congested and environmental concerns escalate, it is essential to embrace forward-thinking solutions that drive meaningful change. elmo and the incorporation of salary sacrifice are prime examples of how innovation can reshape the automotive landscape.

By moving away from the conventional model of ownership, individuals can unlock unparalleled flexibility, financial liberation, and eco-conscious living.

In the end, it’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about embracing a transformative vision for the future of transportation.

I don’t own my mobile phone. I am a subscriber, paying monthly and making the system work best for me. Why spend out a huge capital sum when you can spread the cost, upgrade when you wish and still enjoy all the cash I would have tied up in capital purchase?

With EV subscriptions, the road ahead is not just electric; it’s also paved with possibilities.

So, why just own a car when you can truly experience the evolution of mobility? The choice is clear, and the journey awaits.