Switching to driving an electric vehicle (from a non-EV) is a great way to reduce your environmental impact.
While walking, cycling, or using public transport are the best options, EVs are a more sustainable alternative to petrol and diesel cars. They significantly lower carbon emissions and improve local air quality, especially when charged with renewable energy.
EVs can offer benefits, including:
- Lower maintenance costs
- A quieter driving experience
- Convenience of home charging
Although the initial cost can be higher, they are cheaper to run and maintain over time, and the market for new and second-hand EVs is expanding, making them more accessible and affordable.
The Climate Action Oxfordshire website has advice on switching to an electric vehicle.
Our electric vehicle fleet
ODS, our wholly owned company, looks after key services like street cleaning, park maintenance, and waste collection.
They have championed green fleets, using electric vehicles for over a decade and a significant portion of their fleet is now electric.
Electric vehicles now make up 35% of our fleet.
The Energy Superhub Oxford project was a significant contributor to the current fleet numbers and was able to part-fund 41 electric vehicles, including:
- 1 e-Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV)
- 1 Electric Sub Compact Sweeper
- 1 Electric JCB excavator
- 11 Electric Cars
- 2 Electric Tippers
- 25 Electric Vans
Micro vehicles
Another option is micro electric vehicles (micro-EV). These compact cars are more affordable to buy and run than full-sized EVs. While they can have less range and capacity (typically 2-seaters), they can be a cost-effective solution for local journeys.
Additionally, electric motorbikes and mopeds, also known as zero emission powered light vehicles (zePLVs), are a great alternative to petrol, diesel or electric cars. They are small, lightweight, energy efficient, completely electric, and are more powerful than ebikes with pedals. For more information visit the Energy Saving Trust website.
EV myth busting
The Little Book of EV Myths by FairCharge debunks common misconceptions about electric vehicles, offering factual insights to help consumers make informed decisions.
