Persuading a Friend to Buy an EV

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Written By Richard Fox

Want to persuade your friends to switch to electric cars? Read this article for tips and advice on how to convince them to make the transition towards a more sustainable future.

From addressing their concerns about range anxiety to highlighting the long-term financial and environmental benefits, our guide can help you make a compelling case for social sustainability and a greener future. 

The world is changing, and so is our mode of transportation, and it is away from petrol or diesel vehicles. The era of conventional cars is ending and the electric car future is upon us. They’re quickly becoming the go-to eco-friendly product option for planet-conscious, cost-effective driving. But how would you get the majority of people to change to an electric vehicle? Here are some great ways to start.

Two EVs on a UK street

The argument against EVs

While the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is steadily increasing year on year, it is still too early for most people to adopt them and there are several compelling reasons for this. One of the main reasons is the feeling that these changes are being enforced upon the population and that the decision is not one that many people want to make.

The cost of EVs remains high compared to traditional vehicles. Although the price of EVs has been decreasing in recent years, they are still significantly more expensive than their counterparts and there are limited numbers of used vehicles on the market and none at used prices similar to older petrol and diesel cars. 

This high cost can be a huge barrier for most consumers, particularly those with limited budgets or who are not yet convinced of the long-term savings of owning an EV. Manufacturers need to produce more affordable versions of their vehicles at prices the majority of people can afford, not just the wealthy few. Plus it will be much longer before these vehicles enter the used market and prices may not quickly fall to the same level.

Another barrier to mass adoption is the lack of infrastructure to support EVs. While electric charging stations are becoming more common, they are still not widely available, and the charging process can be much slower than filling up a fuel tank. This can be inconvenient for drivers who need to charge their vehicles during long trips or who do not have access to charging stations in their neighbourhoods.

Many consumers are still sceptical about the reliability and durability of EVs and the infrastructure. While the adoption of EVs is steadily increasing. The high cost, lack of infrastructure, limited selection, and scepticism about reliability and durability all serve as barriers.

EV with reflection

Although there may be challenges in persuading someone to switch to electric vehicles, it is still possible to convince them to make the change. By addressing their concerns and highlighting the benefits of EVs, such as reduced running costs and a more sustainable future, you can encourage them to join the growing community of EV owners. With increasing affordability, improving infrastructure, and technological advancements the future of electric vehicles is bright and worth considering.

Talk to your friend about their needs

Talking to your friend about their needs when it comes to electric vehicles is essential to get an idea of their driving habits. Ask them what their concerns are, and if they have any questions or doubts about EVs or the infrastructure. 

It’s important to address any worries they may have, as it could be a deciding factor in whether they choose to purchase an EV. Explain the benefits of EVs and the many ways they are becoming more accessible and reliable. 

Black EV on a country road

Let your friend know that although electric charging stations may not be widely available, there are more and more popping up every day, and the charging process is getting faster and more efficient. Once you are aware of their needs, you can start looking for a vehicle that will not leave them wishing they had never made the switch.

Offer your assistance

So how would you encourage someone to adopt a more sustainable practice? it’s important to offer your assistance. By advocating reduced fossil fuel energy consumption, you can help to identify ways to lower energy bills. 

Demonstrating your personal commitment to change can help your friends feel supported during the transition. Ultimately, offering your support can make a big difference in motivating others to embrace more sustainable habits.

Show them the benefits

If you want to persuade your friends to adopt eco-friendly habits, demonstrating the benefits can be highly persuasive. Emphasise the financial advantages of sustainable practices, such as long-term savings when you are charging at home using more renewable energy. Reduced running costs are also especially significant with electric vehicles due to their lower maintenance expenses.

Two EVs at night

Moreover, sustainable practices can have a positive impact on the environment and reduce their carbon footprint and diminishing natural resources. By promoting greener habits, we can contribute to a more environmentally friendly cleaner future with less air pollution, benefiting our future generations.

Take them for a test drive

The best way to convince someone to buy an electric car is to take them for a test drive. Offer to take them for a spin in your electric car or arrange for a test drive at a dealership. This will give them the opportunity to experience the benefits of an electric car first-hand and address any concerns they may have about the way they drive.

A word about charging

When it comes to charging an electric car, there are several types of plugs that you should be aware of.

There are three primary types of plugs used for charging electric vehicles: Type 1, Type 2, and Tesla plug. Nonetheless, some electric vehicles use less common plugs, such as the CHAdeMO plug, and Combined Charging System (CCS) plug.

The CHAdeMO plug adheres to the Japanese standard and can deliver a maximum of 50 kW of power, and is predominantly used by electric vehicles from Japan. In contrast, the CCS plug complies with the European standard and can provide up to 150 kW of power.

The CCS plug is primarily utilised by electric vehicles from Europe, whereas the Combined Charging System (CCS) plug is a hybrid of Type 2 and CCS plugs, and can supply a maximum of 350 kW of power. The CCS plug is also used by electric vehicles from North America, alongside Europe.

EV Chargers. Type 1, Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO

Encouraging your friends to switch to electric vehicles is a crucial step towards achieving a more sustainable future. To make a compelling case, emphasise the long-term financial and environmental benefits, address their range anxiety concerns, and offer your assistance.

A test drive and a discussion about their needs can also be very effective in persuading them to make the switch. By collaborating with you, your friends can join the electric car movement and play a role in building a cleaner future for everyone.