Motoring: Don’t let Gov targets pressure you into wrong decisions at the showroom

Motor manufacturers have been set a 2024 Government target of 22 per cent for all new car sales to be fully electric. This is to help achieve their net zero target for 2050.

All manner of incentives are being introduced and this will filter down to the new car showrooms with pressure on dealers to encourage buyers to make the switch now.

But what if you are neither ready, nor convinced about the future of EV cars, or that they are for you?

Given our rural setting, I would urge the fitment of a home charger as a minimum and this means off road parking at least. An extension cable and a 13amp plug will not do it, I am sorry to say.

The risks of buying second hand EVs are huge unless covered by a cast iron extended manufacturer’s battery warranty. Local dealer insurance backed warranties tend only to cover mechanical failure, not wear and tear.

New City EVs start at around £23,000 and are substantially over £30,000 for a decent size family hatchback.

What if you need to do something as your trusty steed is due replacement anytime soon? You can be sure to come under immense EV selling pressure at the local showroom and this may not be right for you.

The solution may be to find a temporary replacement and this is exactly what I have just helped a client with while they watch the EV world evolve.

At around 25 per cent cost of a new small EV, we obtained a 2015 Ford Focus 1.5 top of the range Titanium X model with every conceivable extra and figures of 66-83 miles per gallon with zero annual road tax.

Yes, that’s right, no road tax to pay now or in the future because the emissions are under 100 g/km.

What’s the catch I hear you say? Well, it is powered by Ford’s remarkably clean, powerful and efficient 1.5 litre diesel which emits less CO2 than the equivalent 1.5 petrol version and has around 50% better fuel economy.

A nicer family car you could not wish for while you consider all the EV options ahead.