Life after petrol: A Carlisle driver's eight-year journey with electric vehicles

Nearly eight years after making the switch, one Carlisle driver has no regrets about going electric. Since December 2018, he's watched EV technology evolve, charging infrastructure improve, and his running costs plummet — and today he's driving a Kia PV5, sourced through Lloyd Kia Carlisle. We caught up with Dr Waller to find out what daily life with an EV is really like, from charging routines to road trips, and why he'd never go back to petrol or diesel.

How has your experience been since switching to an electric vehicle?

I switched to driving an electric vehicle in December 2018 and I've never looked back. It's the reduction in our running costs which has been particularly dramatic. In driving 20,000 miles a year and using a smart energy tariff, I'm saving about £2,500 in "fuel" costs every year.

What do you enjoy most about driving your EV so far?

I really enjoy the driving experience: quiet, smooth and with effortless performance when you need it. I particularly appreciate the regenerative braking and the "one pedal driving" so all you need to do is steer and adjust the position of your right foot. The very low running cost is also a massive benefit as pump prices continue to rise. With off-street parking and a smart tariff, a full charge of my PV5 providing a genuine 200 miles of range costs me less than £5.

How has charging been fitting into your daily routine?

Couldn't be easier if you have off-street parking. I simply plug-in in the evening, say how much charge I want to add to the EV and it's ready in the morning. I don't have to think about when and where to visit petrol stations these days.

How comfortable do you feel with the vehicle's range for your typical driving?

Very. A genuine 200-mile range in our PV5 is more than adequate for the vast majority of our normal trips. We're also looking forward to making trips further afield when we'll make use of the public-charging infrastructure which is improving all the time.

What features or technology have you found most helpful or enjoyable?

Having a car with V2L (vehicle-to-load), which provides the chance to power electrical devices (of up to 3.6kW) from a three-pin socket in the car, has been a complete game changer. Means we can enjoy a brew or even some hot food from an air fryer when we're out and about.

How easy has it been to get familiar with the vehicle's controls and apps?

Very. The combination of the large touch screen combined with a series of physical buttons on the dash and the steering wheel are intuitive and easy to use. It's also great to have the app which works well, is reliable and provides key information on your vehicle and the ability to control key features such as the heating.

In what ways has owning an EV met or exceeded your expectations?

The fact that I've driven EVs for almost 8 years now tells its own story. Unsurprisingly, it took a little time to get used to driving an EV and learning how to charge at home and out on the road but this is now much easier than it used to be. It's the driving experience of EVs which I love and it's great to see how EVs are continuing to improve. They continue to exceed my expectations.

How well does the vehicle fit your lifestyle and driving needs?

Very. The incredible space that the PV5 packs into a small footprint means that it's the perfect family vehicle for holidays and trips requiring lots of outdoor kit (e.g. via kayak).

What has been the most pleasant surprise about owning an electric vehicle?

In addition to the enjoyment and ease of the driving experience, one pleasant surprise has been the ability to "pre-condition" the vehicle to the right temperature before you leave the house. This is a real bonus in the winter when you can "defrost" the vehicle before you leave the home rather than having to run the engine and spend 10 minutes scraping the ice off the windows!

How supported have you felt since your purchase?

I've felt very well supported by Lloyd Kia Carlisle and it's always a pleasure to drop in at the dealership. They've been really helpful and quick to address any queries.

How likely are you to recommend an electric vehicle to friends or family?

Very. I've shared my experiences with a number of friends over the years some of who've gone on to make the transition themselves and they've delighted with their new EVs.

Would you go back to a petrol or diesel car?

Not a chance!

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It's a story that echoes what we're hearing from more and more of our customers: once drivers make the switch to electric, the savings, the smoother driving experience and the everyday convenience keep them there for good. If you're weighing up whether an EV could work for you, our team at Lloyd Kia Carlisle are always happy to talk through your options, take you for a test drive, and help you find the right model for your lifestyle.

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