Stop war – drive EVs

Driving an electric vehicle can help the world avoid war.

That’s one unexpected response to a Flip the Fleet poll on reasons for people buying an EV.

“Oil played a huge part almost all wars since WW2,” the respondent says. “The Syrian war today is an oil war,” referring to the way both the West and Russia have an interest in oil pipelines going through Syria.

This comment was among those from owners who drive electric cars partly to escape the oil industry’s power, and its impact on our economy and environment.

“EV owners tend to think globally and act locally,” Flip the Fleet spokeswoman Pam McKinlay says.

April’s poll asked EV owners the main reason for buying their cars – fast pick-up/acceleration, green credentials, low running costs, smart technology, quiet and comfortable ride, or for some other reason. The desire to promote world peace fell into the last option.

Nearly half of the respondents (49%) bought an EV for its green credentials. Many felt a personal and global responsibility to avoid greenhouse gases and climate change by taking the ‘car’ out of their carbon footprint.

One named US president Donald Trump in providing a wake-up call that people can’t rely on politicians to protect the planet – so they figured they had to step up themselves.

Many expressed a sense of urgency and believed buying an EV was one of the most practical ways families and businesses can act for our children’s future.

Low running costs was the main attraction of EVs (33% of respondents), mainly because of reduced fuel costs. Some saw savings extending far beyond the petrol pump. EVs are expected to last longer and travel further in their lifetime than equivalent internal combustion vehicles. Electric motors’ simple construction also means they cost less to maintain.

Smart technology was the EV’s main pull for 7% of respondents, and 4% mainly wanted the quiet, comfortable ride. The latter included an elderly, hearing-impaired couple who now enjoy a nice chat while driving.

Many owners found difficulty singling out a main reason for buying an EV because they love the whole package.

“Women and men are equally likely to buy electric, but they tend to do so for different reasons,” McKinlay says.

“Our survey showed that women were more likely to choose EVs for their green credentials, and men were more likely to rate low running costs and the smart technology as their main reason for buying.”

Visit FlipTheFleet.org for more information.