This one-stop shop helps drivers make the switch to an electric vehicle

Unlike traditional petrol or diesel cars, it can seem a little intimidating making the switch to an electric vehicle – especially if you haven’t driven one before. 

With so much to consider, from what model to get to installing a home charger and finding an affordable energy tariff – especially in the current climate –  it’s understandable to be put off the process, which is still in its infancy. 

However, more options are coming out with all-in-one packages helping to potentially make the transition smoother.

Many drivers are interested in making the switch to an electric car, but are confused or put off by upfront costs, the fear of the unknown when it comes to range anxiety and battery life, or the challenges of charging while on the road. 

That hasn’t stopped the electric car market in the UK from taking off.

Battery electric cars accounted for over 10 per cent of all UK car registrations in 2021 and over 15 per cent of new car sales in June 2022 alone.

Despite this, recent reports claim that motorists will have to wait between 12 and 24 months to get their hands on a new electric car.

However, drivers could get their hands on an electric car sooner, as LV= General Insurance has launched a one-stop shop for drivers to make the switch easier. 

ElectriX from the brand aims to make electric car ownership easier by working with vehicle leasing experts CBVC Vehicle Management, providing home charging via leading provider Indra and offering bespoke insurance. 

The EV platform also aims to deliver their vehicle to a driver’s doorstep as quickly as possible, with some cars available immediately. 

Hundreds of electric cars are available, including the Renault ZOE, Hyundai KONA, Volkswagen ID.3 and Peugeot 208.

Rental prices start from £238 a month to lease a brand new electric vehicle, or £340 per month including the charging point, insurance, and lease.

The home charging solution with Indra also gives drivers the chance to buy a Smart PRO home charger upfront and have it installed, which is compatible with all electric cars. 

The charger is designed to help drivers charge their car from home when it is cheapest and most convenient for them, with speeds up to 7.4kW boosting an electric car’s range by 30 miles in an hour. 

Prices for the charging points start at £1,149, with up 15-metres of mains supply cabling, as well as a 5m charging cable designed to fit all electric vehicles. 

The charging package also includes a series of smart features, including a personal charging schedule, solar compatibility, automatic software updates and home fuse protection.  

The insurance provided by LV= includes cover for home charging cables and wall boxes, the supply of electric courtesy cars and access to a network of specialist electric car repairers across the country. 

It also covers drivers if they run out of charge, either via a 30-minute charge at the roadside or transportation to the nearest charging unit, as well as a 90-day quote validity and LV= Britannia Rescue breakdown cover. 

The new platform also offers useful guidance and advice, designed to give drivers confidence in electric cars and how to get the most out of them. 

Octopus Electric Vehicles also recently launched its own electric car package last week, with long-term leases of an electric car, home charging and EV-specific energy tariff available from £430.   

Gill Nowell, head of EV communications at ElectriX, said: ‘Electric cars are our future and are rapidly gaining in popularity as being great cars to own and drive. 

‘The tide is turning in favour of zero tailpipe emission vehicles, with battery electric cars making up 16 per cent of car sales during the first half of 2022, but we still have a long way to go. This is where ElectriX comes in. 

‘We want to take the hassle out of electric car ownership which is why we’re giving drivers who are thinking about making the switch access to useful information, products and services, demystifying some of the common jargon used and be a source of truth when it comes to zero tailpipe emission driving.’

Mike Manners, managing director of CBVC Vehicle Management, said: ‘We are absolutely delighted to be working together with ElectriX. 

‘The transition to electric vehicles is so critical and with our joint know-how we are thrilled that we can now offer consumers a really exciting and affordable pathway into electric cars. 

‘ElectriX not only makes things really easy for the customer but also provides access to a great range of new vehicles right now.’

Leighton King, chief commercial officer at Indra, also added: ‘We are thrilled to begin this new partnership with ElectriX; it’s a great endorsement of our best-in-class end-to-end EV charging service. 

‘Our product will play a key role in demonstrating how easy and convenient EV ownership can be, which is a natural fit with the ElectriX customer-centric philosophy.’