Why commuting in an electric car has transformed my journey, and my wallet

We caught up with Gareth Hollins, Head of Business at Lloyd Kia West Cumbria, to hear about his experience commuting from Penrith to Workington in an electric vehicle – and why he wouldn’t go back to petrol or diesel.

Like many drivers, Gareth was initially hesitant about switching to an electric car. But after driving a Kia EV9 for several months, he’s now convinced it was the best decision he could have made.
 

Convenience at home and on the road

“There’s a common misconception that charging an EV is inconvenient, especially when relying on public charging networks,” Gareth explains. “To make the transition easier, I installed a home charger. Now, I simply arrive home, plug in the cable, lock the car, and let the programmed charging schedule do the rest. Even my 8-year-old son enjoys helping with this routine!"

Charging overnight during off-peak hours means Gareth benefits from cheaper electricity rates, gaining around 80 miles of range between midnight and 5 a.m. – more than enough for his daily commute.

A more efficient and cost-effective solution

“In comparison, fuelling up a petrol or diesel car feels far more time-consuming. Instead of waiting in line for a pump, standing in all weather conditions while the tank fills, and then queuing to pay, I can charge my EV at home while I relax. And if I need extra miles, I can switch to immediate charging at home – which, even at a higher rate, is still significantly cheaper than filling a fuel tank.”

When longer journeys require public charging, Gareth has a strategy in place.

“The EV9’s ultra-fast charging capability means I can go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes with a high-voltage DC fast charger. Rather than stopping at a typical motorway service station, I take a short detour to a public charging facility with a coffee shop. It’s no different from our usual motorway breaks, and we’ve even found our favourite stops on the M6 and M5.”
 

Saving money while driving smarter

Not only has switching to an electric car saved Gareth time and hassle, but it has also had a positive impact on his finances.

“The cost of charging – even at public stations – is comparable to the price of fuel, but home charging offers incredible savings. When you consider the lower maintenance costs of an EV compared to a combustion engine vehicle, the financial benefits add up quickly.”

For Gareth, the decision is clear:

“Making the switch to an electric vehicle has completely transformed my daily commute. It’s cost-effective, convenient, and better for the environment. I wouldn’t look back.”

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