The transition towards electric cars is progressing slowly but steadily
The Spanish market is slowly adapting to the new trend of electric cars. According to data from the Spanish Association of Automobile and Truck Manufacturers (ANFAC), up to August, sales of electrified vehicles increased by 28.4%. These vehicles include electric and plug-in hybrid models, across passenger cars, quadricycles, commercial and industrial vehicles, and buses. The pace is positive, but still too slow to reach the European average.
AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC CARS: THE KEY
One of the main obstacles when choosing between an electric or combustion-engine car is the price. The former are usually more expensive, but social and governmental pressure, together with the trend towards the disappearance of combustion-engine cars, is making it increasingly urgent to choose electric vehicles.
To address this imbalance, there is government support through the Moves Plan. The latest call for this initiative allocated 400 million euros. Buyers of a 100% electric car are eligible for 4,500 euros in aid, which can increase to 7,000 euros if an old car is scrapped as part of the purchase. These grants also apply to other types of eco-friendly vehicles.
To obtain this benefit, certain requirements must be met, such as the car not being second-hand. It also cannot exceed a price of 45,000 euros, except if it has more than eight seats, in which case the maximum price is 53,000 euros. In addition, it should be noted that part of the amount received will have to be repaid in the next income tax return, depending on the applicant’s assets.
THE CHEAPEST ELECTRIC VEHICLES
According to the technology website Xataka, the cheapest electric cars on the market can range between 20,000 and 30,000 euros. The cheapest at the moment would be the Dacia Spring, starting at 20,205 euros. It is a model designed for urban environments, as its 27.4 kWh battery offers a range of only 230 kilometres.
For a little more money, around 25,000 euros, we find the classic Renault Twingo and the Smart EQ Fortwo, two small models also intended for city driving. For electric cars with greater range, prices rise to around 30,000 euros, where we find models such as the Peugeot e-208 or the Citroën ë-C4.
CHARGING STATIONS
Another obstacle we encounter when deciding whether to buy an electric vehicle is the shortage of charging stations. Although it is becoming easier and easier to find one in Spain. At APPARKYA, we are joining this eco-friendly trend, and five of our car parks already have charging points. One in Granada, Hermanos Maristas, and four in Seville: Mercado del Arenal, José Laguillo, Mercado de Triana and Rafael Salgado.
This service works through the Smart Mobility app made available by Iberdrola. From there, users can select the charging point they want to go to. By registering in advance, they will be able to charge their vehicle and check consumption through their mobile phone.
