Driving around during the recent petrol crisis did more than highlight the issues within the country’s supply chain and apparent labour shortages. The inevitability of the electric car was laid bare for all to so and it has been difficult to ignore the smugness of those driving around in them – you only had to dare to go on social media for that one. If you weren’t considering your own transition from your existing car, gas-guzzling or otherwise, you probably are now.

There are still a few hurdles most of us need to overcome before we seriously start thinking about taking the leap. First and foremost are the cost implications. Despite the obvious gap between petrol/diesel vehicles and their electric equivalent, the gap is starting to close. Add to that the fact that the used car market for electric vehicles will continue to grow in the coming months and years allowing more of us to enter the market and the affordability issue becomes less of a problem.

Another major concern is the range a full battery charge will give and, just as importantly, the availability of charging points when required. The longest-range vehicles out there at the moment can last up to 400 miles without needing to be recharged – comparable to many of the vehicles we drive today. The important point here is that most EV owners will have a charging point at home meaning that filling up your car will be like charging your mobile phone – the arduous trip to the petrol station a thing of the past.

There has been a lot in the press recently about the lack of EV charging points in public places. For some, being able to only charge at home will not be enough (what about holidays, overnight stays with work etc.?) You have every right to start having the conversations with your employer about what their plans are for EV charging. If you work in a larger building with many businesses, talk to the powers that be within that building. Employers now have a responsibility to start thinking about this.

If you are a business owner reading this and are thinking about the future, see it as a possibility rather than something else you have to fork out for. The technology is there to charge customers and clients for charging their car at your station. You may even want to charge some and let others use it for free – that is a possibility too. If you are the only business in your area offering EV charging, market your station correctly and you could see a very tidy profit for doing very little after the initial financial outlay.

There is plenty to think about for both car users and business-owners in the coming months and years. The only advice I will give is don’t let any of the hurdles delay any thoughts you are having about switching to an electric vehicle or indeed installing an EV charging station. Let’s get those conversations started and make sure we are ready for the unavoidable reality that is the electric vehicle.