Groundbreaking motorsport technology may just path the way for cheaper insurance as an electronic racing car tops 200mph and proves that eco-friendly vehicles can also put in a shift. It is couriers who will benefit initially as the introduction of electronically powered vans has received government backing – businesses using these vehicles will be given a grant to put towards the purchase.
The electric super car was debuted in Birmingham January 2012 and riled up plenty of excitement within the motor industry after unveiling its ability to reach 200mph. We have seen the development of hybrid technology over recent years and finally, that leap forward into affordable, single-fuel, electronic motoring is on the brink of becoming a reality.
Smart Cars
It seems like Smart Cars have been zipping about our cities for ages now but it isn’t too difficult to remember the buzz they created when first arriving on the tarmac. Since then, plenty of adaptations of the original box car have been developed and their progression seemed to move as quickly as Dyson.
The original idea for a Smart Car was based around using electricity only, until hitting a certain speed and then using petrol – perfect for inner city school/shop runs but not ideal for couriers hauling cargo cross-country.
Hybrids
Hybrid vehicles have been ecologically driving about public roads since Toyota introduced their Prius in Japan 1997. However, due to the low price of petrol in those years, the necessity for a hybrid car was almost completely absent. The global recession contributed to rapidly inflating fuel prices and soon enough, the interest in hybrid cars re-emerged and people started enquiring about that extra pump at the fuel station.
The Prius is still a popular hybrid car today but with its ongoing development, other hybrid vehicles were invented – including SUVs and vans.
Electric Vans
All-electric automobiles have always been the end goal for manufacturers – an objective catalysed with environmentalists campaigning against ‘dirty vehicles’. Ford and Nissan have enjoyed recent success with the introduction of their all-electric vans but the initial start-up costs are still putting some couriers off.
Saving Money
Electric charging points are becoming increasingly present within the UK’s major cities and the costs of a charge are incredibly low in comparison to filling up a fuel-combustive engine. So, in the long run, the electronic vans are much cheaper to run – which is great news for couriers.
The acquisition of courier van insurance for these electronic vehicles is best sourced from a quality broker. Aggregators may exclude the specialist technology from their policies but a broker will do everything in their power to find an adequate package and when they do – the price should be discounted due to the increased safety of the vehicles.
Furthermore, Transport Minister Norman Baker, recently revealed a government plan to issue a grant to any business that is planning to purchase an electronic van. The grant will cover 20% of the cost and that money saved can then be used to cover the courier insurance.
Conservationists are hopeful for more businesses to use these eco-friendly vehicles and with the associated low costs, that hope could easily develop into an actuality. It is encouraging to see such radical projects on the horizon – a horizon which can only become clearer as we all lower our emissions and effectively, lower our road tax.
