• First Thoughts

• Scheme cars demonstrated at Antrim Board Centre

• First ever EV Test Drive

• The Calculations

  • Charging and EV costs

  • Home EV Charger

  • Pension Effect

• Car Order and Delivery

• Two months later

I had already benefited from the Cycle2Work Scheme, use the Lifestyle Savings Scheme, and pay into the AVC Salary Sacrifice Scheme, but did I really need a new car. The simple answer was no. 

Health and Wellbeing organised an event at Antrim Board Centre showcasing various Tusker car options. This prompted me to register on the scheme and explore the available cars and their costs.  As I hadn't driven an EV before, I arranged a test drive with Charles Hurst for the BYD Seal, even though it wasn't my preferred choice. 

Chatting with people there seems to be a ‘myth’ that driving an EV will feel majorly different than a Diesel or a petrol car but the quietness will probably be the most noticeable aspect for people.  I tested the BYD Seal in Eco, Normal and in Sports mode, and I would be lying if I didn't say the Sports mode had me smiling a bit on the way home.  

Considering my costs at the time, including monthly payment, insurance, tax, tyres, and servicing, and then compared with monthly scheme costs that include all these.  I estimated a saving of around £1,600 annually by comparing the BYD Seal to these as well as estimated fuel cost changes. With the test drive and seeing the savings, I decided to order the BYD Seal on the Friday with a 4 year contract.  Using the scheme also meant I felt I was not risking the financial depreciation an EV tends to have in relation to battery warranty.   Another aspect is no payment penalty if leaving or retiring from EA during the agreed contract term.

Looking at the EV cost comparison for home charging, remote charging and remote fast charging it is a major cost saving having the home charger. Power NI Electric car tariffs (other providers are available) nighttime rate allows low-cost charging during specific hours. I also use this low-rate period for the washer/dryer and the dishwasher. 

My legacy fuel costs were £180 to £200 a month verses approx. £60 a month EV home costs. Charging at home eliminates trips to the petrol station, and the car reminds me of my set charge schedule. The range is 324 miles, and I ensure with my charge pattern it stays within a good range so there are no ‘can I make it' concerns. 

Always perform your own calculations, as individual circumstances vary.

For the EV charger installation, I took photos and videos of my house setup using a straightforward app process which helps the supplier with their initial installation planning. The charger was installed a month before the car arrived, and there is a mobile app for approving charging requests to prevent unauthorised use.

Tusker calculations show how salary sacrifice impacts your pension, which is essential at any career stage. Knowing I was saving monthly car costs, I increased my Shared Cost AVC salary sacrifice to cover the pension impact.

Ordering the car was simple, with a few forms to sign, including one by my line manager. Throughout the process, I received email updates including insurance for the car arrival.

When the car arrived at the dealer, I felt frustrated as I couldn't immediately pick it up having to wait a few extra days for home delivery. However, receiving the car at my house turned out to be a nicer experience than picking it up at the garage.

Now settled into the EV experience finding it handier to charge the car at home than going to the petrol station.  The car also obtained its first over the air system update which added new functionality including an auto start function which starts the car when I get in.

Overall I have found this a very positive experience with the simple ordering steps, cost savings and loving the EV over the air updates with car improvements.