In partnership with E.ON
The future of sustainable driving is bright. As of 2022, there were half a million electric cars on UK roads – and this is set to rise with the forthcoming ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. But you don’t have to wait that long to join the green revolution or invest in an electric car – you can make a difference now by making small changes to your day-to-day driving habits.
Racing driver Jamie Chadwick shares her top 5 tips for being more eco-friendly behind the wheel.
1. Don’t underestimate electric
Some people may think that electric cars aren’t equipped for driving in really challenging conditions. But with E-racing, we travel to some of the most remote locations and drive on crazy racetracks. If electric cars are capable of surviving a race where they’ve been driven at 160mph for 20 minutes, then they’re more than capable of taking on today’s roads. Plus, in many areas pure electric cars (EVs) don’t have to pay a congestion or clean air zone charge. Win win.
2. If you can’t go electric, buy nearly new
Buying electric isn’t feasible for everyone. If you need to buy a car but can’t afford to splash out on a brand-new electric one, look into buying one that’s two or three years old instead. Newer cars tend to pollute less and are made to be more environmentally efficient than older models – even if they’re not electric – so you’re still doing your bit for the planet while saving some money too.
3. Maintenance matters
If you already have a car, you can maintain it in a way that helps reduce pollution. This includes regularly checking your tyre pressure as underinflated tyres increase your fuel consumption and avoiding overfilling your tank as spilled fuel evaporates and can release harmful emissions into the air. And consider investing in an engine tuning kit for your car – making sure your engine is fine-tuned can enhance its performance and reduce fuel consumption.
4. Explore car sharing
Another way to drive more sustainably is by sharing a car. Lots of people have struck up arrangements with family members, friends, and neighbours to share one car between them to reduce their environmental footprint and save money. There’s also a load of car-sharing apps, including Hiyacar and Zipcar. Once you’re signed up as a member, you can use these cars as and when you need them – without having to worry about paying for MOTs, permanent parking or repairs.
5. Mix it up with public transport
My last sustainable driving tip is to simply avoid driving when you can. If you commute for work, you could consider using public transport during the week and reserve car use for weekends. A study led by Oxford University’s Transport Studies Unit found that shifting to active transport like walking or cycling can reduce up to 25% of personal carbon dioxide emissions from transport. This means that when you do need to drive, you can enjoy doing so without feeling the guilt.
Feeling inspired to live more sustainably? See more of Marie Claire and E.ON’s Change Maker Series where we speak to the incredible Jamie Chadwick doing what she can to shake up the world of sustainability. And be sure to visit E.ON where you'll find more inspirational stories from people who are taking action for climate.
