Island Electric Vehicles? No Charge

The Isle of Wight Council is offering a free 12-month parking permit for owners of new, zero-emission electric vehicles.

Graham Vanassche, Director of Leslies Motors, said; “electric vehicles are very much a buzz word at the moment. They are fun to drive as the power is instant, they reduce fuel costs, and now thanks to the Isle of Wight Council parking is free”

Leslies Motors offers a range of Electric Vehicles (EV) including the “Best Electric Car” and the “Best Car Of The Year” award winner; the Kia e-Niro. The first all-electric car to win the coveted awards from WhatCar? magazine.

The Kia e-Niro has a range of 282 miles from a single charge, and features a luxury full Leather Interior, Heated Seats, Satellite Navigation, Reversing Camera, and Smart Cruise Control. Kia are also set to add to their range of Electric vehicles later this year, with the new Kia Soul EV.

Hyundai were the first manufacturer to build a car available in all three form of electrification; the Hyundai Ioniq Self-charging Hybrid, the Hyundai Ioniq PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. More recently Hyundai have also launched an electric version of the incredibly popular crossover; the Hyundai Kona EV.

Councillor John Hobart, Cabinet member for heritage and environment, said: “Pure electric cars and vans do not pump out harmful emissions into the air we breathe. As well as reducing emissions and improving air quality, owners also enjoy miniscule running costs with the cost of recharging significantly less than the price of a tank of petrol or diesel.

“Our new All Island Electric Vehicle Permit supports our sustainable transport objectives by providing a local incentive to stimulate the purchase of electric vehicles by Islanders.”

iw council electric vehicle

There are now five Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) located in council car parks. The EVCPs in Ryde, Cowes, Sandown and Freshwater are 'fast' chargers which typically take between two and three hours to administer a full vehicle charge. The EVCP in Newport is a 'rapid' charger. This is the fastest available and can sufficiently charge a vehicle in twenty to thirty minutes, costing on average £6 per charge.

The All Island Electric Vehicle Permit is open to owners of vehicles registered to an Island address between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020. Applications for the permit can be made online at www.iwight.com/parkingpermits

We have a number of electric vehicles here at Leslies Motors. Take a look at a few below: 

By Richard Winter