Last week, we released a video detailing the shocking and horrifying insights to the CO2 emissions given off by our small island. The fact of the matter is that even though we are one of the smallest countries in Europe, we have the largest CO2 footprint in Europe. Malta recorded the highest increase in CO2 emissions in all of Europe, according to Eurostat.
CO2 emissions pushes global warming and for us in Malta, we seem to be doing little to nothing about it. Even with the large government grants that we are given when wanting to buy an electric car, we are seeing new petrol stations being built around every corner.
On the video we released, we had hundreds comments opposing the idea of electric vehicles, not due to the fact that they are good for the environment but because they are too expensive in Malta when the average salary in Malta is at €18,000.
We compiled a case study of two types of the cheapest electric cars available on the market in Malta and factored in the government grant + savings on petrol to show that buying a new electric car in Malta really isn’t as expensive as it may seem.
2017 Smart Electric Drive, €19,700 (w/ grant)
The 2017 Smart Electric Drive is priced at €26,700 for a brand new electric smart. When you factor in the €7,000 government grant that brings the electric Smart down to €19,700 after scrapping your fossil fuel consuming car.
You have to admit, €19,700 for a brand new electric Smart is not something to complain about.
Now let’s factor in the saving in petrol over the next eight years. With the average spend on petrol at €110 per month that’s already an average saving of €1,320 per year or €10,560 over an 8 year period! Just on petrol.
We know what you’re going to say now. The electricity to charge the electric car adds up. We’ve thought about that and have taken the liberty to calculate the estimated maximum electricity cost.
Add the €240 yearly fee on the charging stations around Malta, or charge at home for more savings. Over eight years this is only €1920 for keeping your brand new electric car whizzing around the island.
It truly does pay you to invest in an electric vehicle and save the environment and yourself
Nissan Leaf Hatchback, €24,000 (w/ grant)
Nissan Leaf Hatchback: the second generation of the Nissan Leaf can be purchased brand new for around €31,000 and is an ideal family car.
Let’s take off that friendly €7,000 government grant when getting rid of a previously owned fossil fuel consuming car, and we’re now looking at €24,000.
Get rid of the €10,560 spent on average on petrol or diesel to power your car over an eight year period and you are left with a car that virtually costs €13,440.
Factor in the estimated maximum charging costs of around €240 per year over an eight year period and the new cost is €15,360.
Do you think electric cars and bikes are the future of Maltese transport? Tell us in the comments below.
