Things to think about when buying an EV
If you’re thinking about buying an EV, there are many things to consider (other than that burst of electric acceleration as you pull away!). We’ve put together this short electric car buying guide to help you make sure that your new vehicle ticks all your boxes.
Range
One of the most important things to consider before buying electric is its mileage. Can you get where you need to go regularly without having to charge on the way? Range anxiety is one thing that has put people off looking to buy EV cars in the past.
Luckily though, times have changed. When EV’s first hit our roads in large numbers about a decade ago, anything close to 100 miles was considered a good range. Now though, that would be considered poor, with many new models boasting real life ranges of 200-300 miles, plenty for the average commuter.
If you do regularly make long journeys, you may still want to consider buying a hybrid car, rather than going fully electric to avoid multiple charging stops.
Charging facilities
Having a car with plenty of range is all well and good, but you are going to need to charge it eventually! Consider the charging options at home and when you’re out on the road before you buy an electric vehicle.
Public access to EV chargers has improved in recent years. There are now well over 50,000 electric vehicle charging points across the UK in over 30,000 charging locations. More than half of these charging points are considered ‘fast’, with charging times of 1-6 hours, with almost 20% ‘rapid’ charging your car to 80% (the often-recommended target from manufacturers to extend battery life) in an hour or less.
It’s important for you to note the number of accessible charging points along the regular journeys you take. Are there EV charging points near your work, at your friends’ and relatives’ homes, and at other places you regularly spend time?
If there are a lack of charging facilities on your commute or in your workplace, perhaps think about having a home charging point fitted. If you regularly undertake long journeys away from fast charging stations, perhaps consider a hybrid car purchase, rather than a pure EV.
Environmental Impact
It is well-acknowledged that fossil fuel-powered vehicles are one of the major causes of air pollution and that air pollution contributes to climate change. Using an electric car can have a significant impact on individual carbon emissions, cutting them by up to 30% if you buy an electric vehicle over a petrol or diesel alternative.
Cost of purchase
Yes, you may be doing your bit to help the planet, but can you afford to buy an EV? Electric cars do tend to be more expensive than petrol or diesel equivalents, but they are full of modern technology, and often fun to drive!
Like with any car purchase, there are many options at different price points to choose from. The cheapest is the Citroën Ami (which is technically a quadricycle) at under £10,000! There are plenty of larger EVs in the £20,000 to £30,000 price range that provide excellent value for money. Porsche and BMW now have high-end all-electric cars going for around £100,000, with sportscar like performance.
Consider the total cost of ownership
When you buy an electric car, you’ll save on running costs. Estimates vary, but across 5 years, the average EV owner can be expected to save over £2000 on fuel. As with any vehicle however, your costs aren’t confined to your initial outlay and fuel. You will also need to buy electric car parts, pay for servicing and future maintenance, along with the usual insurance costs that all car owners must budget for.
Overall, EVs tend to work out cheaper to run and service than traditional cars, but a lot will depend on the car you choose, and future changes in UK laws also need to be considered.
Currently, EV owners don’t have to pay for road tax in the UK, which can be seen as an advantage. However, this will change from April 2025, at which point electric vehicles will be subject to road tax fees, whilst there is also a proposed car tax supplement for high-end electric cars (those exceeding £40,000 in value).
New or used electric vehicles?
The used car market in the UK is growing, as EV’s become more popular. Buying second-hand could cut your initial outlay and is certainly something to consider.
If you’re buying a used EV, just be aware that you’ll need to check all the standard features (as you would with any car), and that the battery, charging cable and other systems, such as the traction motor and high-voltage control system, are all in good working order.
Whether you’re looking at brand-new EVs or a second-hand hybrid, make sure that you’ve considered all the implications of buying electric. Do your research thoroughly and enjoy the wide range of options on offer from the growing EV market. Test drive the electric cars you like the look of and can afford while keeping in mind the range and other features you need to ensure that buying an electric car is a viable option for you. Hopefully, our guide to buying an electric car will help you to decide whether to buy electric for the first time!