In the race for ‘net zero’, Government has encouraged us to buy electric vehicles (EVs). However, you need to think very carefully before you take the plunge. Here are some of the factors you need to consider.

Range and Daily Driving Needs

One of the primary concerns for potential EV buyers is range—the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. Here in the UK, daily commutes are often shorter, making many EVs with ranges of 150-300 miles suitable for most drivers. However, for longer journeys, it’s essential to ensure the EV’s range can comfortably meet your needs, considering the availability of charging stations along the way. If you’re going into an ultra-low emission zone, an electric car is a particularly good option. If you’re planning a longer trip in the countryside, you will probably want a combustion engine (but see Hybrid vehicles below).

Charging Infrastructure

The UK’s charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding, with over 40,000 public charging points. Despite this growth, the convenience of home charging remains a significant advantage. The distribution of charging points is quite uneven with a lot less in rural areas, although the government is planning to address this by building a further 260,000 public chargers by 2030. Until these public chargers are built, installing a home charger (particularly a faster Level 2 charger) is a good alternative. If you rely on public chargers, it's crucial to check the availability of charging stations in your area and along regular routes.

Battery Life and Warranty

Battery longevity and warranty are vital considerations. Most EV manufacturers offer warranties of around 8 years or 100,000 miles. Understanding what the warranty covers and the expected battery degradation over time can help in assessing the long-term viability of an EV.

Cost and Incentives

The upfront cost of EVs is higher than conventional vehicles. The average petrol car costs £24,000 whereas the average electric car costs £40,000 but various incentives can offset this. For example, the government currently offers grants such as the charge point grant. This grant provides support towards the costs of purchase and installation of EV charge points in residential areas. Additionally, lower running costs, including reduced fuel and maintenance expenses, make EVs financially appealing in the long run. That said, it will take a while to offset that initial EV premium. Furthermore, Autotrader demonstrates that EVs depreciate very slightly faster on average than petrol and diesel-powered models. The biggest drop in EV cars compared to their counterparts is within the first 12 months, hence the importance of making the right decision when contemplating the purchase of a new car.

Vehicle Type and Features

EVs come in diverse forms, from compact cars to sports utility vehicles. Buyers should choose an EV that fits their lifestyle, considering passenger capacity, boot space, and features like advanced driver-assistance systems. Test driving multiple models can help identify the best fit. Large batteries result in bulky cars, especially in the SUV class.

Charging Time

Petrol or diesel cars don’t take much time to fill up, whereas charging times for EVs vary by vehicle and charger type but generally you will have to wait at least 30-40 minutes if you are using public fast chargers. If you are using home charging with a standard outlet, it can take several hours. Understanding these charging times is crucial for smooth ownership experience.

Environmental Impact

EVs reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Charging EVs with renewable energy sources further enhances their environmental benefits. If you feel that you want to reduce your own carbon footprint, then purchasing an electric car will help you in your endeavour. Some say that the environmental benefit isn’t great because of the mining of natural resources such as Lithium, but really this is negligible when you consider that with each mile you drive in your EV, you are counterbalancing those emissions.

Hybrids

As well as the few EV substitutes on the market, you can opt for a hybrid car, which has an electric motor and a petrol engine. These are popular with suburban or rural homeowners, who have their own EV charge point. When driving locally they have the benefit of low emissions, while also making use of good fuel economy. On longer journeys, hybrid cars don’t need to be plugged in to charge the battery. Instead, the battery is charged when driving at higher speeds or when braking. Additionally, if the car runs out of charge, the petrol engine can power the car independently of the battery. In short, hybrids offer flexibility. If you do decide to invest in a hybrid, Which Magazine say that the Kia Niro and the Honda Civic hybrids are the best options overall.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s down to your preference but hopefully this article will help you make an informed decision on what to buy based on your needs and wants.

Buying an electric vehicle in the UK involves evaluating range, charging infrastructure, battery life, cost, vehicle type, charging time, and environmental impact. Thoroughly considering these factors will help you make an informed decision.

Andrew Hamilton. (Research kindly provided by Edward Allan) October 2024