Electric Cars: What You Need to Know Before Buying One

Feb 16, 2024

You may be finding an electric vehicle (EV) increasingly tempting recently… If you are, you’re not alone. In the government’s January 2024 report, there were over 1.6m plug-in vehicles on British roads. Already in 2024, there have been 600,000 new EV registrations. This represents a huge shift away from our historic reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles.

So what exactly is causing this? Should I be leaping to get an EV?

Ultimately this is mostly to do with our increased awareness of our environment. Some may be deeply concerned about climate change and want to make conscious choices for the future. Others may find that their city or area is introducing more aggressive charges for traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. On top of that, there’s the price of fuel itself which has seen a sharp surge in recent years largely due to political conflict.

All these factors together have created a new space for EVs to boom - more brands have focussed on expanding their hybrid and electric offering. In turn, this increased competition has helped to push prices down - meaning they are getting more affordable. But before you run off to buy one, it’s worth having a think about some of the factors below:

1. Range anxiety

This one you’ve probably heard of - it’s the well-known fear of EV owners that they won’t have sufficient charge to reach their destination (meaning they would have to stop to recharge, which can take quite some time). However, the worries about this are improving; battery technology is coming on rapidly and many newer models will manage over 200 miles on one charge. However if you regularly drive very long distances at high speed, this could be something to bear in mind - especially given charging time.

2. Charging points

Another common concern is where to charge - if you’re considering an EV, you’ll most likely end up doing most of the charging at home. So have a look at how this setup would work for your property and think about that cost; home installation is typically around the £1,000 mark if you secure a government grant. You may have noticed at garages and public car parks that public charging points seem to be springing up everywhere, which is great news for prospective buyers. Apps like Zap-Map can also help you locate points when you’re out. It’s worth keeping in mind that not all charging points perform the same - with lots of users complaining of chargers which take their money and don’t charge effectively.

3. Cost

As mentioned earlier, EV costs are beginning to come down as more players enter the market - however, on average the upfront is typically higher than that of a traditional vehicle. However, this trend is beginning to change in the second-hand EV market, which is great news for anyone considering a preowned car. The key saving you’ll find on an EV though is its running cost. Long-term, you should find charging much more economical than petrol/diesel. There are also far fewer mechanical components in an EV, which means maintenance costs usually come out lower, and the cherry on top of the cake is that you won’t be subject to vehicle tax (and potentially other city charges) if the car is fully electric.

4. Finding the right model

Of course you will find there is a smaller amount of choice when navigating the EV landscape, however most people will still be able to find something they like and suits their lifestyle. As for petrol and diesel vehicles, it’s important to do your research - in fact, more important if it’s your first EV - and take the car out for a test drive to see if you like it. Visit multiple dealerships and make sure to ask lots of questions so you know what you’re in for. It’s worth noting that very popular EV models often have long waiting lists, so get your name down quickly if you fall in love with something.

Wrapping It Up

In the future, it’s quite likely we will all be reliant on EVs, so it’s a great idea to get to know the landscape now. The industry has come on a lot in the last few years and will likely continue to do so in the next few, so whether you choose to make the switch this or next time, you’ll be in good hands. These vehicles are on the rise, but they do have different requirements and higher upfront costs - both of which need to be thought about carefully before you leap.

Whether you’re thinking of buying electric or not, it’s worth reviewing our guide on what to consider before buying a new car. If you’re keen to switch, check out these top-reviewed electric cars in the UK in 2024.