Is an Electric Car Right for You?
Many drivers think that an electric car won’t suit their needs – but that’s not necessarily the case. With the distance electric cars can cover and the speed of charging ever-improving, one of these models could fit seamlessly into your life.
But is an electric car right for you? Let’s break down the key considerations if you’re thinking of going electric.
Think About Your Regular Driving Habits
If you regularly drive long distances—like a round trip from Manchester to Edinburgh—an electric car might not be the best fit. However, for most people, such long trips are quite rare. It’s more useful to focus on the journeys you typically undertake daily, weekly, or occasionally.
On average, drivers cover about 7,000 miles a year, equating to roughly 19 miles a day or 133 miles a week. By considering the ranges of the electric cars you’re looking at, you may discover that you only need to charge your vehicle once every couple of weeks.
Plus, having a home EV charger or the ability to charge at work can significantly reduce hassle and costs, enabling you to top up while your car sits parked. Just remember to plan for those longer journeys by considering the public charging network you might need to rely on and how fast your electric car will charge.
Can You Charge at Home?
The main advantage of owning an electric car lies in your ability to charge at home, which enhances both convenience and affordability. Most often, this requires off-street parking. While charging from a three-pin plug is an option, it’s notoriously slow, potentially taking over a day to charge from flat to full.
To improve your experience, investing in a home wallbox charger is a smart choice. These chargers deliver more electricity, significantly reducing charging times—often bringing full charges down to around seven to eight hours. If you opt for a dual-rate electricity tariff, you could charge it overnight at a much lower cost.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
Charging costs can vary significantly compared to “putting in £30” for petrol or diesel. The size of your battery plays a crucial role. Larger batteries deliver more distance but also result in higher charging costs.
The public charging network you select can influence your costs, with speed also being a factor. In our exploration of electric car charging costs, we found that charging expenses could differ by as much as £20 depending on where and how you charge.
When charging at home, make sure you’re on the most advantageous electricity tariff to keep expenses down. At an electricity price cap of around 27p/kWh, charging a Volkswagen ID.3 for 268 miles may cost around £16 under official figures. If you select an appropriate dual-rate or EV tariff, rates could tumble to 8p/kWh, bringing your charging costs down to less than £5.
Average UK EV Charging Costs
| Type of Charge | Average Cost per kWh | Average Charge Cost* (10-80%) | Average Charge Cost* (0-100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Charging (over 50kW) | 68p | £27.61 | £39.44 |
| Public Charging (under 50kW) | 51p | £20.71 | £29.58 |
| Home Charging (peak) | 27p | £10.96 | £15.66 |
| Home Charging (off-peak) | 8p | £3.25 | £4.64 |
*Cost assumes a 58kWh battery, such as that fitted to the Volkswagen ID.3.
Performance and How an Electric Car Drives
First-time electric car drivers are often surprised by the impressive straight-line performance of their vehicles. Most electric cars can achieve 0-60mph times that rival those of sports cars from just a decade ago.
The second noticeable feature is the smoothness of the driving experience. While some may find that wind and road noise become more apparent—since they aren’t masked by the sounds of a combustion engine—the seamless drive can be a highlight.
One significant aspect to adjust to is regenerative braking, which recovers energy and feeds it back to the battery. Initially, this might feel awkward, as it can seem like an anchor pulling when you let off the accelerator. However, with time, it becomes a natural part of driving and helps maximize your car’s range.
Some drivers may find drawbacks in missing the visceral feel of changing gears or the character that a petrol or diesel engine provides.
Should I Buy an Electric Car?
Buy One If:
- You can charge at home or work.
- You typically follow predictable routes with consistent mileage.
- You’re interested in reducing your running costs.
Don’t Buy One If:
- You frequently drive long distances in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
- You lack the ability to charge at home.
- You need to minimize the upfront cost of purchasing a new car.
Understanding these factors will help you determine if making the switch to electric is the right choice for your driving lifestyle.