Owning an EV: What should I consider before buying one?
What to consider before buying an EV
With more and more choices becoming available for the consumer, ranging from the budget-friendly Dacia Spring right up to the hardcore Hyundai Ioniq 5N, there certainly is an eclectic mix of the breed to fit more peoples’ needs and lifestyles.
But, even though the choice of EVs is expanding, charging them up and living with them day-to-day can be very different to owning an internal combustion-engined vehicle. So, you need to do your research beforehand to make sure an electric car is going to benefit you financially and it’s going to fit into your life without causing any issues.
We’ve compiled a list of checks you need to make before you hand over you make the switch.
Install a home charger
One of the best investments to make is to install a home charger. If you live in a flat and can’t gain access to one, then maybe an EV will not be for you. But, if you live in a house that has space where one could be fitted, then do it. The cost of installation ranges from £450 to £1,200, but it can save you a shed load of cash in the long run.
Most standard home chargers are a slower AC 7kW type, but a full charge on your car will cost as little as £10 to £13 – a little cheaper than a £60 top up at some public chargers. Also, it can add value to your house and make living with an EV much easier as you can plug it in overnight to wake up to a fully charged car.
Make sure it fits your lifestyle
There are lots of different EVs on the market that come in all shapes and sizes. But, if you’re considering a certain type – make sure it’s going to fit your lifestyle. If you do a lot of miles every week – an electric car with a range of only 150 miles isn’t going to cut it.
This means you’ll have to look into something with a larger battery pack that offers more miles. But there’s usually a car that’ll fit most range requirements.
Look at your local charging infrastructure
Before buying an electric car, check out your local area's EV charging infrastructure. There’s no point in purchasing one to not have anywhere to charge it up, especially if you haven’t got access to a home charger. However, charger numbers have increased massively over recent years, so it’s likely that you’ll have some form of charge point nearby.
If you find enough chargers within a certain range of your house, offering AC and DC charging points, that will make your life a lot easier.
Remember that EVs still need servicing
While electric vehicles don’t require as much servicing as their petrol and diesel-powered cousins, you’ll still need to factor in the cost of replacing and fixing certain parts. Tyres, of course, will need to be swapped out for new ones when they’re low on tread and you’ll also need to fit fresh brake pads and discs - though this won’t happen as often as on an internal combustion-engined car.
It’s always worth having your car looked over by a trained mechanic from time to time, too, in order to flag any potential issues which might have arisen during your time with the car.
