With the growing pressure on drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles and with the rising fuel prices in recent months, you may be wondering whether it’s finally time to switch out your petrol or diesel motor in favour of an electric alternative. The truth is, however, that there is no straightforward answer to that question! Electric vehicles have certainly come on leaps and bounds in recent years, but they are still better suited to some households than others depending on your routine, your needs, your budget and even the area that you live in. To help you decide, we’ve put together a few things to consider before heading out and picking up an electric car.

Your Routine

When it comes to electric vehicles, one concern that a lot of people seem to have is whether the range will cover their daily routine. In most cases, anyone with a relatively average daily commute should be completely fine with an EV. The average UK motorist drives around 25 miles or less a day and most EVs can easily handle this without the need for daily charging. If you’re driving long distances, however, you may need to approach an electric vehicle with a bit more thought. Can you recharge your vehicle at work or while out on the road? How about at home? You may also need to look into ways to maximise the range of your vehicle. 

Cost

While the cost of charging your vehicle on the road may be less than filling up at a petrol station, you do need to consider all of the costs involved in buying and owning an electric vehicle. Typically, EVs are more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel alternatives and are fewer and farther between when it comes to used cars. You also need to consider the strain on your electricity bill. Some providers may offer you lower tariffs overnight, but others may not change this at all so you’ll need to factor in the electricity costs. It is still typically cheaper than petrol or diesel, but worth considering all the same.

Home Charging

Even if you’ve calculated the costs of electricity for charging your vehicle at home, you still need to consider whether you can do it at all. Owning an EV is much easier for those who can install proper charge points at home, as it can cost far less to charge your car overnight and can be done much more efficiently. The cost can be high upfront to have one installed, but some schemes are available to help with this cost. If you don’t have off-street parking, this is unlikely to be possible and you will need to find alternative charging arrangements (e.g. if you have a charger at work). 

Your Needs

What do you need from your vehicle? Is an EV suitable for your lifestyle? With the ongoing uptake of electric vehicles country-wide, you’ll likely find an electric vehicle version of most modern car types, whether it’s a small, zippy city car, or a larger family car with enough room for a dog or two. If you have a hectic lifestyle with minimal charging points nearby and no opportunity to charge overnight, you may need to consider alternatives, such as self-charging hybrids, in the meantime.

Where You Live

The number of charge points across the UK is growing constantly, but there are still some areas that are lacking. If you live in a rural area, finding a charge point nearby can seem impossible at the best of times, so you should consider your local availability before you take the plunge and buy an electric car. Charging point installation is set to continue rising over the coming years, so it could just be a matter of holding out a little longer before making the switch. 

If you’re considering an electric vehicle or already own one and are looking for vehicle repair or servicing, we are on hand to help. Our team are well versed in EVs and the work and diagnostics required – simply get in touch for more information or to book your vehicle in, today.