Should you buy an electric car?

Electric vehicles are quite simply the future, with the petrol/diesel car ban set for 2035, now is the time to make the switch. Following the advancements in EV technology over the last few years, there is now a brilliant selection of electric vehicles, so you can find one which suits you.

In this blog, we’re looking at some of the key benefits of owning an electric car and evaluating whether it would be the right choice for you.

EVs are gradually becoming cheaper in the modern market due to most car brands commissioning production on their own model of electric vehicle. The increasing competitiveness of the EV landscape is helping drive the overall cost of electric vehicles down, and just in time too. With the impending ban on diesel and petrol cars set to come into play in 2035, which has also contributed to the lowering of price tags.

Although you may still pay slightly more to purchase an electric vehicle, you can expect to save more money in the long run due to lower running costs. With petrol and diesel prices forever fluctuating, one thing you can rely on is your charge point, which is estimated to provide you with a full charge (roughly 200 miles) for around £17.

Another incentive which can help reduce the overall cost of owning and running an EV is the grants offered by the government. Currently, they offer financial help to those looking to buy their own charge point, such as the flat owners chargepoint grant, which offers a 75% discount to those who own or rent flats.

There is also a Workplace Charging Scheme offered by the government to incentivise organisations to install charging stations on work premises. As an Electric vehicle owner, this can help diminish the cost even further, as you will likely be able to sufficiently charge your car at work without the need to purchase a chargepoint for your home.

When in the market for an electric car, you’ll want to weigh up all aspects of ownership and evaluate whether it’s actually right for you. To help you do this, we’re looking at some of the pros and cons - the latter of which have reduced hugely over the last few years.

• Greener - Electric vehicles produce no harmful emissions when driven, helping to reduce air pollution.
• Less maintenance - With fewer moving parts, specifically in the engine, less maintenance is required and the chance of a fault occurring is subsequently lower.
• Automatic - All EVs are automatic, which are widely regarded as easier to drive.
• Cheaper to run - It’s estimated that electric cars can be up to three times cheaper to ‘refuel’ than petrol/diesel cars, with a full charge available for far less than a full tank.

• Range anxiety - This comes from the driver fearing that their charge will not last the full range of their journey. Whilst most EVs typically do provide a shorter range when compared with petrol cars, this is becoming less of an issue as EV ranges increase. The Tesla Model 3 boasts a range of over 300 miles, with the ability to add up to 175 miles of range from just 15 minutes hooked up to a supercharger.
• Long refuel times - Although it's cheaper to charge an EV, it can take much longer than the refuelling of a car. Your best bet for avoiding waiting around for a full charge is to hook your EV up to a chargepoint overnight.
• Higher upfront costs - The price gap between petrol/diesel and electric cars is closing but you’ll likely still pay more for an EV. If you’re planning on owning the EV long-term though, you’ll likely see costs even out.

EVs can be charged at any chargepoint, whether it’s at one installed at home, the workplace or along your journey, which you can find using Zapmap. Some models will need to be charged for longer periods of time than others, however, there is growing capability for fast-charging, which can allow the vehicle to receive enough charge for considerable mileage in under 20 minutes. This will allow you to top up your EV’s range, mid-road trip, for the time it can take to drink a coffee.

While it’s nearly impossible to pick out a definitive list of the best electric cars on the market, due to there being so many options suitable for a range of different needs, we can pluck out a few of our favourites.

These are our top picks at JCT600 and some of the models we believe are the perfect way to start your all-electric journey.

Volkswagen All-Electric ID.3

The classic VW style has been repacked in an all-electric model for the ID.3. Available from £37,255, you can enjoy 342 miles on a single charge with the long-range model and benefit from a load of nifty features including intuitive voice control.

smart #1

This is arguably one of the best EV city cars available right now, thanks to its stylish yet convenient design which offers up plenty of space for shopping trips or picking up friends. With the premium smart #1 model, you can enjoy exploring beyond the city with up to 273 miles of range.

Kia Soul EV

The Soul EV is perfect for those with a busy schedule, offering up to 80% charge of its full 280-mile range in less than 45 minutes. For those sceptical about making the switch to EVs, this may just be the safest way to explore new opportunities thanks to Kia’s 7-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Get Your Electric Car at JCT600

To help support a greener future, we offer a wide range of EVs, varying in both price and style, so you can find the perfect fit for you. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level vehicle or have your eyes set on luxury, we can help you find what you’re looking for.

If you’d like to learn more about electric vehicles explore our news section for regular updates and important guides.