Things to think about when buying an EV

Investing in an electric vehicle (EV) can be a great way to cut down on car costs whilst doing your bit for the environment, but as with any large purchase, there are some things to think about. You’ll have your usual car considerations, but there are also a few EV-specific decisions to make. 

What type of EV is best? 

The type of EV you choose will depend on your motivations for making the transition to electric vehicles, as well as your driving needs. Is your main aim to save some money? Or are you keen to go green to help the planet?

The EVs you’ll have heard the most buzz about are battery electric vehicles (BEVs) which, as the name suggests, are fully battery operated. BEVs offer the full benefits of electric motoring; they’re the most environmentally friendly option and accrue low monthly costs. 

Due to being fully reliant on battery power, BEVs are best suited to drivers covering shorter distances, or those with easy access to a charging station. Home EV charging stations help you get the best financial savings with a BEV, as you charge up for cheaper in the comfort of your own home. 

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) run on electricity sourced from a chargepoint, with a petrol engine as back-up that kicks in if the battery operated range runs out. These are best suited to those with short commutes who can frequently charge up, as the electric range is limited to around 30 miles. They’re good for dipping a toe into the world of EVs, but it’s worth noting their lesser ‘green’ environmental impact when compared to BEVs, due to the use of a petrol engine. 

Which EV model is best? Get some advice! 

Once you’ve decided which type of EV is best suited to your needs, the next step is deciding on the model. Online forums are great places to get advice or ask questions about any models you’re considering, as they’re full of EV enthusiasts who are keen to share their knowledge. SpeakEV and InsideEVs Forum are good places to start. 

Buying second-hand EVs 

Buying a second-hand EV is a double win for the environment! But as with any second-hand car, it’s important to assess how well the previous owner has maintained the vehicle. Battery degradation can be an issue with EVs if the necessary precautions haven’t been taken, which can affect the mile range and charging speed of the car. However, due to having fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel cars, EVs require less general maintenance, meaning many second-hand EVs will still be in fantastic condition. 

EV charging installation 

When making the transition to EV, it’s important to consider where you’ll charge your new vehicle. The most convenient and cost effective option is a home EV charging point, which means you avoid the queues and higher rates of public charging points. 

Mr Charger are leading EV charging installation specialists for homes and businesses across the UK.. Our lovely local teams can provide helpful advice and well-priced, efficient installation. Give us a call on 0800 669 6159 or email us at install@MrCharger.co.uk and we’ll have you up and running in no time!