Should I buy an electric car?
February 13, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
Thinking about going electric? I’m a motoring expert, and I break down the pros and cons, and whether an EV is right for you.
Electric cars are here to stay. Sales of these zero‑emission vehicles have grown rapidly in recent years, as buyers focus on lower running costs, cleaner driving, and advancing tech. In the UK, sales of new pure petrol and diesel cars are set to end from 2030, with all new cars required to be fully zero‑emission by 2035.
Having tested dozens of electric cars as a consumer motoring expert, I’ve learned what works – and what trips up buyers. So if you’re thinking about buying an electric car for the first time but need some help with the finer details, here are my top things to consider before you buy:
Remember, you can buy an electric car right here on Carwow. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Battery range
Gone are the days when you could pop to the shops and your electric car would immediately need a charge. In my experience testing dozens of EVs, most new models such as the MG4 EV now comfortably exceed 200 miles on a single charge, with many mainstream cars capable of 300+ miles, like the Skoda Enyaq. That makes them suitable for the vast majority of daily journeys.
I’d recommend looking at the cars in your budget, checking how far they can go between charges, and comparing that with your typical trips. This will help you decide whether an EV’s range will actually fit your needs.
It gets trickier if, for example, you usually travel only short distances – say, under 15 miles per day – but occasionally make trips of 200 miles or more. Don’t worry, though: from my experience, the UK public charging network has grown substantially. There are now over 88,500 EV charging points across the UK, according to Zapmap. That said, coverage can still be uneven, so I’d advise always planning longer journeys around charging stops.
Where to charge
I know firsthand how charging can make or break the EV experience, especially living in a flat without access to charging.
If you can charge your car at home or somewhere you visit regularly, like work, owning an electric car can be pure bliss. Being able to charge every night means the difference between a 200‑mile and 300‑mile EV usually isn’t a problem. Some of the Carwow editorial team have chargers at home, which makes life with an EV effortless. Managing editor Darren Cassey lives in a two-EV household with one charger to share, and says that with minimal planning it’s easy to manage.
However, if you mostly rely on public chargers, a lower-range car means more stops – and even with faster networks today, it can still be a hassle.
Living in a flat myself, I know how much of a commitment it is to own an EV without home charging. Even with a rapid-charging Gridserve nearby, having to make regular trips just to recharge can get tiring and expensive.
The good news is there are also some locations where you can charge your car for free. Bear in mind, though, that these are hard to come by. I have a guide here you can check out for tips and tricks on finding these hidden gems.
Charging cost
Electric cars are generally cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles – especially if you do most of your charging at home on an EV‑friendly tariff. Even with energy costs rising, charging at home usually works out considerably cheaper per mile than fuelling a combustion car. I also recommend looking at tariffs that offer lower overnight rates to reduce costs further.
It’s a very different story if you rely on public chargers. I’ve found that while some slower public chargers are affordable, the fastest rapid chargers – which can top up a car in under half an hour – are quite expensive, averaging 70-80p per kWh. If you use these frequently, your running costs can quickly climb, and in some cases a petrol or diesel car could be cheaper to run.
Charging time
When it comes to charging an electric car, I’ve learned that not all chargers are equal – unlike petrol pumps, which can fill your car up in around two minutes.
At home, you’ll be limited to a slow charger: a typical wallbox gives about 7 kW, while a standard three‑pin plug only manages 2-3kW – fine overnight, but far too slow for topping up mid journey. On average, a 7kW wallbox can fully charge an EV in around 6–8 hours, while a 2-3kW three‑pin plug could take 12-24 hours, depending on the battery size.
For longer trips, 50-150kW chargers will add decent mileage on longer stops, but ultra‑rapid chargers (up to 350kW), can get most cars to 80% in 10-30 minutes. Though remember, your car will only take as much power as it can handle.
Bear in mind that charging slows after 80% to protect the battery, so the final stretch takes longer than the first. I usually top up only to that amount on longer trips as it’s quicker and better for the battery.
Upfront cost
There’s no getting away from it: electric cars can be more expensive upfront than petrol or diesel models. That’s partly because the technology is still relatively new, and the batteries that power them aren’t cheap to make. Generally, the bigger the battery, the higher the cost.
But don’t be put off just yet. There are more affordable EVs on the market, such as the Dacia Spring or Citroen e-C3, which work perfectly well for many people (so long as you don’t do regular long drives) and are a great entry point into electric driving. You can also consider a used electric car, which can be much kinder on your wallet while still offering all the benefits of lower running costs.
When I look at the costs of cars, I always consider the total cost of ownership, not just the sticker price. That means factoring in monthly finance payments, electricity, maintenance, and any incentives, then comparing it with a similar petrol or diesel car. For many drivers, the savings on running costs quickly help balance out the higher upfront price, making an EV a sensible choice over the long term.
Company car benefits and road tax
One of the biggest benefits for company car drivers is the low Benefit-in-Kind tax for EVs. In 2025/26 it’s just 3 %, rising gradually over the next few years – still a huge saving compared with petrol or diesel.
If you’re a private buyer, EVs no longer have full road tax exemption. Cars registered from April 2025 pay £10 in the first year and £195 annually thereafter.
So, should I buy an electric car now or wait?
Deciding whether to go electric depends a lot on your lifestyle. I’ve spent time looking into EVs, charging options, and real-world costs, and here’s what I’ve learned. Electric cars are becoming more practical every year, but they’re not a perfect fit for everyone.
You should consider an EV if you can charge at home
If you’re able to plug in overnight, an electric car is usually the easiest choice. I’ve found that most EVs today can add 250-400 miles per overnight charge, which means you rarely have to worry about running out of power on a typical day. Even if your daily commute is around 50 miles, you could leave home with a full battery every morning. Also because home electricity is generally much cheaper than public charging, your running costs would likely be far lower than with a petrol car.
An EV works well if you mostly drive short distances
If your trips are mostly short – such as going to the gym, supermarket, or school drop-offs – an electric vehicle could be a great fit, even without home charging. In the UK, the average cost of off-peak ultra-rapid charging has fallen in recent months, so you might only need to use public chargers occasionally. EVs are particularly efficient in stop-and-go city driving, which can save money and make daily trips smoother.
Be cautious if you spend a lot of time on the motorway
Long stretches on the motorway do reduce range because EVs get less benefit from regenerative braking. From my experience, modern EVs are more efficient on highways than older models, and the fastest public chargers now let you top up 80% of your battery in 15-20 minutes. That means long trips are doable – you just need to plan your charging stops carefully.
If you’re commuting hundreds of miles every day, I’d recommend looking at long-range models such as the BMW iX3 or the Mercedes CLA Electric. Yes, they’re on the pricier side, but they offer ranges of around 450 miles or more. In fact, the top-spec version of the new Volvo EX60 claims an impressive 503-mile range, so it’s worth keeping these models in mind if range is a priority.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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