What are the disadvantages of electric cars?

Electric cars may be great, but they’re far from perfect. We outline some disadvantages of electric cars to help you decide if they’re worth your while.

Electric cars have gone from futuristic concepts to everyday reality, and are known for being quick, efficient, and better for the environment than petrol or diesel cars. But like any new tech, EVs come with their own quirks, trade-offs, and challenges.

Combustion engine cars have had over 130 years to get things right, while electric cars have only recently started taking the spotlight. And although EV tech is improving fast, there are still a few concerns that haven’t completely disappeared.

In this handy guide, we’ll take a closer look at the disadvantages of electric cars, including:

1. Limited battery range
2. Battery lifespan concerns
3. Charging infrastructure worries
4. Long charging times
5. Low top speeds
6. More expensive to buy
7. Environmental impact

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.

1. Limited battery range

One common worry with electric cars is range. Older petrol or diesel cars often manage 400-700 miles per tank, while electric models haven’t always matched that. For example, an early version of the Peugeot e-208 was rated at around 217 miles on a full charge. But the latest one offers up to 268 miles WLTP range, depending on spec.

So, is range really a problem? Often, not so much. The average UK driver does only around 19-20 miles per day. That means even with less range, many drivers would only need to recharge every 5-10 days. Newer EVs, with 250+ miles of range, push that boundary even further.

That said, there are still things to consider, such as:

• Cold weather, high speeds on motorways, heavy loads, or using heating/air-con often reduce actual range significantly.
• WLTP is a lab‐tested standard; real usage will usually be lower.
• If you regularly do long journeys (say 200+ miles in a day), or travel frequently without reliable charging infrastructure, then that reduced range can become genuinely limiting.

Overall, limited battery range is becoming less of a barrier as the tech evolves. But it’s still something to think through depending on how, how far, or how often you drive.

2. Battery lifespan concerns

A big question about EVs is: how long will the battery last? The good news is, longer than most people think. Modern electric cars usually run for 10-15 years or 100,000-150,000 miles, depending on driving and charging habits. Warranties typically cover 8 years or 100,000 miles, and if capacity drops below 70% in that time, the battery gets repaired or replaced.

Out-of-warranty replacements can be expensive, but total battery failures are rare. Most drivers just notice a gradual drop in range. With moderate driving and charging smartly, a battery will often outlast the car.

Bear in mind that internal combustion engines aren’t invincible either. They can last for hundreds of thousands of miles if well cared for, but repairs such as timing belts or engine overhauls can be costly. and aren’t always covered by warranty.

3. Charging infrastructure worries

One of the biggest worries about electric cars is charging – where to do it, how long it takes, and whether it’s convenient. The good news? The UK’s charging network is growing fast. As of 2025, there are over 84,000 public charging points, including more than 17,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers that can juice up your car much faster than the older slow chargers.

That said, it’s not perfect. Most chargers are still in towns and cities, with rural areas lagging behind. If you don’t have a driveway or garage, relying entirely on public chargers can be tricky.

Accessibility is another challenge. Very few public chargers are fully suited for drivers with disabilities, and heavy cables and plugs can be hard to manage alongside wheelchairs or other mobility aids.

So while charging infrastructure is improving all the time, it’s still one of the practical hurdles to consider before going fully electric.

4. Long charging times

Filling up your petrol or diesel car can take just 5 minutes. Charging your EV can take anything from 20 minutes to an hour using the latest public rapid chargers. You may be twiddling your thumbs for an entire day if you are using a standard domestic socket. This can seem like an instant deal-breaker, until you dig a little deeper.

When it comes to electric cars, you’ll need to change your mindset in how you approach charging:

• Plan for long trips: Utilise rapid chargers along your route. A 150kW charger can add significant range in a short time.
• Charge smart: Avoid topping up to 100% unless necessary. Charging to 80–90% is often sufficient and can be more cost-effective.
• Home charging: If your daily driving is under 100 miles, overnight charging with a home wallbox is usually adequate.

5. Low top speeds

Electric cars are famous for their instant power and smooth, effortless acceleration — they just feel easy to drive. But when it comes to top speed, most family-friendly EVs aren’t built to set records.

Take the Kia EV6 GT Line, for example: it can hit 0-60mph in around 5 seconds, but tops out at about 115mph. The Skoda Enyaq is a bit slower, maxing out near 110mph. For everyday driving in the UK, that’s more than enough, since speed limits don’t go over 70mph anyway.

6. More expensive to buy

Electric cars tend to cost more than their internal combustion counterparts. For example, the top-spec version of the Peugeot e-208 costs just over £34,900, while the top-spec petrol Peugeot 208 is £30,300.

There’s also more than the price tag to consider. You’ll also need to factor in Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). For new EVs registered on or after 1 April 2025, the first-year VED is £10. After that, the standard annual rate of £195 kicks in, adding a modest but recurring cost to ownership.

For electric cars with a list price exceeding £40,000, there’s also an Electric Car Supplement of £425 per year that runs from the second to the sixth year of the car’s life, further increasing the long-term cost.

7. Environmental impact

Although electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, their overall environmental impact depends on how the electricity powering them is generated. Charging from renewable sources such as solar or wind creates a much smaller carbon footprint than relying on coal or gas.

However, the biggest environmental cost of an EV comes from its lithium-ion battery. That’s because battery production is very energy-intensive, and mining materials such as lithium and cobalt can raise ethical and environmental concerns. But improvements in battery manufacturing, recycling, and supply chain practices are steadily reducing this impact.

While electric cars aren’t perfect, their lifecycle emissions are generally lower than petrol or diesel cars. This gap will continue to shrink as tech and renewable energy improve.

So, should I get an electric car?

Electric cars can be a fantastic choice if they align with your driving habits and lifestyle. Beyond the obvious perks such as lower running costs and tax benefits, EVs give you a smooth, quiet, and responsive driving experience.

If your daily commute involves long distances, don’t dismiss EVs just yet. With the growing network of fast chargers and a variety of models designed for longer ranges, an EV could still be a practical option.

However, if you live in a remote area or lack convenient charging options, a traditional petrol, diesel, or hybrid car might be more suitable for the time being. And for those without access to a driveway, charging can be challenging unless you’re prepared to adapt your routine.

That said, improvements in EV tech and the expansion of charging infrastructure are rapidly improving the feasibility of EV ownership. Plus, with the government’s Electric Car Grant offering up to £3,750 off certain eligible models, making the switch has never been more affordable.

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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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