Switching to an electric car: what to know before you sign.
Range, charging, budget, tax: five well-answered questions are usually enough to know whether electric suits you — and which one. EVTrader helps free of charge, from your first question through to delivery.
In short: is electric right for you?
If you drive under 60 miles a day and can charge at home or work, electric is nearly always the right call: 5–9 pence per mile charging at home, 20–40% less servicing, and — since April 2025 — a modest VED charge rather than the old exemption. Longer trips are handled by rapid charging: 100–150 miles recovered in around 20–30 minutes. Updated 2026-07-06.
Five steps to switching to electric
- Measure your journeys. The average UK commute is well under 30 miles a day; even in winter, a 250-mile WLTP model comfortably covers a week of commuting. Only very high-mileage drivers without fixed charging need to look closely.
- Sort your charging. A home wallbox (£800–£1,200 fitted) is the cheapest, most convenient option. No driveway to fit one? Check chargepoints nearby and network pricing before choosing your model.
- Work out the total budget. Compare total cost of ownership — depreciation, charging, servicing, insurance, tax — not just the sticker price. Our TCO page breaks down every item.
- Choose your finance route. PCH to keep it simple, PCP to keep the option of owning later, HP or cash if you drive a lot. Our PCH/PCP/HP comparison helps you decide.
- Test before you sign. A multi-day test, including a longer trip with a rapid charge, tells you more than any spec sheet.
Three common myths, three short answers
“Range isn't enough”
Current models cover 200–350 miles WLTP. The average UK commute is well under 30 miles. On the motorway, rapid charging recovers 100–150 miles in about 20–30 minutes.
“The battery wears out fast”
Modern batteries lose roughly 1–2% capacity a year after the first year. Manufacturer warranty: typically 8 years or 100,000 miles down to 70% capacity.
“Charging is a hassle”
At home, the car charges overnight like a phone. The UK has tens of thousands of public chargepoints, with rapid chargers well covered on motorways.
Ready to switch to electric?
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Frequently asked questions about switching to electric
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