It is no secret that electric cars will be a big business in 2022. Electric cars outsold their diesel counterparts last year, making this the most successful year for EVs yet. Every brand, from Rolls-Royce to Alfa Romeo to the likes, has an electric-focused strategy. The car industry and the politics surrounding combustion cars are irrelevant. But should you, as a consumer, buy an electric vehicle?
This page will walk you through the process of deciding what powertrain is best for you. We’ll also advise you if an electric vehicle is suitable. This page will be updated regularly with new information, insight, and advice as we receive it. Continue reading to find out more.
What are the most popular electric cars?
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, total EV registrations in Britain hit 190 727 units in 2021, up from 108 205 the year prior. This is a 75% increase but still lower than the 300% growth between 2020 and 2019, even though it was based on a lower base.
Price
Electric cars are still a costly option on the market. This is partly due to the high cost of materials and construction, as well as the massive R&D and investment costs that car manufacturers have to bear as they rapidly switch from fossil fuels to electric vehicles. Even the cheapest EVs in Britain are expensive. The Tesla Model 3 is priced at PS42,990, which is not affordable for many drivers.
It appears that the UK is the most expensive place to buy an electric vehicle. Confused.com found that the UK ranks tenth in the cost of buying a battery-electric vehicle. The gradual erosion in government grants has led to a decline in the cost of electric vehicles. It is now only PS1500 for cars less than PS32,000.
Electric cars at the lowest prices
EVs are typically cheaper to run than a petrol or diesel car. It’s worth calculating the savings over time before you decide to buy an electric car. If you plan to use your battery car as a company vehicle, don’t forget about the VED road tax bill and fuel savings.
Range
Price is not the only barrier to EV ownership. Range and perceived lack thereof are close behind. Although electric cars have significantly improved in range, range anxiety remains a major concern for many drivers.
Mercedes EQS 450+ cars can travel a WLTP-rated 453 mi between charges (London to Glasgow with approximately 40 miles spare), and even cheaper EVs like Kona Electric can get 300 miles from their integrated batteries. To get an idea of their capabilities in 2022, you might want to check out our guide on the longest-range EVs.
Electric cars with the longest range
It is important to calculate how many miles you will cover per day, week, or month. If paired with a local charger or public power point, most EV owners don’t reach the maximum range or charge more frequently than you might expect. Our advice: Take your most frequent and longest journeys and put them together and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to have an electric car.
Running costs
Electric vehicles not only reduce tailpipe emissions but also make it possible to save substantial amounts on running costs. Electric vehicles can be more affordable than their ICE counterparts. This is partly due to lower fuel costs, but also because there are fewer moving parts and they can be easier to service.
Detailled information on the running costs of EVs
You’ll be amazed at how much an electric car costs, especially when compared with its petrol- or diesel-engined counterparts. There’s one catch. The only problem?
Charging times
You’ll want it to be done as quickly as possible when you have to top-up. Although charging an EV is slower than refuelling a petrol or diesel car, it is becoming faster. According to Leasing Options research, the Fiat 500e e is the fastest charging car, taking 24 minutes. This is only 81 miles, but it’s still a fast charge. Also, remember that the larger the battery, the more time it takes to fully charge.
Which type of electric vehicle should I buy?
It’s important to determine what type of electric vehicle you want before you start warming up to the idea. EVs will be available in the same sizes and shapes as regular cars by 2022. The EV database will tell you they can range from small SUVs and city runarounds to seven seaters and sports cars.
We recommend the Audi e-Tron or Mercedes EQC larger SUVs for families. If you are looking for style and performance, a Porsche Taycan GT or the Audi e-Tron GT is a good choice. If you are looking for a more versatile vehicle, consider the Honda e and Kia EV6.
Lease or new?
Although electric cars can be expensive, you can save a lot of money by buying a used one. There is a stigma attached to electric cars, primarily because of the battery lifecycles. However, we have done extensive research and found many great options in the second-hand electric market.
Keep this in mind. Because of the rapid pace of development in EVs, older cars won’t have the same headline stats or range figures as newer cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Potential EV buyers have an additional option, which is increasingly popular: leasing. Leasing.com reports that EV demand outperformed diesels by 106% last fiscal year. BEVs accounted for 16% of all inquiries and a 101% increase in interest. The top picks are the Tesla Model 3, the Volkswagen ID.3, the Ioniq 5 (and Kona) and the SMMT registration data.
Verdict: Buy an electric car by 2022, or wait?
Only you, as well as your budget and usage habits, can decide whether it’s worth buying an electric car. An electric car is worth considering if it is within your budget and the range of typical trips is not a problem. It’s cheaper to operate, and it’s eco-friendly, often nippy, which makes it a great way to ensure your transportation solution will be sustainable for many years. We expect things to improve. The infrastructure for electric vehicles is improving all the time. Charging stations will be more common on Britain’s high streets and service stations.
If the numbers aren’t in your favor, or you still have doubts, why not wait to get an electric car that is more advanced, or choose a hybrid instead? The best hybrid cars are a great way to bridge the gap between petrol and electric. They offer many of the same benefits as EVs but have the same range and ease-of-use of ICE engines.
