When may an electric car not be the best option?

The eventual ban on new petrol and diesel cars could make you think now is the best time to go electric no matter what. Despite the improvements, environmental benefits and other advantages of electric cars, they won’t be for everyone just yet. 

People who rely on their car for long-distance trips – whether for daily commutes or family outings – may feel constrained by an electric car. Depending on the average number of miles you cover each day the battery range might not stretch far enough – so it’s worth doing your homework first.

Even though an electric car is likely to prove more cost-effective in the long run, your budget may struggle to cover the initial costs. As the availability of electric cars increases in the years to come these costs should come down, both in the new and used car markets.

Charging complications

For some people their living situation may mean it’s simply not feasible to own an electric car. For example, if you live in a rented flat it could be problematic to charge your car at home. 

When it’s a rented house with a garage or driveway this may be less of an issue, until it comes to getting a home charging point. A home charging point is faster than using a cable from a three-pin socket and advisable for any electric car driver. If your landlord refuses to install one but allows you to at your own expense, this will work in the short term. However, when you move out you may not be able to take the charging point with you and could lose the money you spent on its installation.