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Original poster

Would you buy a electric car?

169 replies

ghtt · 07/02/2023 19:44

So I need a car for my new job after only having one car that my husband uses, I can only drive a automatic, so debating a electric car, would you get one?

OP posts:
WiIson · 07/02/2023 20:04

No.

DPotter · 07/02/2023 20:04

I wouldn't yet

Also just bought a car, and went for a petrol one. I do a fair amount of mileage and none of the places I visit have charging points, and also no plans to install in the near future. The joys of rural life!

Nicknacky · 07/02/2023 20:05

ghtt · 07/02/2023 20:03

@Nicknacky well I'm debating because I need a automatic, I'm happy with a petrol/diesel car but was debating a electric or hybrid as well.

Ok, I was wondering if you thought you could only get an auto in an electric 😂

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Cars & vehicles
thirstyformore · 07/02/2023 20:06

Our only car is electric. Had it a couple of years. It's a long range Tesla. Tbh I don't think I would have anything other than a Tesla as my main/only car as there simply aren't enough fast charging points. Tesla has its own fast charging network which (at the moment) other brands can't access. We get 300+ miles on a full charge.

pearandsausage · 07/02/2023 20:06

We have two electric cars and love them. Can't see myself ever going back to petrol/diesel.

I mainly drive locally and have an ID3. I mainly charge it at home but also have taken it cross country, it just needs a bit more planning in terms of where I'll stop.

DH has a Tesla which has a better range and the charging infrastructure is great. We're driving to France in it at Easter.

sorrynotathome · 07/02/2023 20:06

Yes. I have a second hand Leaf and have saved a fortune in petrol. No tax. No fumes. Brilliant.

Mexicocalling · 07/02/2023 20:07

I have one on order, and am hoping it’s here by the end of the month. I have solar panels at home and a driveway, so with a home charge point wit should cost me nothing to ‘fill it up’ in summer. I know the range will be halved in winter, but it should still comfortably do two ‘there and backs’ to work even at winter levels. I’m hoping to significantly reduce the amount I’m spending on diesel as it’s become almost unaffordable to get to and from work in my current (thirsty older SUV) car.

Orangeis · 07/02/2023 20:08

I lease one on a salary sacrifice scheme, I LOVE it. DH said we're not to buy one yet as the battery life isn't great and too expensive to replace in 5 years (I defer to him for car related stuff), but as a vehicle it's fab. We also have a big diesel car as the main car, but tend to try to get in the EV first wherever possible.

Original poster
ghtt · 07/02/2023 20:08

Thanks all, I don't mind either way was just debating it, I was looking at the Renault Zoe. Car prices are so high atm that I'm not sure what I am going to end up with!

OP posts:
windyarse · 07/02/2023 20:08

No because I have nowhere to charge one

Pedallleur · 07/02/2023 20:10

I wouldn't buy one. Prob lease or pcp. What range do you need? Can you charge at home? We haven't touched on how the batteries get made. Can't be eating Fair trade chocolate if you have an electric. Infrastructure isn't right and its a bit of a free for all 're chargers. Google Giles Coren and his woes. All cars have issues but some less than others

AlphaAlpha · 07/02/2023 20:11

Found a used Zoe on auto trader for 8grand...

Didicat · 07/02/2023 20:12

we too are waiting on a salary sacrifice lease we went for an Mg4.

it’s to replace the little run around for commuting, keeping big car for holidays

FairyBatman · 07/02/2023 20:13

If you can install a charger at home I’d definitely go for it. DH does similar and it’s perfect. Commercial charging has got really expensive as electricity prices have gone up , but we are on an EV tariff so 2-6am we pay just over 10p per unit and it’s way cheaper than petrol (we also run the washer and dishwasher at the same time!)

Original poster
ghtt · 07/02/2023 20:14

@FairyBatman that sounds like something we could do at ours, what car have you got?

OP posts:
Selfesteem22 · 07/02/2023 20:17

I am a bit confused as around my way Cambridgeshire but work edge of Suffolk the infrastructure is fine, cost is about half what it would be for petrol, and although more expensive to buy 2nd hand cars are so expensive at the moment the difference wasn't much as you think - maintenance will be less as so much less to go wrong and no evidence that batteries will need replacing quickly - the only down side is the range - my leaf is about 140 miles and I would prefer a bit more ideally

starlingdarling · 07/02/2023 20:18

We have a Tesla we charge at home once a week. It belongs to DH but I use it often because he doesn't go to the office much. Lots of people around here have electric fiat 500s and they seem just as quick.

Original poster
ghtt · 07/02/2023 20:19

@Selfesteem22 I'm suffolk based, I have also looked at the leaf

OP posts:
Selfesteem22 · 07/02/2023 20:21

I found carwow invaluable to track down well priced models - Cambridge had none but letchworth nissan had about 20 2nd hand leafs!

Delorestormborn · 07/02/2023 20:22

I love mine. I love it so so much. Yes the initial cost is a lot but I charge it at home mostly and it’s so cheap. It’s great to drive and it looks fab.
Having spent a lot of time either in hospital or at home watching my asthmatic child struggle to breathe I really felt I had to do something.

Selfesteem22 · 07/02/2023 20:23

@FairyBatman who is your electricity provider is it octopus?

chocolateisavegetable · 07/02/2023 20:25

We’re on our second electric car. Started with a Leaf and now have a Tesla. Leaf was fab as a second car for short journeys, mainly charged at home. We absolutely love our Tesla and wouldn’t change it for anything. It has a very long range and is super quick to charge at the superchargers

chocolateisavegetable · 07/02/2023 20:26

PS we are on Octopus Intelligent so very cheap to charge at home

m00rfarm · 07/02/2023 20:28

With the Zoe check that the battery is yours and not the one where you have to "rent" it and pay each month. I have a VW ID4. Love it.

Gooseysgirl · 07/02/2023 20:29

Yes... but going for hybrid small car this year as we have no driveway. We are planning to rebuild our old garage and will put a charging point inside it, then go electric.