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AIBU?

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Original poster

To buy a new electric car

12 replies

User112 · 26/02/2022 12:18

We have a 8 yr old petrol car that we bought new. Pretty reliable car, but slightly tight for space with 3 kids. It has a big boot space (estate) so it’s nice for holidays. Does the job but DH wants to buy a Electric SUV or model 3. £40k !! For dropping kids in school, grocery shopping and day trips in summer.
Only thing is, I can charge my EV for free, very convenient. Vs I spend at least £100 a month on petrol plus more for trips and holidays now.

We can afford the new car, but somehow seems like a waste of money.

Buy or wait a few more years?

OP posts:
HereLiesBetelgeuse · 26/02/2022 12:29

I've got an EV as a runaround but wouldn't have one as my main or only car. All the range mileage figures are calculated on 31mph at 20degrees, everything you use in the car comes of the range so you basically get one third to a half if you lucky of the range stated, radio, window wipers, heating all eat the battery. Anything over 50 mph drains the battery, complete opposite to ICE where you get better mpg on motorway.

They are great to drive, I love mine but the technology not there yet for me to make the switch to EV only.

Mine is a lease through salary sacrifice scheme at work. Not a chance I'd spend £40k of real money on one, I don't think they will hold their value well and the technology for the batteries isn't very long lasting.

Where/how are you charging for free?

anniegun · 26/02/2022 12:36

I have an electric hatchback which is used for 90% of family journeys with an older car now used mainly for holidays. Its great, and the higher purchase price is more than made up for by the lower running costs and higher resale values. It is my second electric car and the first one lost very little value when I changed it

turnaroundtime · 26/02/2022 12:40

@HereLiesBetelgeuse

I've got an EV as a runaround but wouldn't have one as my main or only car. All the range mileage figures are calculated on 31mph at 20degrees, everything you use in the car comes of the range so you basically get one third to a half if you lucky of the range stated, radio, window wipers, heating all eat the battery. Anything over 50 mph drains the battery, complete opposite to ICE where you get better mpg on motorway.

They are great to drive, I love mine but the technology not there yet for me to make the switch to EV only.

Mine is a lease through salary sacrifice scheme at work. Not a chance I'd spend £40k of real money on one, I don't think they will hold their value well and the technology for the batteries isn't very long lasting.

Where/how are you charging for free?

Depends on the kind of mileage you do. We run 2 x fully electric and range has never been an issue. Drive 2 hours to Cambridge on motorways with heater on etc. used less than 50%. Recharge there. So easy! It died t matter to us if the range is 300 miles or 200 or 150 as long as it is enough for our needs
tttigress · 26/02/2022 12:40

It might be worth it if you need a new car anyway

LabiaMinoraPissusFlapus · 26/02/2022 12:40

I bought one a year ago on the government scheme for self employed use, as it was worth it tax wise. I find the range is true if averaging around 40-50mph. You will use more battery on the motorway but less battery than stated when driving on slower roads. If your whole journey is 70mph then it doesn't last long, but if it is a mix of speeds then it is fine. The radio and in car features uses a different battery so doesn't affect the range. The heater and air con does reduce the range. I like it, especially with the petrol crisis that happened and now rising fuel costs. Although I might change my mind on that when our fixed rate electric ends!

MrsSkylerWhite · 26/02/2022 12:41

We’re waiting, hoping hydrogen will be along in the bit too distant future.

FixTheBone · 26/02/2022 12:43

What car have you got?

My model 3 'only' loses about 1/3rd of its range fully loaded, all heaters on doing 70 in winter....

I still easily get 220 miles out of it in the least optimal conditions.

As for buying an electric car, hard to know what the residuals will be, which might be a deal breaker. If you bought a model 3 2 years ago for 40k, you'd probably get £36k now contrary to what all logic says about new tech.

FixTheBone · 26/02/2022 12:53

@MrsSkylerWhite

We’re waiting, hoping hydrogen will be along in the bit too distant future.
Keep waiting I reckon.

Fundamentally I like the idea of hydrogen, but it has been just around the corner for 25 years with no signs of progress...

There are 16 filling stations in the UK., plus 12 that have closed and 5 in planning.

MrsSkylerWhite · 26/02/2022 12:55

Fundamentally I like the idea of hydrogen, but it has been just around the corner for 25 years with no signs of progress...“

You’re right but there’s real imperative now. We’re thinking within 5.

Come back and tell me I’m wrong, though, in 2027 Grin

Asdf12345 · 26/02/2022 12:57

If you like running new cars and can tax offset it then go for it, if you can’t tax offset look at the figures carefully. We will stick with old diesels as the higher running costs are offset by next to no depreciation, the ability to tax offset via a business also makes dual purpose vehicles much cheaper as an overall consideration if that avenue is open to you.

Original poster
User112 · 26/02/2022 13:49

No tax offsets unfortunately

OP posts:
QueenofBrickdon · 26/02/2022 13:50

We've had a model 3 for a couple of years and I have to say I love it.
I was like you at first and thought it was a waste of money. I am a total convert now though.
We can charge for free a lot of the time ( solar panels). It is very cheap to run.

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