Electric vehicles are becoming more popular with drivers around the world, as many look to reduce their carbon footprint and travel in a more eco-friendly way. If you’re hoping to make the switch from your traditional fuel-powered car to an electric vehicle, or you own an EV and you’re looking for a new model, having access to more information can be helpful when making a decision.
There are a few factors to consider before choosing the perfect EV for you, so you can get from A to B reliably. Whether you’re looking for an EV for the commute to work or to use as a family car, our guide will help you on your journey to purchasing the best electric vehicle.
A buyers guide
01
Why choose an electric vehicle?
02
Which type of electric vehicle is best?
03
How do I choose the best electric car?
04
How much does an electric vehicle cost?
05
Where can I charge my EV?
06
What is it like to drive an EV?
01
Why choose an electric vehicle?
Here are a range of EV benefits that come with making the switch from fuel-powered cars, such as:
Better for our planet
Pollution in cities and areas with high pollution becomes cleaner as electric vehicles don’t have a tailpipe, meaning they can’t emit exhaust gases. Read our mission statement for more about our commitment to greener living.
Reduced congestion charges
If you’re using your EV to travel to work in a city, you may benefit from paying little to no congestion charges. Some clean air zones allow fully electric vehicles to travel free of charge, saving London drivers around £15 per day under current regulations, while others have charges in place, but they are significantly less expensive than the amount you’d pay for a fuel-powered vehicle.
Low running costs
On average, it costs less to drive 100 miles in an EV than it would to drive the same distance in a petrol vehicle. As well as this, you could benefit from more affordable maintenance costs.
Smoother driving
EVs are not only much quieter than other vehicles, but they also have a lower centre of gravity, which often means improved handling and comfort.
02
Which type of electric vehicle is best?
Once you’ve decided to switch to an electric vehicle, you’ll need to explore the various options available. Let’s take a look at the range of EVs on the market, and find out the difference between BEVs, HEVs, and PHEVs:
BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles)
A BEV is powered by a single, large battery. The batteries in these electric cars have fewer moving parts than a combustion engine and use regenerative braking to recharge, but typically a BEV will require an external charger to make up most of its charge. This type of EV boasts no emissions, almost no noise, and makes for a smooth driving experience.
PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles)
This type of EV could be an option if you’re not quite ready to move to a fully electric car. PHEVs are powered by both an electric and a combustion engine. The battery in a PHEV is large and can be plugged into an external EV charger. If you can stay within your vehicle's range, you will benefit from driving electrically. However, if you can’t charge up, you’ll be relying on the engine with the extra weight of a heavy battery.
HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles)
This type of vehicle utilises a self-charging system. It comprises an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a small battery. The car uses regenerative braking to power driving at lower speeds, but as these vehicles only have a small EV battery, they’re likely to rely on the engine for most journeys.
03
How do I choose the best electric car?
When choosing an electric vehicle to suit you, there are a few factors you’ll need to keep in mind:
Your driving habits
Your driving style will influence which EV is best for you. If you spend most of your time driving at high speeds - for example, on motorways - this is more likely to drain your EV battery, so you may want to think about choosing an electric vehicle that comes with a higher range.
Your budget
You should also keep your budget in mind. Prices of electric cars vary and may be more expensive upfront than a fuel-powered car, so determine your budget first to help you decide. Find your nearest BYD dealer for more advice or to book a test drive.
The size of the car
You’ll also need to think about the size of the EV you’ll need to suit your lifestyle. For example, if you’re choosing an electric vehicle for your commute, a small, compact car may be a good option. If you’re using an EV as a family car, choosing a larger vehicle with a greater range is essential. Considering your needs will allow you to narrow down your options.
04
How much does an electric vehicle cost?
When purchasing a new car, one of the most important elements to consider is the cost - and the same goes for buying an EV. Generally, the upfront costs of an electric vehicle can be more expensive than a petrol or diesel car, but the cost of running an EV is substantially less. This is because electric vehicles use little to no fuel, cost less to maintain and come with low or no tax charges. Second-hand EVs cost even less, but you’ll have to consider slight degradation of the battery.
To make owning an EV more affordable, you can choose from various finance options available including PCP offers.
To make owning an EV more affordable, you can choose from various finance options available including PCP offers.
05
Where can I charge my EV?
At the end of December 2023, there were 53,906 EV charging points in the UK, up 45% from the previous year. You could choose to charge your car at work or a public EV charging point. You could also charge your EV at home by installing an electric charger.
Charging your electric vehicle overnight means you can start your day knowing your car has the range to get you from A to B. Installing an EV charger at home costs around £800, but there are government grants to bring this cost down further if you’re eligible. It costs around £6 to fully charge your EV at home, or if you’re topping up at a public EV charging point, you can expect to pay around £7-£10 - costing you substantially less than a tank of fuel!
Charging your electric vehicle overnight means you can start your day knowing your car has the range to get you from A to B. Installing an EV charger at home costs around £800, but there are government grants to bring this cost down further if you’re eligible. It costs around £6 to fully charge your EV at home, or if you’re topping up at a public EV charging point, you can expect to pay around £7-£10 - costing you substantially less than a tank of fuel!
06
What is it like to drive an EV?
Driving an EV may feel slightly different to driving a fuel-powered car in a couple of ways. Firstly, the drive will feel smoother, cleaner, and quieter than you may be used to. Your EV may also feel heavier due to the additional battery within the car - but overall, this makes for a more secure driving experience.
It’s essential to consider which type of EV would work best for you and your lifestyle. Once you’ve decided on a BEV, HEV, or PHEV, you can explore the range of models to suit you. Keep in mind your budget, and your driving habits to ensure your EV fits your needs perfectly.
It’s essential to consider which type of EV would work best for you and your lifestyle. Once you’ve decided on a BEV, HEV, or PHEV, you can explore the range of models to suit you. Keep in mind your budget, and your driving habits to ensure your EV fits your needs perfectly.
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