In recent years, plenty of drivers have gone electric, while the critics have turned up the volume. Wondering if the switch makes sense for you? Short version: EVs aren’t perfect for absolutely everyone just yet, but for most drivers they’re a very compelling alternative.
The number of electric models keeps growing, though some niches are still a bit thin. That’s largely down to high development costs, limited production, and a focus on high‑demand segments like SUVs and premium cars. Battery prices and today’s tech also make life tricky for ultra‑cheap city cars or models chasing extreme range. Market appetite matters too: in areas like vans or pick‑ups, demand is still modest, so manufacturers tread carefully.
You’ll find an overview of the model landscape — and typical costs by category — further down.
Even when everything lines up, going electric still asks for a few compromises and a bit of retraining. We’re not quite at ‘chargers on every corner’ yet; specialist workshops are catching up; the used market is still maturing; and public know‑how is finding its feet. The debate can also be, shall we say, lively — which doesn’t help with myths and misconceptions.
Batteries are big and heavy, so at the moment it’s mainly mid‑size saloons that can match the range of petrol and diesel cars. They can carry larger packs, and their lower drag helps efficiency. At the top end, many saloons also offer very fast charging. If you need serious range, start your search here.
SUVs and crossovers with large batteries can handle long journeys too, but they’re less efficient. Smaller batteries mean shorter range, though strong rapid‑charging can make up for it. High‑end models often tip the scales at over 2.5 tonnes, which doesn’t exactly help.
Small cars typically have smaller batteries and shorter ranges. Because margins are tighter, manufacturers sometimes skimp on charging hardware. If you can charge at home or at work, day‑to‑day is easy enough — you’ll just stop more often on motorways.
The lowest ranges are found in minibuses and vans, where small batteries meet big bodies and plenty of drag. Demand is still modest, so there isn’t masses of choice.
Short ranges or modest charging speeds aren’t always a problem. A parcel van, for instance, might cover under 100 km a day — a big battery would just be extra weight. Ultra‑fast charging isn’t essential either if you can plug in overnight.
Your energy use also depends on how and where you drive, and the weather. High motorway speeds push consumption up; town and B‑roads are kinder. Heating and air con can move the needle too.
What you can charge at home, work or nearby will steer the battery size you actually need. For some people, a small pack is plenty; for others, the top‑ups become a faff.
Charging infrastructure varies by postcode. If you own a home with a garage or drive, fit a home charger (wallbox). In flats, you’ll likely rely on public chargers. Apps/cards will show local availability. Aim to have a slow charger within roughly 500–1,000 metres.
Many modern developments allow retrofitting of wallboxes. Tenants can often request installation under certain conditions.
Car parks increasingly offer charging, and a long‑stay space with a plug can be worth it. If slower chargers are thin on the ground, rapid chargers are a workable plan B — you’ll find them at supermarkets, DIY stores and petrol stations.
Charging mapTo keep your EV from becoming a source of rage, it helps to accept there are still a few hoops: tariff spaghetti, planning longer trips, and sorting holiday charging. If that sounds like hard work, a petrol or diesel might suit you better. With a bit of research and tinkering, though, most of it quickly becomes second nature.
Electric cars need less routine maintenance than combustion models — just not none at all. With newer or more niche brands, workshops and spare parts can be thin on the ground. Even established makers don’t always have enough EV‑trained staff. If you want low hassle long‑term, favour models with solid servicing and repair support nearby.
A quick overview of the main vehicle classes with typical ranges, consumption and battery sizes. Data courtesy of https://ev-database.org/.
ev-database.orgThis is where you’ll often see the latest powertrain and charging tech, with very high ranges typically delivered by very large batteries. As you’d expect, weight is on the hefty side — up to around 2.5 tonnes.
|Range|450 km – 700 km| |Choice|wide| |Weight|1800 kg – 2500 kg| |Battery|50 kWh – 120 kWh| |Energy use per 100 km|14 kWh – 21 kWh| |Cost|€€ – €€€|
The biggest selection at the moment sits in the SUV and crossover camp. Performance and efficiency vary widely, so it’s worth checking the details to see if a given model fits your needs.
|Range|170 km – 540 km| |Choice|very wide| |Weight|1600 kg – 3100 kg| |Battery|30 kWh – 120 kWh| |Energy use per 100 km|16 kWh – 32 kWh| |Cost|€ – €€€|
There’s a modest selection of small cars. By design, range is lower than in SUVs and saloons.
|Range|225 km – 450 km| |Choice|moderate| |Weight|1280 kg – 1950 kg| |Battery|30 kWh – 78 kWh| |Energy use per 100 km|15 kWh – 19 kWh| |Cost|€€|
Choice is fairly limited for minibuses and delivery vans. For comparison, a few headline figures:
|Range|200 km – 370 km| |Choice|limited| |Weight|1800 kg – 2800 kg| |Battery|45 kWh – 90 kWh| |Energy use per 100 km|20 kWh – 29 kWh| |Cost|€€|
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