I'd just like to offer the perspective of someone who has driven many EVs over the years, from a lowly Mitsubishi iMiev to a very capable Tesla Model S. I even owned an early model Nissan Leaf for 3 years.
I've heard a lot of arguments against EVs, some of them are completely unfounded and based on assumptions and heresay, others do actually have some merit.
Firstly the positive points. I've generally found EVs to be WAY nicer to drive than combustion cars. Returning to the latter feels so clunky and archaic by comparison (not including our lovely Moggies of course!). Electric cars just glide along effortlessly, producing amazing levels or torque from a standstill. There are many criticisms that come from long term 'combustion' drivers about the supposed difficulty of living with an EV, even though they have never experienced it. You actually need to change your mindset and treat the car more like you'd treat your mobile phone and top it up whenever a convenient opportunity arises. Many people would find that if they opened their minds and gave it a go, they'd wonder what all the fuss was about. It's just a car that fits into a lot of people's lives easily. When most electric cars only achieved sub-100 mile ranges, people said they wouldn't consider one until they can do 200 miles. When they reached 200 miles the same people demanded 300 miles. You can see where this is going!
Will the range drop in winter with your heater and lights on? Of course it will, it does for every vehicle regardless of what fuel it uses.
Now for balance, here's the negative...
Even though it fits into a lot of people's lives, that doesn't work for everyone. Most experienced EV drivers will agree that the charging infrastructure in the UK is still woefully unreliable, even after all these years. Needing a raft of different charge cards, assuming the machine is even working. This is probably the single biggest hurdle to EV adoption. What we need are charging stations which are as abundant as petrol stations. Get rid of all the various charge cards and just accept contactless debit cards or even just recognise the car which is plugged in and bill the owner directly!
Finally, the up front cost of buying an EV is still considerably higher than buying an equivalent petrol car, although the gap is slowly narrowing. The electric car is far cheaper to run but that's still a big difference in purchase price to make up.
I'd never presume to tell anyone what type of car they 'should' buy. If petrol works for you then that's all good. All I'd say is take any pro or anti press with a pinch of salt. Try one out for yourself if the opportunity arises and make up your own mind.
Happy motoring!
Chris.
