Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a quirky niche. Whether you’re drawn by running costs, quiet commuting, or the appeal of skipping the petrol pump, the EV market has exploded with options.
But while the technology is different, the old rules of car buying still apply: do your homework, understand your needs, and avoid a few common traps.
Here are the top five mistakes to sidestep if you’re shopping for your first EV.
1. Ignoring your actual driving habits
Many people buy the biggest-battery EV they can afford, assuming more range equals more freedom.
In reality, most drivers cover fewer than 40km a day, which would be well under the daily capacity of even a compact EV with a 40kWh pack. Overspending on a long-range model when you’ll rarely use its potential is like buying a six-bedroom house for a family of two - you’re paying for space you won’t fill.
On the flip side, underestimating your needs can be just as costly.
If you regularly drive between cities or tow heavy loads, a small-battery hatchback won’t cut it. Match your choice to your lifestyle, not someone else’s spreadsheet bragging rights. Industry data shows that looking at average energy consumption (measured in kWh per 100km) gives a truer picture than the headline range figure.
2. Forgetting about charging options
Buying an EV without considering how (and where) you’ll charge it is a rookie error. Relying entirely on public fast chargers may sound fine until you’re queuing at rush hour with 20% battery left.
Ideally, install a home wallbox for overnight charging. It’s cheaper, faster, and more convenient than a standard socket. If that’s not an option, at least map out nearby public chargers and check whether they’re reliable.
Factor in charging speed, too: an EV capable of 150kW DC charging won’t help if your local station tops out at 50kW. Charging curves reliably taper once the battery reaches about 80% as a deliberate design to preserve long-term battery health.
3. Overlooking total cost of ownership
Sticker price alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Yes, EVs can be more expensive up front, but lower running costs often make up the difference. Electricity is cheaper than petrol and servicing is simpler, as in no oil changes and fewer moving parts - for now.
Where people slip up is ignoring extras like insurance (often pricier), replacement tyres (EVs are heavier and wear them faster), or a potential home charger install. According to independent analysis by Andersen, EV running costs can be around 50% lower than a comparable petrol car, once energy and maintenance are factored in.
4. Believing range claims at face value
That official “up to 450km” figure on the spec sheet? Treat it as a polite suggestion. Real-world range depends on driving style, terrain, weather and whether you’re running the heater in winter. High-speed motorway driving in particular drains batteries faster than city traffic.
A good rule of thumb is to expect 15 to 20% less than the brochure number. Check independent road tests, not just manufacturer claims, and think about worst-case scenarios, like making it home on a cold night with the heater blasting. EV industry tests show that efficiency can drop sharply in cold weather, with winter motorway consumption jumping from 16kWh/100km to 22kWh/100km or more.
5. Skipping the test drive
EVs can feel very different from petrol cars: instant torque, regenerative braking, near-silent cruising. That novelty is a thrill for some, but can feel odd or even uncomfortable for others. Don’t assume you’ll adapt instantly.
A thorough test drive will tell you if the seating position suits, whether the regenerative braking is adjustable to your taste, and if the infotainment system feels intuitive. Drive more than one EV if you can, as what feels clunky in one might feel natural in another. It’s also worth noting that energy recovery systems and driver-assist tech vary widely between models, and some will align better with your comfort than others.
The smart move
Buying an EV doesn’t have to be complicated. The trick is to treat it like any other car purchase: be honest about your needs, check the running costs and take your time behind the wheel. Do that, and you’ll avoid the big pitfalls that trip up first-time buyers while enjoying the smooth, silent commute you signed up for.