Earlier in post on X, I committed on the United Nation’s World Environment Day to “Switch to an Electric Car” for cleaner aid and to reduce my carbon emissions. This brings the outcome of that commitment – To buy an Electric Vehicle.
With several years of decision making and saving up, I explain the criteria an electric car, my shortlist, how I test drove and refined my choice to my final purchase of an Electric Vehicle.
This article looks at criteria an electric car, my shortlist, how I test drove and refined my choice to my final purchase of an Electric Vehicle.
What was my selection criteria?
Initially, I chose criteria similar to my diesel power car, a Vauxhall Meriva.
I was looking for an economic car, good range (over 300 miles) for those long distance journeys to clients and family trips to home and away football games, comfortably seating four people, good luggage capacity in the boot, & a small-ish size similar to the Meriva (1.82m width & 4.288m length) as I did not want a car that was too wide or long. My partner had concerns about a large car and wanted a vehicle that recognised her small size, smaller than my near 6 foot, in seat sizing, front views and comfort.
Price was a concern but as our Meriva cost around £11,000 around ten years ago. I was unlikely to match that value in the purchase of an electric vehicle as they are easily above £11,000 with a typical range of £30s – £60s or our fully comprehensive insurance of £300 per year.
So, I recognised that I may have to compromise on the purchase price but wanted to make a commitment to reducing my carbon emissions for my business and personal mileage.
What was my shortlist?
At the time, there were a small but growing choice of electric vehicles on the UK market.
There were stand-out vehicles, such as the MG 4, which came with good reviews as it was about the same size as my outgoing Vauxhall Meriva, has a Battery Range 281 miles, is comfortable for four people. Current price is about £30,000 for a new vehicle & £20,000 second-hand.
Other vehicles in contention were the Kia Niro EV, which is a slightly bigger car with a range of up to 285 miles with a touch of luxury. Priced at £30,000 to £36,000 and around £24,000 for pre-owned vehicles.
And, finally, the Skoda Enyaq, which I heard was based on the Volkswagen ID.4 but slightly cheaper and better appointed with comfort and features. Priced at around £46,000 new and about £25,000 to the nearly new price of £46,000.
Other cars looked at but discounted early on were the electric Mini (very limited 145 mile range), the Nissan Leaf (similar at 168 mile range) & the Renault Zoe (at a healthier 239 mile range).
How did they compare?
First off, all cars had they advantages and disadvantage.
Our first test drive was the Skoda Enyaq, which was a great vehicle with a level of comfort unheard of in our Vauxhall Meriva. The ride and performance was great on our first test drive of an electric vehicle. The charging capacity of 150 kWh limited its appeal as it will take longer to charge the car but at 30 minutes may have been more in my mind than the “real” world.
The MG 4 was a great little car (with little being positive) with many high-technology benefits of a new car with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and phone charging as well as a decent battery range but, again, limited by its charging capacity of 150 kWh,
Our final test drive was the Kia Niro EV. A lovely car with some good tech, comfortable ride and upgrade extras like Heads-Up displays, individual settings for each driver. Charging rates are similar to the two other cars on our short-list. Overall, the Kia Niro EV was our front runner even with consideration to select the higher trim and accessories & pay extra for the higher Tier 3 model.
That would be the end of our test drives except I said before we make our final decision, we should, at least, test drive a Tesla. There were many negatives that swirled around in my mind; Tesla’s are expensive – could I afford it , it is a bit like Apple with its design aesthetic, which can be a good minimalist design but could I get used to driving by its large screen and Tesla-specific design considerations.
So, we tried a sit-in test of the Model 3, a saloon style car, and Model Y, a hatchback SUV-styled vehicle but plumped for a test drive of the Model Y. To be clear, this vehicle is huge at nearly, 2m wide (1920mm) & 4750mm long & in many ways did not meet our selection criteria except for the standard range of 283 mile. Our test drive went well but we couldn’t get used to driving by the screen and Tesla-specific controls on the steering wheel. Weeks later, we considered a further test drive., which went better but was a Tesla Model Y for us – Not least for the over £52,000 for the standard Model Y & through the Long Range version of 331 miles range at £56,000 & nearly £60,000 for the Performance variant with a 0-60 of 3.5 seconds – Great for that initial burn-up from the traffic lights on the way to the local supermarket.
What next?
The MG4 was discounted, as it was considered too small even though it meet our size criteria, & because of its “real world” range and limited charging speed.
We shortened the short-list to the Kia Niro EV, our front running car, and strange to tell, the Tesla Model Y, even though it was a late-comer to our EV selection.
There is a good point to finish this article with a sense of suspense: Which vehicle did I chose, the Kia Niro EV or Tesla Model Y – Catch-up on my final decision and reasons in the accompanying article here.
If this article has helped to advance your understanding of the potential options for choosing an electric vehicle – What EV do you think I chose or what EV would you choose, please leave a comment in the box below, if this video has help you.
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