Is an EV the answer for me?
Discussion
Currently deciding on what to buy next year as my current car is very old and likely to spring a few bills (2008 Focus), I do roughly 11k PA, 27 mile daily round trips, the occasional 180 mile round trip a few times a month and maybe around 4 300 mile round trips per year.
I have a budget of roughly £14k now, was thinking of a Corolla Hybrid 1.8 with lots of warranty left on the battery, most likely achieve 60mpg average or an EV of some sort like a Niro/Kona which will be charged at home for 7p/kwh 95% of the time meaning my monthly cost would be £20 or so, BUT I would be taking out a personal loan at a low % of half the cars value (I have recently got an increase in pay which means the loan would be paid by this if I take it out over a long time), the Niro would have some warranty left on its battery but not as much as the Corolla, I also plan to have a child next year and wouldn't mind some extra space, I think I would keep the Corolla longer due to the warranty but the savings on the EV would win over surely?
Any other recommendations on EV's specifically.
I have a budget of roughly £14k now, was thinking of a Corolla Hybrid 1.8 with lots of warranty left on the battery, most likely achieve 60mpg average or an EV of some sort like a Niro/Kona which will be charged at home for 7p/kwh 95% of the time meaning my monthly cost would be £20 or so, BUT I would be taking out a personal loan at a low % of half the cars value (I have recently got an increase in pay which means the loan would be paid by this if I take it out over a long time), the Niro would have some warranty left on its battery but not as much as the Corolla, I also plan to have a child next year and wouldn't mind some extra space, I think I would keep the Corolla longer due to the warranty but the savings on the EV would win over surely?
Any other recommendations on EV's specifically.
An EV averaging 3.5 miles/kWh (likely for these) should cost ~£250 a year to do 11k miles; a Corolla at 60 mpg is £1100, so £850/year difference.
As well as the Kia Niro, Soul and Hyundai Kona 64 kWh, I'd also consider -
MG4 64 kWh
VW ID3 58 kWh
VW ID4 77 kWh (if ok with high mileage)
Tesla Model 3 (Long Range possible)
All of these should do the 180 miles trip on a charge.
Generally I'm thinking these cars should last well, I wouldn't be too concerned about running them beyond the warranty. The ID3 is possibly the best competitor to the Niro. The Tesla is a 4 door saloon, but has the specific benefit of the supercharger network and no servicing requirements.
As well as the Kia Niro, Soul and Hyundai Kona 64 kWh, I'd also consider -
MG4 64 kWh
VW ID3 58 kWh
VW ID4 77 kWh (if ok with high mileage)
Tesla Model 3 (Long Range possible)
All of these should do the 180 miles trip on a charge.
Generally I'm thinking these cars should last well, I wouldn't be too concerned about running them beyond the warranty. The ID3 is possibly the best competitor to the Niro. The Tesla is a 4 door saloon, but has the specific benefit of the supercharger network and no servicing requirements.
Chuck91 said:
Currently deciding on what to buy next year as my current car is very old and likely to spring a few bills (2008 Focus), I do roughly 11k PA, 27 mile daily round trips, the occasional 180 mile round trip a few times a month and maybe around 4 300 mile round trips per year.
I have a budget of roughly £14k now, was thinking of a Corolla Hybrid 1.8 with lots of warranty left on the battery, most likely achieve 60mpg average or an EV of some sort like a Niro/Kona which will be charged at home for 7p/kwh 95% of the time meaning my monthly cost would be £20 or so, BUT I would be taking out a personal loan at a low % of half the cars value (I have recently got an increase in pay which means the loan would be paid by this if I take it out over a long time), the Niro would have some warranty left on its battery but not as much as the Corolla, I also plan to have a child next year and wouldn't mind some extra space, I think I would keep the Corolla longer due to the warranty but the savings on the EV would win over surely?
Any other recommendations on EV's specifically.
Have you considered an 800bhp Vauxhall as an alternative?I have a budget of roughly £14k now, was thinking of a Corolla Hybrid 1.8 with lots of warranty left on the battery, most likely achieve 60mpg average or an EV of some sort like a Niro/Kona which will be charged at home for 7p/kwh 95% of the time meaning my monthly cost would be £20 or so, BUT I would be taking out a personal loan at a low % of half the cars value (I have recently got an increase in pay which means the loan would be paid by this if I take it out over a long time), the Niro would have some warranty left on its battery but not as much as the Corolla, I also plan to have a child next year and wouldn't mind some extra space, I think I would keep the Corolla longer due to the warranty but the savings on the EV would win over surely?
Any other recommendations on EV's specifically.
Don't forget, the Tesla and VW ID.3 (and 4) will create more questions than answers. The question being, "how the hell do I control the temperature of the heating". Some people seem to get along with (or tolerate) HVAC controls on a touch screen, I personally hate them. Choose wisely.
paul_c123 said:
Don't forget, the Tesla and VW ID.3 (and 4) will create more questions than answers. The question being, "how the hell do I control the temperature of the heating". Some people seem to get along with (or tolerate) HVAC controls on a touch screen, I personally hate them. Choose wisely.
The people that hate them are the ones that constantly mess with the controls.Set for 21 degrees. Car keeps 21 degrees. No need to whack to high to heat the car up.
For your budget for a full EV ID3 / ID4 seems give a good balance of range, charge speed and spec (matrix headlights etc). The batteries seem to be wearing well on high mileage cars. Supposedly 90% capacity after 160k kilometers according to ADAC
I think an Audi A6 allroad / estate; 2015/16, 3.0 tdi would be in budget. Much more suitable if you have children on the way (and way nicer than a corolla)
Edited by smallpaul on Saturday 2nd August 19:45
smallpaul said:
The people that hate them are the ones that constantly mess with the controls.
Set for 21 degrees. Car keeps 21 degrees. No need to whack to high to heat the car up.
Far too simplistic to say its just messing with the controls. Its more to do with being able to control something without it being a distraction to driving. Of course, its not a uniquely electric car thing.Set for 21 degrees. Car keeps 21 degrees. No need to whack to high to heat the car up.
Monkeylegend said:
Chuck91 said:
Currently deciding on what to buy next year as my current car is very old and likely to spring a few bills (2008 Focus), I do roughly 11k PA, 27 mile daily round trips, the occasional 180 mile round trip a few times a month and maybe around 4 300 mile round trips per year.
I have a budget of roughly £14k now, was thinking of a Corolla Hybrid 1.8 with lots of warranty left on the battery, most likely achieve 60mpg average or an EV of some sort like a Niro/Kona which will be charged at home for 7p/kwh 95% of the time meaning my monthly cost would be £20 or so, BUT I would be taking out a personal loan at a low % of half the cars value (I have recently got an increase in pay which means the loan would be paid by this if I take it out over a long time), the Niro would have some warranty left on its battery but not as much as the Corolla, I also plan to have a child next year and wouldn't mind some extra space, I think I would keep the Corolla longer due to the warranty but the savings on the EV would win over surely?
Any other recommendations on EV's specifically.
Have you considered an 800bhp Vauxhall as an alternative?I have a budget of roughly £14k now, was thinking of a Corolla Hybrid 1.8 with lots of warranty left on the battery, most likely achieve 60mpg average or an EV of some sort like a Niro/Kona which will be charged at home for 7p/kwh 95% of the time meaning my monthly cost would be £20 or so, BUT I would be taking out a personal loan at a low % of half the cars value (I have recently got an increase in pay which means the loan would be paid by this if I take it out over a long time), the Niro would have some warranty left on its battery but not as much as the Corolla, I also plan to have a child next year and wouldn't mind some extra space, I think I would keep the Corolla longer due to the warranty but the savings on the EV would win over surely?
Any other recommendations on EV's specifically.
If you need the extra space I’d really advise a Tesla Model 3 on your list.
I changed my M2 for one when we had our first child and now have 2 under 2.
The cabin is actually bigger than you’d think. I’m 6ft and have my seat the way it should be with a full Egg pram system and rear facing child seats. Can’t even do this in our X3 where I have had to raise it to get the length from the pedals.
The boot can also take our Egg system set up for tandem (our 3 series couldn’t). Room under the boot and front trunk means we can take more bags than the X3. No transmission tunnel great for the wife when she has to go in the back.
Babies are obsessed with the panoramic roof and staring out it. Windows are also low and my oldest is very happy stirring out. Makes trips a gift.
I know it cool to hate on big touchscreens but being able to access Spotify and change music to keep one awake or make sure they sleep is vey helpful. Also if you get stuck while one naps you can watch Netflix or leave it on dog mode (we video call to make sure we watch them). Our oldest is obsessed with David Attenborough documentaries and had her our on knee watching them while waiting for people preventing any tantrums.
Preheating an EV in winter is a game changer as well. No over or under dressing them or big coats in car seats. No waiting for a car to de-ice or roasting cabin.
It’s took both my kids home from hospital. Best car to live with me.
I changed my M2 for one when we had our first child and now have 2 under 2.
The cabin is actually bigger than you’d think. I’m 6ft and have my seat the way it should be with a full Egg pram system and rear facing child seats. Can’t even do this in our X3 where I have had to raise it to get the length from the pedals.
The boot can also take our Egg system set up for tandem (our 3 series couldn’t). Room under the boot and front trunk means we can take more bags than the X3. No transmission tunnel great for the wife when she has to go in the back.
Babies are obsessed with the panoramic roof and staring out it. Windows are also low and my oldest is very happy stirring out. Makes trips a gift.
I know it cool to hate on big touchscreens but being able to access Spotify and change music to keep one awake or make sure they sleep is vey helpful. Also if you get stuck while one naps you can watch Netflix or leave it on dog mode (we video call to make sure we watch them). Our oldest is obsessed with David Attenborough documentaries and had her our on knee watching them while waiting for people preventing any tantrums.
Preheating an EV in winter is a game changer as well. No over or under dressing them or big coats in car seats. No waiting for a car to de-ice or roasting cabin.
It’s took both my kids home from hospital. Best car to live with me.
ZX10R NIN said:
Mokka EV, if it's big enough:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506103...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...
OP, this is a poor recommendation for you. I had one of these and even in summer, it barely achieved 120 miles at motorway speeds (rated for 209 miles) https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506103...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...
They are best for urban areas. Avoid given you plan to do 180 mile round trips a few times a month.
raspy said:
ZX10R NIN said:
Mokka EV, if it's big enough:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506103...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...
OP, this is a poor recommendation for you. I had one of these and even in summer, it barely achieved 120 miles at motorway speeds (rated for 209 miles) https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506103...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507314...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507164...
They are best for urban areas. Avoid given you plan to do 180 mile round trips a few times a month.
In which case a Mach e:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507254...
Ioniq5 75kwh:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507264...
60kwh Megane:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507234...
Model S 85D with free charging:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502088...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202507294...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202504171...
Another vote for a Tesla Model 3 in that price range. It’s more efficient than pretty much anything similar and the batteries go the distance. I’m not sure where prices are, but try to go for a post 2020 model built in their Shanghai factory. Earlier US built ones have lower build quality, but still generally reliable. Mostly cosmetic stuff like dodgy paint and panel fits.
uktrailmonster said:
PeteinSQ said:
Shame the Polestar 2 is just out of budget. I had one and with the boot being a hatch I thought it was a bit more practical than the model 3.
Are you sure they are out of budget? I would have thought early ones are in that price range no? The only catch is that at 123,000 miles the battery warranty is out. Given the OP is interested in warranty coverage, I'm not sure stretching for a high mileage car is the best recommendation. But yeah, lovely cars, could be worth a punt for somebody.
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