New to Electric Cars? Here’s What First-Time EV Buyers Need to Know

Thinking about making the switch to electric? You’re not alone. More drivers across the UK are moving away from petrol and diesel as electric vehicles (EVs) become more mainstream. If you’ve never owned one before, it can feel like a big shift. But once you understand the basics, you’ll see that going electric is not just good for the planet — it’s practical, affordable, and fun to drive.

Here’s what you need to know before buying your first electric car.

1. Charging Is Easier Than You Think

One of the biggest concerns for first-time EV buyers is how and where to charge. But with the UK’s charging network growing fast, it’s more straightforward than ever.

Home charging
Most EV owners charge at home using a dedicated wallbox, which offers faster and safer charging than a standard three-pin plug. Charging overnight is convenient and takes advantage of cheaper electricity tariffs.

Public charging
Need to top up on the go? There are over 60,000 public charge points in the UK, with more added every week. Apps like Zap-Map or Octopus Electroverse help you find nearby chargers and check availability in real time.

Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers
Many public chargers can add 80% battery in around 30 minutes, depending on your car. These are ideal for longer journeys or quick top-ups at motorway services.

Tip: If you’re planning to install a home charger, check whether you’re eligible for a government grant via the EV Chargepoint Grant (for renters and flat owners).

2. Range Anxiety? You Don’t Need to Worry

Most modern EVs offer a range between 150 and 300 miles on a full charge. Unless you’re regularly doing long motorway runs, that’s more than enough for daily driving.

Real-world range can vary based on:

• Your driving speed

• Use of air conditioning or heating

• Cold weather, which affects battery efficiency

• Road types (motorway driving can drain range faster)

Once you get to know your car, you’ll become confident in how far you can go between charges. Most EVs also have in-built route planners that account for charger locations, so you’ll never be caught short.

3. Lower Running Costs Save You Money

EVs tend to cost more upfront, but the savings over time can be significant:

• Fuel savings: Charging is far cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel, especially if you charge at home overnight.

• Servicing and maintenance: Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, so you’ll avoid things like oil changes, clutch repairs or exhaust issues.

• Congestion charges: Many clean air zones and low-emission areas offer reduced or zero charges for electric vehicles.

4. What About Battery Health?

If you’re buying a used electric car, you might be wondering about battery lifespan. Good news: EV batteries are built to last. Most manufacturers offer warranties of 8 years or 100,000 miles on the battery.

Over time, batteries can lose a small amount of capacity (called degradation), but for most drivers, the effect is minimal. For added peace of mind, ask for a battery health report when buying used.

Tip: Just like tyres or brake pads, battery condition depends on how the car has been used and charged. Cars that have been rapid charged constantly may show slightly faster degradation.

5. Understanding Charging Types and Connectors

There are three main types of charging:

• Slow charging (3kW): Common for home three-pin plugs, but takes many hours.

• Fast charging (7–22kW): Most home wallboxes and destination chargers use this.

• Rapid/ultra-rapid (50kW+): Used for quick top-ups at public charging stations.

Connectors can vary slightly. Most UK cars use a Type 2 plug for standard charging and CCS for rapid charging. You won’t usually need to worry though — many public chargers come with their own cables, and most used EVs include the right ones.

6. Used EVs Are a Smart Choice

Buying a second-hand electric car is one of the best ways to get great value while trying out EV driving. At CarGiant, we carefully inspect every used EV to ensure quality and performance.

Here’s what to check when buying used:

• Battery health: Ask for documentation or a health check if available.

• Service history: Ensure the car has been maintained properly.

• Charging cables: Make sure the correct cables are included.

• Software updates: Some EVs receive features and improvements via updates — check if the car is up to date.

7. EVs Drive Differently — and That’s a Good Thing

If you’ve never driven an EV, be prepared for a pleasant surprise. They’re quiet, responsive, and very easy to drive. The lack of gears makes them perfect for city traffic, and the instant torque makes acceleration feel smooth and fast.

Many EVs also come packed with tech, including:

• Regenerative braking (which recovers energy as you slow down)

• Digital dashboards

• Smartphone apps to control charging and climate remotely

8. EV Myths, Busted

Still unsure? Let’s clear up a few common myths:

• EVs are slow: False. Even modest models feel nippy thanks to instant power delivery.

• There aren’t enough chargers: The UK network is expanding rapidly, and more workplaces and supermarkets offer free or low-cost charging.

• Batteries don’t last: Most EVs last well over 100,000 miles, and battery tech is improving all the time.

Final Thoughts

Switching to electric isn’t just about saving money or reducing emissions. It’s also about driving a car that feels future-ready and suits modern lifestyles.

At CarGiant, we stock a wide range of quality used electric vehicles, from affordable city cars to high-performance models. Whether you’re buying your first EV or upgrading to a newer one, our team is here to help you make the right choice.