Things to consider if you're wondering which electric car to buy

When you want to buy an electric car, we recommend you go through this list:

When finding the ideal range for your EV, it's important to think about your driving habits. While a large range may seem appealing, it's not always the best fit for everyone. Do you primarily drive short daily commutes in the city or do you frequently go on longer journeys?

Thinking about your driving habits, the availability of fast charging and the compatibility with charging stations will help you determine the range that fits your lifestyle to give you the best driving experience.

When considering your budget, explore electric vehicles with a competitive price point. Look for models that offer affordable maintenance costs and take advantage of potential financial incentives, such as tax credits or rebates. By doing so, you'll discover many options that make the switch to electric financially feasible and a rewarding and budget-friendly choice.

To check if any EV grants or incentives are available in your region, you can visit the official government websites or portals dedicated to environmental or transportation policies.

When charging your electric vehicle, considering your charging preferences is essential. One factor to consider is the availability of charging stations in your area. Check for the closest public charging stations near your home or frequently visited locations to ensure convenient charging options while you're out and about.

It's worth exploring if you can charge the car at home. You can do this by considering these things: check your home's electrical infrastructure, research different charging station options, and evaluate the convenience of charging overnight or during non-use. Consult with an electrician and consider potential incentives to offset installation costs.

A home charging setup can provide the convenience of charging overnight or whenever the vehicle is not in use, ensuring it's always ready for your next journey.

Also, if you have charging options at your workplace, it can be a great advantage. Many workplaces now offer charging facilities, allowing you to charge your EV during working hours.

As electric vehicles have become very popular, delivery times for some models can be lengthy. It's important to consider this and inquire with the manufacturer or distributor about your desired vehicle's availability. However, with the smart #1, you can hit the road and start enjoying your electric driving experience within a remarkably short timeframe of 4-6 weeks*.

Additionally, when considering your options, it's worth taking into account specific features that may be important to you, such as:

• Family-friendly features

Families may prioritise spacious interiors, ample cargo capacity and rear-seat entertainment options to give a comfortable experience for everyone.

• Towing and hauling capability

Do you want to be able to tow trailers or carry heavy loads? Then consider an EV with sufficient towing capacity and cargo-carrying capabilities.

• All-wheel drive (AWD) or off-road capability

If you live in regions with challenging weather conditions or enjoy off-road adventures, you may prefer an EV with AWD or off-road capabilities, enhancing traction and handling in various terrains.

towing and hauling capability and all-wheel drive (AWD) or off-road capability. So, it's an ideal choice if you're looking for specific features like these.

Your priorities vary widely, and the best EV for you depends on your unique circumstances and preferences. By comparing different lines and test-driving them, you'll be able to find the EV that fits your lifestyle.

We know that understanding the range of an EV is one of the most important factors when buying one. The range of an EV refers to how far it can travel on a single charge.

The ideal range depends on your travel distance and what you use your car for. If you mainly have short daily commutes in the city a smaller range may be sufficient for your needs. In fact, buying an EV with a range that meets your daily mileage requirements can be a cost-effective and practical choice. You won't be paying for additional battery capacity that you may not fully utilise.

If you use your car for other purposes beyond the daily commute, like frequent long-distance drives or weekend trips, an EV with a larger range becomes more important. For instance, imagine driving from Brussels to Paris (approx. 310 km). You can make the journey with an EV with a range of 400 km or more. An EV with a range of over 400 km allows you to have extended mileage if you like to go for longer trips regularly.

But range isn't everything when it comes to choosing the right EV. Having the largest range possible doesn't necessarily guarantee the best driving experience. While considering your driving needs and typical distances is important, other factors, such as access to public fast-charging or compatibility with charging networks, can enhance your convenience during long-distance travels.

Having easy access to charging stations, whether they are public charging stations or the ability to charge at home or work ensures that you can recharge your EV whenever needed. Also, the speed of charging is another aspect to consider. Some EVs offer fast charging capabilities, so you can recharge your EV quickly during pit stops. This can be especially beneficial for longer trips or when you're on the go and need to top up the battery quickly.

For more information about EV range, visit guide to electric car range.

Electric vehicles are usually more expensive upfront than gasoline vehicles. Still, they can save money in the long run due to lower operating and maintenance costs. Compared to traditional fuel-powered cars, EVs are generally cheaper to operate. This is because electricity costs are usually lower than gasoline, and EVs require less maintenance and repair.

When determining the budget for your EV, consider factors such as purchase price, insurance, maintenance and potential savings on fuel and tax incentives. The exact cost will depend on your electricity rates, the efficiency of your vehicle and whether you'll be charging it from home utilising solar energy through PV panels or via fast public charging.

To calculate the cost per mile for electric and petrol/gasoline vehicles, you can use the following formula:

Electric vehicle cost per mile = cost of electricity per kWh ÷ electric vehicle efficiency (kWh/mile)

Petrol/gasoline vehicle cost per mile = cost of petrol/gasoline per gallon/litre ÷ petrol/gasoline vehicle fuel efficiency (miles per gallon/litre)

Want to know more about the cost of driving and charging an EV? Costs of driving and charging an electric car.

In many countries, governments offer subsidies and incentives for EV owners. These grants reduce the initial cost of purchasing an EV.

Reduced or exempted road tax: Electric vehicles are eligible for reduced or exempted road tax in selected countries. This means you can save on annual vehicle-related taxes compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. The exact amount of savings depends on the specific EV model and its list price.

Exemption from congestion charges: Electric vehicle owners are often exempt from paying congestion charges in certain cities. For example, in some urban areas, EVs are exempt from congestion charges, which can significantly reduce commuting costs or driving in congested areas.

Access to clean air zones: Some cities have implemented "Clean Air Zones" to reduce air pollution. EVs are generally allowed to enter these zones without any restrictions or charges, promoting cleaner transportation options and allowing you to navigate city centres and restricted areas without concerns about emission-related penalties.

Government incentives: Many governments provide various incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. These incentives can include grants for purchasing eligible EV models, tax credits, rebates or grants. Additionally, funding may be available for the installation of home charging stations.

To discover if there are any grants for EVs in your area, visit the official government websites or portals that focus on environmental or transportation policies. These sources will provide the most up-to-date information on the available support and incentives to help you make an informed decision about purchasing an electric vehicle.

For more country specific information go here: https://www.gov.uk/transport/road-transport-and-the-environment

One of the benefits of owning an EV is the convenience of charging it at home. Unlike traditional vehicles that require a trip to the petrol station, you can plug in your electric car and let it charge overnight while you rest.

This gives you several practical benefits, including saving time and eliminating the need for detours in your daily routine. It also creates opportunities to do other tasks while your car charges.

Having a dedicated charging point at home also means charging your EV at your convenience without relying solely on public charging infrastructure. This guarantees that your vehicle will always be ready for your next journey.

For more information on charging your electric car at home, go to our guide on How to charge your electric car at home.

EVs generally have fewer moving parts than traditional combustion engine vehicles, lowering maintenance requirements. However, they still require periodic servicing and maintenance, including battery inspections, brake checks and tire rotations. It's a good idea to check the recommended maintenance schedule given by the manufacturer and consult authorised service centres for any specific requirements.

When the specific EV you have your eyes on is available depends on demand, production capacity and release schedules. To get the latest and most accurate information on the availability, go to the manufacturer's website.

If you want to purchase a smart #1, you can explore our stock search feature. By visiting Stock search, you can easily explore the availability and estimated delivery times for smart #1 lines. This lets you plan your purchase and know when your desired car will be available.