Real EV owners share what its like to live with electric cars in 2024
Two UK car owners tell different stories about their electric vehicle experience. While one faced charging troubles and sold his car‚ another enjoys eco-friendly rides despite some limitations
Patrick Mulligan first saw his Nissan Leaf as a dream-come-true. The second-hand EV cost him £24‚000 (with £320 monthly payments)‚ but his super-car feeling didnt last long
His daily 50-mile Bradford-to-Bolton commute became a source of worry - the cars range wasnt reliable enough. Charging problems hit hard: the internet-connection issues meant he paid 28p per kWh instead of 7p; plus finding right charging ports was tricky
The biggest shock came when his cars value dropped to £9000 in just 2‚5 years. Now he drives a leased VW ID Buzz and suggests: “Its better to lease than buy these high-tech machines“
The industry shows mixed signals: Vauxhalls historic Luton plant (that worked for over 120 years) is closing due to EV sales targets; while the Government plans to review its zero-emission rules. Still the 2030 petrol-diesel ban stays firm
- Charging infrastructure gaps
- Range limitations
- Fast value drop
- Internet connectivity issues
- Battery replacement costs
But not all stories are negative. Lisa Ingram from Hampshire paid £24000 for her nearly-new Leaf with just 2000 miles. “We got it way below its £29000 price tag; it was like getting a new car“ She runs an eco-friendly cotton business and loves her EVs clean impact
Living in countryside helps - she has off-road parking with easy plug access: “We can reach London on single charge; though longer trips need planning“ she notes. However she understands city-dwellers challenges: “If you live in flats without nearby parking its harder“
It was very fast very quiet oh-so-smooth and easy to drive
