With the UK rapidly moving toward a greener future, more drivers are wondering when to buy an electric car.
So, if you’re one of those drivers asking yourself, “Should I buy an EV now or wait?”, here’s everything you need to know.
When is the right time to buy an EV?
2026 is a good year to buy an electric car. Battery technology improvements mean that many EVs can now travel 150 – 300 miles on a single charge, covering most daily needs with ease.
Plus, the charging infrastructure growth across the UK makes owning an EV more convenient than ever, with over 85,000 public chargers and counting.
Financially, it’s also a strong time to make the move. With government incentives for electric cars and lower running costs compared to petrol or diesel, the case for going electric has never been stronger.
One of the biggest pros of electric vehicles right now is the incentives for buying electric vehicles. These include:
- EV tax credits (2025) and government grants to reduce upfront costs.
- Lower road tax and congestion zone charges.
- Reduced running and maintenance costs over time.
As EV adoption continues, more incentives for businesses and drivers are being introduced, making electric ownership even more appealing.
Should you buy a used or new electric car?
Both options have their benefits. A new electric car gives you the latest range, software updates, and warranty protection but a used EV can offer exceptional value if you’re testing the waters of EV adoption.
If you’re considering a used model, it’d be wise to check:
- Battery health or state of charge – key to understanding range and value.
- Battery replacement history – whether it’s been serviced, repaired, or upgraded.
- Warranty coverage – some still have years of protection left.
Used EVs can be a smart choice as they often retain solid electric car resale value and often come with proven reliability especially when bought from trusted providers like Van Monster.
Understanding EV battery life and costs
The future of electric cars is being driven by battery technology improvements with modern EV batteries last between 10 – 15 years, with only gradual range loss over time.
Battery degradation affects resale value slightly, but not nearly as much as many people think. In fact, many EVs on the road today still perform close to their original range after years of use.
And when you compare EV vs gas car cost, the difference in maintenance cost savings and fewer mechanical failures can be significant.
Charging and convenience
Wondering what to know before switching to an EV? Charging is easier than ever. Most UK models use Type 2 or CCS connectors, and you can charge at home overnight or use rapid chargers on the go.
Public EV charging station availability is expanding quickly, with chargers now found at supermarkets, motorway services, and business parks nationwide.
Charging times vary, but rapid chargers can add up to 80% battery in 30 – 45 minutes which is perfect for those longer trips.
The bottom line
For many drivers, there’s never been a smarter moment to join the electric vehicle transition. Could that be you?
At Van Monster, we stock a wide range of commercial EV vans, including some of the best electric vans for business and best EV vans 2025, all ready to get to work for you.
Every van comes with a comprehensive warranty. That’s 6 months or up to 10,000 miles on commercial vehicles, with breakdown cover, wear-and-tear protection, and other key features as standard.
And if you find the same model cheaper elsewhere, our Price Match Guarantee means we’ll match it (if it meets a few simple criteria). So you can drive away knowing you’re getting the best deal possible on your next electric fleet option for business.
