It sounds like an electric car could work for you. Life with an electric vehicle (EV) is easier if you mainly cover short journeys (which, living in London and covering 4000 miles a year, I assume you do) and can charge at home. If you can't charge at home, relying on public chargers will be a hassle so I'd advise you stick to a petrol car. Electric vehicles are expensive, too, although there are a number of new models on their way which ought to offer more choice for less money - including a new Renault Zoe, Vauxhall Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208.

Having said that, don't feel pressure into buying an electric car. Petrol cars will continue to be the sensible choice for a long time yet, and modern petrols like the Kia Picanto are very efficient and are compliant with ULEZ standards.