What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Can you recommend an electric SUV?
I am contemplating changing my large automatic SUV vehicle to an electric or plug-in hybrid. I don’t quite understand the cost of charging compared to the range the vehicles can potentially achieve. Which cars achieve the most mileage for the price to charge the car?
I cover approximately 5,000-6,000 miles a year, generally in the countryside, up to a distance of 20 miles radius, with an occasional short drive locally. I intend to charge at home as I am retired and prefer an SUV type vehicle due to ride height and ease of getting in and out of it.
My budget would be in the range of £25,000-£40,000 as I don’t wish to be penalised for extra car tax. I would also like to hear your opinion on the cost of electricity that keeps increasing dramatically and if it is a false economy of purchasing an electric vehicle.
I cover approximately 5,000-6,000 miles a year, generally in the countryside, up to a distance of 20 miles radius, with an occasional short drive locally. I intend to charge at home as I am retired and prefer an SUV type vehicle due to ride height and ease of getting in and out of it.
My budget would be in the range of £25,000-£40,000 as I don’t wish to be penalised for extra car tax. I would also like to hear your opinion on the cost of electricity that keeps increasing dramatically and if it is a false economy of purchasing an electric vehicle.
Asked on 4 May 2022 by Michael Donaldson
Answered by
Andrew Brady
To find out how efficient an electric car is, you need to look at the miles/kWh figure. This is kind of the electric equivalent to MPG. A Skoda Enyaq, for example, officially returns around 3.7 miles per kWh. That means, with its 77kWh net battery capacity, you'll be looking at a range of around 285 miles.
The cost of electricity will depend on your home electricity tariff. If you're paying, for example, 28p per kWh, you'll pay around £21.50 to fully charge the Enyaq at home – equating to around 8p per mile. That's still significantly less than a petrol or diesel car. If you have to use public rapid chargers regularly, you'll be paying significantly more for electricity and it might not make as much financial sense. You will save in other areas, though – such as VED (road tax) and servicing costs.
We'd recommend an MG ZS EV for your requirements – it's an excellent introduction to electric cars. Bear in mind, though, that EVs with a list price of more than £40,000 aren't hit by the premium car tax.
The cost of electricity will depend on your home electricity tariff. If you're paying, for example, 28p per kWh, you'll pay around £21.50 to fully charge the Enyaq at home – equating to around 8p per mile. That's still significantly less than a petrol or diesel car. If you have to use public rapid chargers regularly, you'll be paying significantly more for electricity and it might not make as much financial sense. You will save in other areas, though – such as VED (road tax) and servicing costs.
We'd recommend an MG ZS EV for your requirements – it's an excellent introduction to electric cars. Bear in mind, though, that EVs with a list price of more than £40,000 aren't hit by the premium car tax.
Similar questions
I currently have a 1.4 petrol Vauxhall Mokka X. I am looking to replace this with an electric or self-charging hybrid SUV. I need something to get my golf clubs in. I travel only locally but have relatives...
Just tried to buy a Peugeot e-2008 from my local dealer, it had done 250 miles and was their demonstrator. However, Peugeot has said they can’t sell me that particular car. There is a six to seven-month...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Nothing else beats it in terms of value for money. 273-mile range on the latest models. Practical and surprisingly well-finished interior. Seven-year warranty.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
