I drive with adaptations – should I get an electric car?

The Jeff Gosling adaptation product range is not affected by electric cars and therefore you can choose to drive an electric car with adaptations if that is your preference.

We may have a different design for the electric version of a vehicle that is available in different engine specifications but only in the same way that we sometimes need different designs for other options such as key or keyless ignition start.

We would always recommend checking the availability of the adaptation you require ahead of ordering or purchasing your new car just in case there are any issues or delays on adaptation availability for a specific model.

Your decision on whether to choose an electric car, either full battery electric, self-charging hybrid or plug-in hybrid, should be made dependent on your preference and circumstances. Things people typically consider when thinking about making the move to electric cars are:

How far do I drive and what type of driving do I do?

The type of driving you do, and how far you travel can make a big difference into the type of EV that you choose. Assess your average mileage between stops and whether you drive more around town or on motorways. Having this sort of information when speaking with car dealers can help get the right engine for you.

Do I have the ability to charge the car?

If you are choosing an electric car that needs charging (not a self-charging hybrid) then you need to consider your options on charging. Most people would prefer to be able to charge the car at their home address so research into being able to do that should be made. If you own your property and have a driveway you are most likely to be able to install a charging point but it is not always possible so we would recommend speaking to an electrician qualified in EV chargers or to a charger company. If you do not have a driveway you may need to speak to your local council about whether there is an option to have a charger fitted as you won’t just be able to run a cable across the pavement from the house to your car. If you do not own your property, you should start by having a conversation with the landlord.

What are the costs of an EV over a combustion engine?

EVs are often more expensive to purchase upfront but this can be assisted by grants if available at the time of purchase. You will also need to consider the ongoing running costs. It may be that the EV is more expensive to purchase but then as the running costs are lower, meaning overall you make savings by having an EV. When considering costs, you’ll need to know about how you are going to charge the car as charging at public charging stations is often much more expensive than home charging. If you can charge the car at your home address, research into special tariffs with energy suppliers is worth doing. It is also worth checking costs of your insurance before purchasing a vehicle in case the different specifications makes a difference to your annual insurance amount.