Pro's and con's for buying an electric vehicle

I'll be paying it in monthly instalments, cariadon. I didn't say that I would definitely hand the car back in 4 years. I said that I had the OPTION to do so as part of the agreement. In other words, I could consider doing so, if I wanted to retire from delivery driving.

I suppose the monthly payments is a lot cheaper than what your paying now, and part of the £2500 you say you will be saving.

One of the cons (not air con) for some drivers might well be reduced range due to their driving style.

Malcolm says that overall he averages 27 miles to the gallon with his present Smart. Most would expect closer to 40mpg. Would the Smart EV's range be similarly reduced I wonder? 

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/travel

This web page is very informative, and even tells you how to drive to get a better range from the battery, and how to get cheaper tariff for electricity in the home.

I knew nothing about PCP so had a quick look and have to confess that I was stunned.  Apparently 82% of all new cars on the road are purchased using PCP.  The only up side I can see is that people who wouldn't normally be able to afford a new car can now own one.  

£41 billion in loans, wonder how many folk are exposed?

http://uk.businessinsider.com/uk-car-finance-pcp-mortgage-market-morgan-stanley-2017-7

Does make alarming reading oneputt, at the moment the risk is with the finance, dealer, cannot see it staying like that, or a lot of dealership will disappear.

I think I've alluded to it in the past when people kept harping on about how younger people can't get into caravanning. Very few people in my road 'own' a car. The majority have cars on PCP through their employer. 

I own my current car but my next will probably be electric and will be leased if possible. 

Here's some info on PCPs. One drawback is annual mileage limits which produce a surcharge. Take a look at the final cost differences. It's not something I would consider.

BBC Business

A proportion will be like us though. We wanted to buy the car outright. However, they are so keen to try and tie you in to a future purchase, they would not give us as good a deal on paying outright. That deal also included zero percent finance. A crazy situation.

Now we are at the end of the deal we have had to insist in writing and phone calls, several times, that we want to make the final payment of £6000. Not refinance, or make an appointment to switch to a new model. All of the hassle has come from Toyota finance, who obviously lean on there dealers to push these deals.

Interestingly they say that they will take the final payment by DD, as that is how we pay the monthly instalments. I didn't know variable DD's could be quite that variable. I find it slightly concerning.

Good article Brue, I read somewhere that not only was mileage a potential issue but 'fair wear and tear' was creating a major problem.  I certainly wouldn't be saddled with one of these contracts, particularly if I were already deep in debt