DRIVERS have revealed their four biggest complaints about electric cars, from charging difficulties to mounting costs.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are surely the future with new petrol and diesel cars being phased out from 2030, but owners have some common gripes about them.
GettyDrivers worry about the availability of EV charging points[/caption]
The first issue motorists raised is the fear of being left roadside with a flat battery.
There are 35,000 electric charging points in the UK, which is more than people might realise but is still sees them much less available than petrol.
Depending on your route, charging points can be quite far apart so if one is broken you could be left relying on your roadside assistance cover.
This has a knock-on effect on your insurance premiums as most EV models can’t be towed, meaning they require specific and, often, more expensive cover.
There is also no law covering compensation if you are left out of pocket by a broken charging point, making it a major fear among EV owners.
Another charging-related issue is the competition for charging spots.
It only takes a couple of minutes to fill up a traditional car, but takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours to fully charge an electric one.
While the longer waits tend to be for home chargers, a 30 minute stop at a public charger can mean low availability if several people are charging at once.
The Government has said that 300,000 charging points will be in place by 2030 but, until then, queues may persist.
A home charger is a possible solution, but take longer and can cost around £400 to install on top of extra energy usage amid a cost of living crisis.
The third issue drivers have is their EV being too expensive to run, especially given the recent spike in energy bills.
The fact that many are bought through credit deals can also mean that hidden costs are masked, making the car more expensive than you might have thought when you bought it.
Finally, owners complain about glitches in both the digital features on their vehicle and its battery.
The fact that EVs rely more on electrical power could make them more open to electrical issues.
Fortunately, customers are protected through the Consumer Rights Act, which obligates whoever sold you the car to ensure that it is safe and in satisfactory condition.
Within the first six months from the date of purchase, the dealership is required to make sure the car is as it is supposed to be.
Beyond that you can still complain, but may have to prove the issues aren’t down to normal wear and tear.
The Motor Ombudsman is available to appeal to if you don’t feel your complaint has been fairly resolved.