Your First EV in 2025: What to Consider Before Making the Switch
Thinking of going electric? Here’s what you need to know before you buy your first EV in 2025. (5 minute read)
1. Convenience of Charging
Charging at Home
For most EV drivers, home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective option. If you can charge at home then you’re able to wake up every morning with a full car - much like charging your phone overnight.
Installation costs (estimates): House (£1k), Apartment (with Cosmic £900, without £2-5k), Terraced house with no drive… (Try Kerbo Charge)
Smart chargers: Allow off-peak charging, helping you save money and reduce grid impact.
Time to charge: 3–8 hours for a full charge, depending on battery size, the car’s onboard inverter and charger power.
Public Charging Infrastructure
In 2025, the UK and Europe have seen rapid expansion of public charging stations, but convenience still depends on location, network access, and charger reliability.
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers: Add 80% range in ~20–40 minutes. Ideal for motorway travel.
Apps and maps: Zap-Map, PlugShare, and others help you find available chargers and plan routes.
Payment & Cost: All public charging in the UK (above 22kW) now allows for contactless payment. Costs are typically 2-4x as much as charging at home.
2. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Upfront Costs
New EVs often have a higher purchase price than petrol/diesel equivalents. But that’s changing:
Prices are falling as battery production costs drop and competition grows.
Used EV market is maturing — more affordable options in 2025. Used EV sales grew 58.5% YoY in the first quarter of 2025.
Salary sacrifice schemes and company car tax incentives make EVs very cost effective for employees.
Running Costs
EVs are cheaper to run:
Electricity vs. fuel: Charging at home at your apartment can cost 10-13p per mile vs. 15–20p for petrol.
Maintenance: Fewer moving parts = lower service costs. No oil changes, fewer brake repairs. Estimated savings c.60-75%.
Road tax: Zero or low road tax for most EVs.
Congestion/Ulez charges: Most EVs exempt or heavily discounted.
3. Environmental Benefits
Switching to an EV is one of the most impactful ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Lower Emissions
EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions — no CO₂, NOx, or particulates.
Over a typical lifecycle, an EV produces 60–70% fewer emissions than a petrol/diesel car — even accounting for battery manufacturing.
Cleaner Air
EVs contribute to:
Lower urban air pollution
Reduced noise pollution (especially in residential areas)
This is especially important in cities and for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues.
Green Energy Integration
Charging on sustainably sourced energy is the real environmental boon. Cosmic always provide REGO backed (certificated) green energy where we control the meters on our installations.
4. Vehicle Performance
Modern EVs offer a superior driving experience for many users.
Instant Torque
Electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly — resulting in:
Quick acceleration (many EVs 0–60 in well under 7 seconds)
Smooth and quiet driving
Regenerative Braking
This feature recaptures energy during deceleration and can extend driving range. Some drivers even prefer one-pedal driving.
Handling
Due to their low center of gravity (batteries mounted under the floor), EVs often feel more stable, particularly in corners.
Winter Considerations
While cold weather can affect EV range, many 2025 models offer:
Battery pre-conditioning
Heat pumps for efficient cabin warming - no more iced up windscreens!
Improved insulation and software management
5. Vehicle Choice
In 2025, you’re no longer limited to just a few niche EVs. The market is booming with options across all categories:
Popular Segments
Small hatchbacks: Renault Zoe, MINI Electric, Peugeot e-208
Family SUVs: Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Kona Electric, Ford Mustang Mach-E
Executive models: BMW i4, Mercedes EQE, Polestar 2
Vans and MPVs: Vauxhall Vivaro-e, Citroën ë-Berlingo
Affordable newcomers: BYD Dolphin, MG4 EV, Dacia Spring
Range
2025 models offer real-world ranges between 150 and 400+ miles.
Think about how far you actually drive daily — the average UK trip is under 20 miles.
Battery Options
Some cars offer multiple battery sizes — smaller packs for city driving, larger packs for long trips.
Other Things to Consider
Resale Value
EVs are holding their value better as demand rises and fuel bans approach (e.g. UK petrol/diesel ban in 2030).
Incentives and Grants
Government grants may help with home chargers or new vehicle purchases.
Local councils may offer parking or congestion charge benefits.
Software & Connectivity
Many EVs now include:
Over-the-air updates
Remote monitoring via apps
Smart navigation with charger integration
Conclusion: Is 2025 the Right Time to Go Electric?
If you’ve been thinking about switching to an EV, 2025 is the perfect time:
✅ Charging is more convenient than ever
✅ Total costs are increasingly competitive
✅ The environmental benefits are clear
✅ Driving performance is top-notch
✅ You’ve got more choice than ever before
Whether you're driven by climate concerns, cost savings, or cutting-edge tech, going electric is no longer just a futuristic idea — it’s the smart, sustainable, and increasingly normal way to drive.
