Electric mobility: what an EV really does for you day to day

Electric cars are no longer a special case here: Tesla, VinFast and the small Zhidou stand on the lot together. People thinking about the switch for the first time tend to ask us the same things — what does it cost day to day, what breaks, and where is the catch? Here are our answers, as plainly as we can put them.

The cost per 100 kilometres

A mid-size electric car uses roughly 15 to 20 kWh per 100 kilometres depending on how and when you drive; a microcar like our Zhidou uses 10 to 12 kWh, which works out at around €3 per 100 km. What matters most is where you charge: a wallbox at home is considerably cheaper than a fast charger on the motorway. Without somewhere to charge at home or at work, much of the cost advantage disappears. That is the first question we ask.

Fewer parts, fewer garage visits

An electric motor has no oil change, no timing belt, no spark plugs and no exhaust system. Because the motor itself slows the car and recovers energy while doing so, brake pads often last far longer than on a combustion car. Some work remains: tyres, brake fluid, cabin filter, the small 12-volt battery, and the air conditioning, which on an EV also keeps the traction battery at temperature.

How it feels to drive

Full torque is there from a standstill, there are no gearshifts and hardly any engine noise. In town that is the biggest difference — quieter, smoother, one pedal for most situations. There are no local emissions, which helps in city centres with low-emission zones.

What to settle before you buy

Three things decide whether a used electric car suits you:

• Battery condition. The battery is the most expensive component. For every electric vehicle in our stock we go through its condition and any remaining manufacturer warranty with you before the price comes up.
• Charging equipment. Which cables are included, and how fast does the car take DC? The VF8, for instance, comes with Schuko and Type 2 cables.
• Tax and incentives. Vehicle tax, company-car taxation and subsidy schemes change regularly in Germany. Ask us where things stand for a particular car — blanket statements in a blog post are worth little here.

Where to start

Have a look at our electric vehicles in stock, or read the two vehicle pieces: the VinFast VF8 for the large option and the Zhidou for the city and the commute. And if you would rather just drive one: make an appointment, take it out, decide afterwards.