Buying An Electric Car As First Car
Buying an electric car as your first car
If you’re considering buying an electric car as your first car, you’re not alone. It’s an exciting step that more first-time drivers are taking every year, with EVs accounting for 21% of new car registrations in 2024, according to SMMT
.
For first-time buyers, an electric car
can be a practical and sustainable option for the world we live in today. EVs are more affordable to run, require less maintenance, and produce zero tailpipe emissions. They offer a quiet, straightforward driving experience and align well with evolving environmental standards.
In this article, we’ll explore why an electric car can make a great first car, what to consider before buying, and which Kia EVs are well-suited for new drivers.
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Why choose an electric car as your first car
For first-time buyers, choosing your first electric car
comes with several clear advantages. EVs are not only cheaper to run, but they’re also easier to drive. There’s no clutch or gears, just smooth acceleration and quiet comfort.
Lower running costs
Electric cars are generally cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars. Charging at home
, especially during off-peak hours, often costs less than filling up a fuel tank. EVs also have fewer moving parts, which can lead to lower maintenance costs over time.
Ease of driving
Most EVs are automatic, eliminating the need for gears or clutch control. That means a more relaxed drive and less stress in stop-start traffic, which is ideal for beginners navigating city traffic or building confidence behind the wheel.
Environmental benefits
With more cities introducing clean air zones
and the UK’s planned 2035 ban
on new petrol and diesel, switching to electric helps you stay compliant with future regulations.
Financial incentives
Depending on your location, there may be government incentives, such as the EV chargepoint grants
, road tax benefits, or workplace
charging
schemes.
Things to consider for first-time EV owners
Before buying your first electric car, it helps to understand the day-to-day realities of EV ownership.
• Charging access: Consider whether you can charge at home
or will rely on the public charging network
. Tools like Kia Charge
can help to locate nearby public charging points
.
• Driving Range: New EV drivers may worry about running out of battery power on their journey (known as “range anxiety
”). However, Kia EVs, including the Niro EV
, offer up to 250 miles* on a single charge, which is ample for daily commuting or weekend trips.
• Cost of ownership: Consider the upfront purchase price, EV insurance
costs, maintenance, and potential savings from government grants or tax benefits
before making a decision.
• Finance options: The best car finance
option for first-time EV buyers depends on their circumstances. Both Personal Contract Purchases (PCP)
and Personal Motor Loans (PML)
have different costs and commitments, so it’s important to compare interest rates, terms, and overall affordability.
Best electric cars for first-time drivers
Kia offers a range of electric cars
that combine practicality, driver assistance technology
, and efficiency – all features that could be valuable for first-time buyers.
Kia EV4
As a practical alternative to an SUV, the upcoming Kia EV4
promises a stylish yet comfortable ride suited to both city commutes and weekend trips. With an AI assistant, advanced driver assistant systems
, and up to 388 miles* of range, it’s built to keep new drivers safe and confident on the road.
Kia EV6
Although a larger and more premium model, the EV 6
combines performance with comfort and cutting-edge features. It’s well-suited for new drivers looking for a long-term investment in EV technology.
Kia EV2
Launching in early 2026, the EV 2
will be Kia’s most affordable and compact model to date. Designed to offer everyday practicality in a stylish, efficient package, it’s engineered with first-time buyers in mind.
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Tips for a smooth first EV experience
Get comfortable with charging: Depending on whether you’re using home or public charging, practice plugging in and using apps like Kia App
to monitor charging sessions.
Use regenerative braking: EVs use regenerative braking
to recover energy when decelerating to improve efficiency and extend your range.
Stay connected: Use Kia’s infotainment system
and app-based tools to track battery levels, plan routes, and control climate control settings remotely.
Follow service schedules: Make sure you are aware of your EV’s service and maintenance intervals
, as they still require scheduled check-ups.
Ask questions: Local Kia dealership
staff are trained to help first-time EV owners with booking a test drive
, setup, usage tips, and ongoing support.
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Start your journey with Kia
Choosing an electric car
as your first car is a milestone moment for any new driver. It’s also a decision that aligns with long-term environmental and economic trends. With a growing range of reliable and efficient new EV cars
, including Kia’s growing range, first-time drivers have more options than ever to enter the world of electric mobility with confidence.
* The range was determined according to the standardised EU measurement procedure (WLTP) on the Niro EV '2' Grade and EV4 'Air' Grade. The individual driving style and other factors, such as speed, outside temperature, topography and the use of electricity-consuming devices/units, have an influence on the real-life range and can possibly reduce it.
Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be to full UK specification. Features shown are not standard across the Kia model range and availability will vary dependant on model. For further details please refer to the individual model specification sheets.
Product availability varies by models. To find out which products are available for your vehicle, please contact your Kia dealer.