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Where to buy an electric car in Bristol

We round up where to shop and how to finance your EV, so that you can be driving away sooner than you might think!

If you're ready to make the switch to electric, then firstly - congratulations! You're at the forefront of one of the biggest revolutions in transport history, and are contributing to a cleaner future for all of us.

And you're in good company - global electric car sales accelerated by 43%, to a total of 3.2m in 2020!

But where to start? We've put together a guide to shopping for electric cars in Bristol, so that you can hit the road in no time.

Where to shop for an EV

Get behind the wheel! Taking an electric car for a test drive is the best way to get a feel for which one works for you.

If you haven't driven an electric car before, you might be surprised by how smooth and quiet the ride feels, as well as the convenience of automatic transmission and no petrol station stops. Just get comfy and enjoy the ride!

When shopping for an electric car in Bristol, you're spoilt for choice. Local dealerships like Wessex Garages and Dick Lovett are constantly expanding their ranges as more and more brands bring hot new electric models to the forecourt at a rapid rate. Why not give them a call to see which models are coming in this year?

Specialised electric retailers like Drive Green can give you even more specialist advice on the nuances of driving electric. Your local dealership should be only too happy to help answer any questions you may have about making the transition, from setting up your charger to choosing the perfect model for your lifestyle - as well as the all-important test drive!

How to fund an EV

While the upfront cost of an EV can be higher than a petrol or diesel car, the running costs are FAR lower, making an EV a cheaper option in the long-term.

On average, a petrol car costs you 12-13p to drive each mile, and a diesel around 10p a mile - whereas an EV costs just 2-3p a mile.

Apart from the savings per mile, EV engines also have fewer moving parts than in fossil fuel vehicles, helping you to save on those pesky maintenance costs and surprise breakdowns.

As of November 2020, a government grant of up to £3,000 is applied to the price of a brand new low-emissions vehicle. More specifically, the grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price of the vehicle, up to a maximum of £3,000.

The discount is applied by the dealer, meaning you needn’t do anything to secure the reduced price, and EVs are often advertised with the discount already in place.

You can also receive a £350 contribution towards the cost of your home charger.

Where to lease an EV

Not ready to buy? Leasing cars is a popular choice to keep costs down, and reduce the commitment and maintenance requirements of car ownership.

Leasing is also a great option to keep up-to-date with the lightning speed of EV advances, as you can drive a new car every year.

Where new car monthly payments may be quite high, car leasing generally offers lower monthly instalments, and at the end of the terms you can hand you car back and upgrade to the latest model.

Many car leasing specialist have now introduced dedicated electric car leasing ranges. ALD Automotive offer a selection of electric and hybrid vehicles for corporate fleets, if your employer is onboard with the benefits of driving electric.

Hit the road!

Once you've found your new wheels and arranged your finance option, it's time for that exciting moment - getting the keys!

No combustion-engined car can leave the line as smartly and efficiently as one with electric power.

Add in lower maintenance requirements, better reliability and more performance, no messy gear changes, breathtaking corner speed and all that technology… why would you want an Internal Combustion Engine that runs on dead dinosaurs?

Soon you’ll be an EV native, topping up the battery while doing the weekly supermarket shop, or from outside your favourite cafe. And don’t forget, the silent simplicity of driving an EV also makes them excellent city cars.

Once you've decided to buy an EV, it's useful to check that you have the right home energy tarrif for your new charging needs. Rightcharge can help you to find the cheapest and greenest energy tariffs on the market specifically for EV drivers, ensuring your EV is charged at the lowest cost possible.

And if you're planning on installing a charger at home, you could even earn money by renting it out to your neighbours! Head over to Co Charger to find out how.

Ready to convert? Check out more guides below to help you make the switch seamlessly, and book that test drive today!