You’ve read the reviews and compared specs. But what’s everyday life with a fully electric car actually like? We asked real UK drivers to share the one thing they wish they’d known before switching. Their answers might surprise you.

From busy parents to motorway commuters, UK EV owners told us the fears they had before buying—and the realities they discovered afterwards. Spoiler: the problems they expected rarely materialised; the biggest changes were the pleasant kind. Use these insights to decide if now is the time for you—and let the ONEEV app remove the hassle from planning, finding and paying for public charging.

1) “The ‘fueling’ mindset change is real—but it’s a good thing.”

The driver: Sarah from Manchester, Kia EV6 owner and mum of two.

“I used to run the diesel to the light, then stand freezing at a petrol station. Now I just plug in at home in 30 seconds and wake up full. It’s like charging my phone.”

What she wished she’d known

The big shift isn’t how you refuel—it’s when. Home charging turns a weekly chore into a background habit. If you can install a charge point, you’ll likely “top up” most nights and start each day with everything you need.

Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Home EV Charging in 2025.

2) “Winter range is a thing—but it’s totally manageable.”

The driver: David from the Scottish Borders, MG4 owner.

“On my first frosty morning the range estimate dropped and I panicked. Preconditioning solved it—I warm the car while it’s still plugged in and drive away defrosted.”

What he wished he’d known

EVs use more energy in cold weather. Expect a temporary 20–30% reduction in maximum range on the coldest days. Preheat (and, where supported, precondition the battery) while plugged in, set off with a warm cabin, and your day-to-day range impact shrinks dramatically.

  • Leave with a buffer on long trips.
  • Use seat/steering-wheel heaters—they’re efficient.
  • Plan a short mid-journey top-up if the weather is extreme.

Further reading: EV Range in a UK Winter: How Far Can You Really Go?

3) “Public charging isn’t scary—you just need the right tool.”

The driver: Mark, consultant from Marlow, high motorway mileage in a Model Y.

“The faff was my fear—apps, cards, contactless. The ONEEV app plans, shows what’s working and lets me pay with one account. That killed the stress.”

What he wished he’d known

The UK network has expanded quickly, but experiences differ across providers. The simplest path is to use one app that finds live, working chargers, navigates you there and lets you start/stop/pay without juggling accounts. That’s what ONEEV is built for.

  • Plan with confidence: See real-time availability and pricing on the map.
  • Roam everywhere: Access major networks via one account.
  • Pay once: One secure payment method across supported sites.

Further reading: UK Public EV Charging: Networks & Coverage

4) “You’ll become obsessed with your cost per mile.”

The driver: Chloe from Bristol, Fiat 500e owner.

“A 100-mile family visit used to cost ~£18 in petrol. On my off-peak tariff it’s nearer a fiver. Watching the numbers is… addictive.”

What she wished she’d known

Running costs are where EVs often shine. Cheap off-peak electricity can cut pence-per-mile dramatically vs petrol or diesel. Public rapid charging costs more than home, but route planning keeps it efficient.

Example: At 5p/mile, a 60-mile commute could cost ~£3 in electricity. Petrol at 40 mpg and £1.45/litre is roughly ~18p/mile (~£10.80). Your exact figures will vary.

Further reading: The True Cost of Owning an EV in the UK

5) “One-pedal driving will spoil ‘normal’ cars for you.”

The driver: Ben from Birmingham, Polestar 2 owner.

“In traffic I barely touch the brake. The car glides and slows itself while putting energy back. Going back to a manual feels ancient.”

What he wished he’d known

Strong regenerative braking—often called one-pedal driving—turns urban, stop-start journeys smooth and calm. It’s also efficient: every slow-down can put a little energy back into your battery, extending range and saving your brake pads.

The verdict: any regrets?

Every driver we spoke to said the same thing: “I only wish I’d done it sooner.” The learning curve is short, the benefits are big, and the right tools make the transition easy.

Now that you’ve seen the real-life picture, tackle the next practical step: EV Insurance in the UK & Ireland—why it’s different and how to get a great deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driveway to own an EV?
No, but it helps. Many UK drivers charge publicly or at work. ONEEV shows nearby options and live availability to plan stress-free without home charging.
How long does public rapid charging take?
Typical 10→80% sessions take ~20–35 minutes on 100–150 kW+ chargers, depending on your car and conditions. Use ONEEV to find suitable high-power units.
Will the battery degrade quickly?
Modern EV batteries are designed for longevity with warranties commonly around 8 years/100k miles. Avoid frequent 0–100% cycles; daily 20–80% is kinder.
Is the charging network reliable?
Uptime varies by operator, but coverage has expanded rapidly. ONEEV helps you avoid down chargers by surfacing live status before you arrive.
What tariffs or grants should I consider?
Look at off-peak electricity tariffs and workplace charging options. Check current guidance on GOV.UK plug-in/charging support and the Energy Saving Trust.

Make your switch the easy way

Plan smarter, charge faster and pay seamlessly across networks with the ONEEV app. Explore live coverage on our charging network page and turn range worries into route freedom—today.