The all electric Fiat 500
Comparing electric vehicles can feel overwhelming, particularly for first-time buyers.
While range often dominates the conversation, it is only one part of the picture. Factors such as battery size, charging speed, battery type and even the location of the charging port can have a significant impact on everyday usability and running costs.
Here’s how to compare electric cars properly — and what really matters before you buy.
1. Start With Battery Size, Not Just Claimed Range
When comparing two electric cars, battery size is one of the most important practical details to check. Measured in kilowatt hours (kWh), battery size directly affects how far the car can travel on a single charge and how often it needs to be recharged.
However, a larger battery also brings trade-offs, including increased weight, longer charging times and a higher purchase price. This makes it essential to balance battery capacity against how you actually use your car.
2. Bigger Batteries Are Not Always Better
While a larger battery delivers more range, it also costs more to buy and more to charge. Fully charging a 60kWh battery is notably more expensive than charging a 40kWh model, particularly when relying on public charging, where tariffs can be high.
For drivers charging mainly at home on night-rate electricity, the cost difference is smaller but still present. Before paying extra for a bigger battery, it’s worth calculating your real weekly mileage and deciding whether the additional range justifies the extra cost.
3. Match Battery Size to Your Driving Habits
Smaller batteries are often far more practical for city drivers, where daily mileage is low and regular access to home charging reduces the need for long range. Drivers who travel long distances frequently or live in rural areas will benefit more from models offering a real-world range of 400–500km.
Choosing the right battery size is about suitability, not maximum figures.
4. Charging Speed Makes a Big Difference
Charging speed is another key factor when comparing EVs. Faster charging reduces downtime and can make long journeys more manageable, particularly when using public charging infrastructure.
Two cars with similar battery sizes can offer very different ownership experiences depending on how quickly they can recharge.
5. Check the Location of the Charging Port
The position of the charging port is often overlooked, but it has a real impact on convenience. The location determines how easily the car can connect to public chargers and how straightforward it is to park and plug in, especially in busy or tight charging bays.
When comparing models, this small detail can make a big difference to day-to-day usability.
6. Battery Chemistry Affects Performance and Longevity
Not all EV batteries are the same. The type of battery chemistry used affects range, charging performance, durability and safety.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries generally offer a longer lifespan, lower cost and reduced risk of overheating, but they typically provide less range. Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries are more common in higher-end models, where longer range and higher performance are priorities.
7. Consider Charging Costs Over Time
Battery size doesn’t just affect how far you can drive — it also influences ongoing energy costs. Larger batteries cost more to fill, particularly when public charging tariffs are high. Over time, these differences can add up, making efficiency and realistic range more important than headline numbers.
8. Think About Resale Value Early
Depreciation varies significantly between electric cars. Some models retain their value better than others due to strong brand reputation or confidence in battery durability.
Before buying, it’s worth checking historic depreciation trends and current market demand to understand how well a particular model is likely to hold its value.
9. Avoid Paying for Range You Don’t Need
It can be tempting to opt for the longest range available, but unused capacity is money tied up unnecessarily. An honest assessment of how you drive — rather than how you think you might drive — will lead to a better, more cost-effective choice.
10. Compare the Whole Package, Not One Headline Figure
The best way to compare electric vehicles is to look at the complete package: battery size, charging speed, battery type, charging port location, running costs and likely resale value.
A well-matched EV will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, rather than forcing you to adapt to it.
