BUYING AN ELECTRIC CAR - WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Thinking of choosing a full-electric car. Read this first.

Interest in purchasing electric cars has surged with the UK government's promise to veer away from petrol and diesel. But, it's normal to not have a clue where to start. Here are some top tips on what you need to know before you buy and the five hidden costs of electric cars:

How often do you drive?

The length of your journey, whether you commute or do the school run by car, and your average monthly miles are factors that need to be considered when buying an electric vehicle. Depending on the length of your journey and the number of trips you'll be making, you'll need to think about how many you'll need to charge your electric vehicle.

Do you have a charging point at home? How much do they cost? And are you within a good mile radius to charge your electric vehicle? It's key that questions like these are answered before you purchase.

Are you purchasing your next car soon?

Markets can change. Dramatically. If you're thinking of buying an electric car and then changing your new car within the first couple of years of purchasing - then great, have a shop around.

However, if you're thinking of purchasing an electric car as an investment to keep for 5+ years, take your time. It may be best to wait a little while as the market for electric cars is likely to continue changing at a pace as more car brands bring out their electric car offering.

How much does it cost to charge my electric car?