Green car Search

I am in need of a new electric car. I have sold my little Ford and now it is time to get a new set of wheels. Why am I telling you this? Well I could do with your help, as well as some offers from Dealerships. I would like to test as many cars as possible. I know people relate to this same question, as it has been going around my circle of friends for some time now.

Setting the scene from the start, I am a normal, 40 (something) year old man. Not particularly rich but has some disposable income to buy a nice new car. I have a job, a mortgage and bills to sort every month so whatever I buy, it has to be reasonably priced. Therefore, I won’t be looking at Jaguars, Mercedes and BMWs, unless something happens with my Premium Bonds! I am just after a decent Green credentialied, family car.

Why go green?

We all have the responsibility to look after the future of our planet and I am no excluded. By 2035 all Petrol and Diesel cars will no longer be sold and therefore this is a great time to look at the future of motoring (BBC report). My question is, is the UK really ready for a fully electric car? I am willing to try them and be convinced, hence why I need to test as many of these cars as possible. My only concern, is the price, have you seen the price of these things? Are they really worth it? I have so many unanswered questions, as in what is it like to live with one?

There are lots of car charging points, new infrastructure going on all the time, home charging points are coming down in price but the real question is, am I ready for an Electric car? There feels like there is something holding me back, perhaps it is just a mental thing? There is only going to be one way to find out what it is, that is to get out there and try them.

It may be the case that I have to make a compromise and look at Hybrids? Having never owned a Hybrid car, I had to do so research and find out what they are, you can read my post about Hybrids here. I have no idea which one is best for everyday use. After reading all the glossy car magazines I have a good(ish) idea of what they are all about but in these articles they never really use the car, not as I would. I mean in a proper family setting, using it everyday and getting to see if it stands up to the real, everyday test.

Green car Rules

There has to be a solution and I have been thinking about it, a lot. My plan is to test as many cars as I can. Then at the end, buy the perfect car. It has to be the best daily ‘usable’ green credentials car I can afford. As with all tests there has to be boundaries or a set of rules. Therefore my new car will have to fit into my three rules.

Rule 1. The car must have (and prove to have) great Green Credentials on the test drive (Electric/Hybrid/Other options are all considered). 2. The car must be under £30,000 (I am not made of money, but for any electric car this is where it all starts). 3. The car must be comfortable and be able to be used everyday as a family car (without the need to always having to plan a journey – we know the ones I’m on about, no fuel and need to get to Bristol today).

New things are never easy, however if I do not get out of my comfort zone, things will never change and I will end up buying another gas guzzling, air polluting car. The aim of this articel is to share my car buying journey and hope it will inform and inspire others to do the same. I have already started my search and have a few contenders already lined up but if anyone thinks I may have missed a great option, and that it should be added to my list, then get in contact. I’d be more than happy to add a few more to it.

Green Cars being considered

Number one. The Lexus UX (Hybrid). Yes it was on the list. Luxury at a price I can afford. A test drive was booked for the weekend 11/12 July with Lexus Swindon sponsoring. Read the full review here.

Number two. Peugeot 206e (Full electric) – looking for a dealer.

Number three. Hyundai Kona (Fully Electric) – I managed to get a test drive through Sean at Pebley Beach, Swindon on the 25th July. It was a good car but I am not sure about it. Read the review here.

Number four. Ford Puma (Hybrid) – Test drive was booked on the 25th July, with Allen Ford, Swindon. The Puma was put through its paces, it should have rated higher but didn’t. Read the full review here.

Number five. Nissan Leaf (Fully electric) – Looking for a dealership

Number six. Toyota C-HR (Hybrid) – Booked a test drive at Fish Brothers Toyota, Swindon on the 15th August.

Number seven. MG ZS-EV (Fully electric) – Looking for a dealership

Number eight – Kia eNiro (Electric) – A test Drive was booked with Amjad at Fish Brothers Kia, on 1st August, this is the review.

Number nine – Citroen DS3 (Fully electric) – Looking for a dealership

Number ten – Subaru XV e-boxer (Hybrid) – Looking for a dealership

Dealerships

If you would like to offer a test drive and could put a great deal together, I really want to hear from you. If you’d like to be featured in this review, then please get in contact.