Test drives
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, book a test drive with your local dealer. Acceleration performance is a big reason why people switch. You need to experience it to understand the difference.
Plan your visit
Take someone with you
Choosing an electric car is a big decision, so having someone there to talk things over with helps. Other drivers should also test drive the cars.
At the dealer
Take a test drive
Electric cars can be very different to standard cars. Almost all of the power in goes straight into the rotation of the wheels. That means you get a strong burst of acceleration straight away, like flicking a switch.
It’s important to check they’re right for you. We recommend you drive a few different models to find the right one for you.
Get to know the technology
Do not be afraid to ask your dealer lots of questions. They’ll talk through everything in detail, make suggestions and might even help you make a better choice.
Have a charging demonstration
Your dealer will show you how to charge and connect a car up to a chargepoint. Ask them to drive you to a local chargepoint so they can show you how to use one.
It’s a good idea to also ask your dealer about the different chargepoint apps you can use, too.
“Do not feel pressured. Choose when you’re happy.”
Our customer service team
Make the most of your test drives
Take your time and try out different cars. Ask any questions you can think of, as your dealer is happy to help. If you think of any questions later on, you can always contact your dealer.
Things to check in the car
- Can you get in and out comfortably?
- Headroom and seat adjustment
- Can you reach the seatbelt?
- Can you see all the mirrors?
- Can you load the boot?
- Is there space for mobility equipment?
- The car’s special features
- Do you need any adaptations?
- Make sure you understand the range and how it’s displayed in your car
- What appears on the display, for example, when your car is connected to a chargepoint
Things to do on the test drive
- Bring along any drivers
- Bring any regular passengers
- Try driving to the places you visit most
- Try manoeuvres like reversing, parking and hill starts
- Try to connect the car to a charger
- Understand what the switches or buttons on the socket do, if there are any
Sign up to our new electric car series
It's our exciting email series for anyone looking to learn more about electric vehicles (EVs). We’ll explain how they work and show you what life with one could look like. You’ll get one email each week, for eight weeks.
Sign up nowWhat you’ll get in our worry‑free package
A brand-new vehicle
It’ll arrive new and adapted, if you need it.
Insurance cover
We’ll arrange this for you. You can add up to three drivers and can change these at any time.
Breakdown cover
We’ll give you RAC cover, so you can travel with peace of mind.
Servicing and MOT
We’ll cover your regular services and routine repairs, to keep your vehicle running perfectly.
Support with your electric car
We’ll arrange and cover the standard cost of a home chargepoint and its installation, or give you access to the bp pulse network of over 9,000 public chargepoints. This depends on a few things.
