I Regret Buying My EV: 7 Real Issues That Caught Me Off Guard

So.
I’ve been fixing cars longer than Love Island has been ruining summers.
Nearly twenty years in the trade.
I thought I knew it all.
I bought my first EV feeling smug.
Quiet ride? Lovely.
Instant torque? Felt like Batman.
No oil changes? Sign me up.

But after a year of owning it
I’ll be honest
It’s been a bit like adopting a very expensive hamster
Cute at first
But then it starts biting
And eating your curtains

So if you’re thinking about getting your first electric car
Or just wondering what the fuss is about
Here are 7 issues that surprised even a grease monkey like me

1. The Tyres Get Eaten Alive

People say EVs have no maintenance
Which is a lie as big as my uncle’s hairpiece

These cars eat tyres faster than a Labrador eats biscuits
Why?
Because they’re heavy
And that instant torque just shreds rubber like cheese

Real story:
At just 18,000 miles
My rear tyres looked like they’d been through a war
And replacements?
About £250 to £400 per pair
Not exactly pocket change

What I learned:
Rotate tyres every 6,000 miles
Buy proper premium tyres
Or you’ll end up paying double in the long run

2. Public Charging is Like Playing Hide and Seek With a Plug

Everyone said it was plug and play
They forgot to mention it’s also pray and swear

Apps crash
Cables don’t reach
Chargers are busy or broken
One time I spent longer finding a charger than I did actually charging

From my garage:
We fix loads of charge ports that get clogged with dust
Or freeze in winter
And it’s not always covered by warranty

What I learned:
If you don’t have a Level 2 home charger
Don’t even bother yet
And always know where your backup charger is

3. Software Updates Can Wreck Your Day

I expected updates to fix stuff
I didn’t expect them to break stuff

One night
An update reset all my settings
Bluetooth vanished
Charging schedule went wonky
Had to take it to the dealer just to un-mess it

What I see at work:
Updates bricking dashboards
HVAC stops working
Random warning lights that don’t mean anything but still cost money to clear

What I learned:
Wait a week or two before installing updates
And never update the night before a big trip

4. Range Turns to Rubbish When It’s Cold

My EV was rated at 300 miles
In winter it was more like 220
Turn on the heater and defrost
And you’ll be watching your range drop like a stone

From the shop floor:
People call in panicking
Especially those without heat pumps
Battery insulation really matters

What I learned:
If you live where it snows
Get an EV with a heat pump and all wheel drive
And expect 20–30 percent less range in winter

5. Insurance Quietly Empties Your Wallet

The first renewal nearly made me choke on my tea
It was £450 more than my old petrol car

Why?
EVs are harder to fix
Even small bumps can set off sensors and wreck panels
We see repairs over £6,000 for minor accidents

What I learned:
Get insurance quotes before you buy
Not after

6. Resale Value Isn’t Always Sparkly

I assumed my EV would hold its value
But nope
Newer models with better range and gadgets come out fast
And your car becomes yesterday’s news

In the used car lot:
Some 2022 EVs have already dropped 15–25 percent in value
Especially if they have small batteries or no fancy updates

What I learned:
If it’s not a Tesla or Hyundai or Kia
Be ready to keep it long term
Or take a hit when selling

7. Repairs Aren’t Always DIY

I thought I could fix everything
But these cars are glued shut
Software locked
And even changing a filter needs special tools sometimes

At work:
We’ve had to turn customers away
Because even small faults needed factory diagnostics

What I learned:
Ask what you can fix yourself
If the answer is “nothing”
Maybe pick a different brand

My Mechanic’s Cheatsheet to Avoid Regret

FAQs About Owning an EV

Do EV tyres really wear out faster?
Yes because of the extra weight and torque. Rotate them regularly and don’t cheap out.

Is public charging reliable yet?
Not really. It’s better to have home charging and use public chargers as backup.

Why does my range drop in the cold?
Batteries hate the cold. The heater also eats up range. Plan for 20–30 percent less.

Are software updates safe?
Mostly but they can introduce bugs. Always wait a bit before updating if you can.

Are EVs worth it if I drive a lot?
If you have home charging and plan your stops yes. If not you might get frustrated.

What about battery replacement costs?
Most batteries are under warranty for 8 years but outside of that they can cost thousands.

Can I service my own EV?
Some simple things like washer fluid and tyres yes but most repairs need a pro.

Final Thought From Me and My Spanner

I don’t hate my EV
But I do wish someone had told me all this before I bought it
They’re not bad cars
They just come with quirks you need to know about

So if you’re thinking about it
Pick the right brand
Plan your charging
And remember
Low maintenance doesn’t mean no problems