WAV stands for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. This means you can travel in the vehicle while seat in your wheelchair

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.

Cars outside a dealership, with a Motability Scheme banner above

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.

A dealer showing two people the inside of a car at a dealership
Illustration of a woman with a walking stick talking to a salesman about a car

“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. 

Illustration of a car with headlights and a number plate

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
Illustration of a road

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
Illustration of a man holding a phone and planning his journey

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 now

Speak to a dealer

It’s important to talk to a dealer when you’re ready, to check if your choice suits you. They’ll arrange test drives and place your order.

Find a dealer

What you’ll get in our worry‑free package

Illustration of an electric car

A brand-new vehicle

It’ll arrive new and adapted, if you need it.

Illustration of a paper document

Insurance cover

We’ll arrange this for you. You can add up to three drivers and can change these at any time.

Illustration of a steering wheel

Breakdown cover

We’ll give you RAC cover, so you can travel with peace of mind.

Illustration of a car coolant reservoir

Servicing and MOT

We’ll cover your regular services and routine repairs, to keep your vehicle running perfectly.

Illustration of a battery half charged

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.

Next: Order your electric car

Continue