Graham drives an Audi Q4 e-tron S line 55kWh 2021.

This is Graham’s first electric car, he’s owned the Q4 e-tron from new and drives 5,000-10,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 10,000-20,000 miles and he achieves 195 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the Audi Q4 e-tron?

After a test drive in the Q4, I was convinced this was the car for me. It was super quiet, had a comfortable ride, was spacious, full of technology and above all, it looked great. Having a dealer that was able to answer all my questions about range, servicing and general ownership helped in my decision. The offer of a free home charger and a £150 voucher for public charging stations added further benefits to the deal.

Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car

• The quietness driving the car has never ceased to amaze me
• low running costs as I have an EV tariff
• looks like a normal car.

Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car

• The myAudi app and some of the cars software is challenging to say the least.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

• The washers failed a few months ago due to a squashed pipe that must have been like it since the car was built. Replaced by the dealer and has been fine ever since.
• SOS system needed the module replaced as that failed after six months
• Various software issues but nothing major. An update has been released by Audi, so waiting for that to be installed.

What are the standout technological features of the car?

The optional sound system (Sonos) is amazing and with a car that is so quiet, this gives me a great opportunity to listen to music without the usual road noises. The adaptive cruise control once you get used to it is a great safety feature.

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Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car 

I read a lot before buying the car so had a good idea what to expect. One thing I’ve discovered is I’m a lot calmer driving and don’t rush around. It could be keeping an eye on the range but after 18 months I’m more inclined to believe it’s the EV that’s changed my driving behaviour.

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

Looking at the MG4 EV as it has good range, a sensible price point, a long warranty and I’ve read a number of positive reviews. Another option I’ll consider is the BYD range.

Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements 

Pod Point Solo – so far the Pod Point has been reliable and using the app I can set times to charge using the cheap rate and it has the option to produce reports on usage and cost.

I have an EV tariff and even with the higher day rate, it is a very good deal. Will need to look at what deals are on offer when this ends in April 2024. If the energy rates remain high, then the savings I’m making at present will be less. But in my view, the overall cost will still be cheaper compared with running a petrol car.

Electricity supplier & tariff – outline both positive & negative elements

EDF is the supplier and I’m on the Go tariff. As energy suppliers go, I can’t fault EDF as they managed the swap well and with billing and smart meters, I haven’t had to contact them for some time. Only negative, like most energy companies, is the wait time when I do call but I take a cup of tea, a few biscuits and a book to pass the time!

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

bp pulse and so far have worked well using the app or their card. One major negative is the cost per kWh. What is annoying is a non-EV in the bays but even more annoying is an EV user who parks in these bays without charging their car thinking they can simply park there as the car is an EV!

Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements 

Saga Insurance have insured my car since I purchased it in November 2021. The renewal quote was higher but they came back with a better price after I told them about the quotes I had obtained using comparison sites and others. Overall, like any insurance, best to shop around and call them.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running an electric car

Road tax is zero until 2025 and when I purchased the car, even though it was over £40k, I won’t have to pay the extra £390 yearly cost for 5 years after the first year as EVs are exempt. So that’s a saving in year one and a bigger saving years 2 – 6.

• Monthly saving year one = £13.75
• Monthly saving years 2-6 = £46.25
• EV tariff of 4.5p per kWh versus fuel at £6.65 per gallon. Based on 10k miles per year, 40 mpg for petrol and 3 miles per kWh:
  • Monthly savings £126.00, although this will decrease as EV energy tariffs increase.
• Servicing cost are a mystery to me as most manufacturers quote these will be lower for EVs but that doesn’t seem to ring true when you get a quote! My car is due a service after two years so I’ll see what happens then.
• Car insurance – £8 month more that an equivalent car.

Total savings per month in year 1 = £131.75.

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