The electric car, decoded without the jargon.
Real-world range, charging, batteries, costs: in-depth guides and figures you can actually use, across every brand and every type of electric car.
Every type of electric car
Eight families, eight use profiles. Each guide gives the key figures and representative models.
Small, light, built for the city — and finally affordable.
12–16 kWh · per 100 km Type 02 Electric sedanThe balance point: aerodynamics, range and long-distance comfort.
400–650 km · WLTP Type 03 Electric SUVThe dominant segment, at the cost of efficiency.
17–22 kWh · per 100 km Type 04 Electric estateThe most rational body style — and the rarest.
500–600 l · of boot space with sedan efficiency Type 05 Electric MPVThe most usable space per square metre.
7 seats · with a flat floor and modular seating Type 06 Electric sports carExtraordinary acceleration, and a battery question.
2–5 s · from 0 to 100 km/h Type 07 Electric pickupThe most versatile… and the thirstiest.
24–32 kWh · per 100 km Type 08 Electric vanThe segment where electric already wins, numbers in hand.
€2–4 · of energy per 100 kmLatest deep dives
Numbered answers to the questions people ask before and after buying.
Electric car buying guide: how to choose well in 2026
Range, charging, batteries, costs and body styles: the reference guide to understanding and choosing an electric car, without the jargon.
Electric car incentives and grants: how they actually work
Purchase subsidies, scrappage schemes, company-car tax and local grants: how EV incentives are structured, who qualifies, and how to check the current amount.
Charging 15 June 2026 · 4 minEV charging connectors and speeds explained: Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO, 800 V
AC or DC, 11 or 150 kW, Type 2, CCS2, CHAdeMO, NACS: what each connector and power rating means in practice, and how charging curves change a journey.
Used cars 4 May 2026 · 4 minBuying a used electric car: the battery-first checklist
State of health, warranty transfer, charging standard and software support: how to inspect a used electric car before you buy, and what to walk away from.
Costs 6 April 2026 · 4 minThe true cost of owning an electric car: a five-year breakdown
Purchase price, energy, insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation: what an electric car really costs per month, and where the savings actually come from.
Numbers, not promises
Electric Car Salon is an independent publication, with no manufacturer advertising and no disguised sponsored content. Our figures come from homologation cycles, documented tests and publications from ADEME and the International Energy Agency.
- No sponsored content without a clear label
- Ranges instead of unverifiable numbers
- A visible update date on every guide
- Official sources cited whenever they exist
Frequently asked questions about electric cars
What is the real-world range of an electric car?
In mixed driving and mild weather, expect 80–90 % of the quoted WLTP range. On a motorway at 130 km/h, plan for 65–75 % of the WLTP figure, and 50–60 % in cold weather with the heating on. A car rated at 500 km therefore covers roughly 330–380 km on the motorway.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
At home on an off-peak tariff (€0.15–0.20/kWh), budget €2.50–4 per 100 km. On a public fast charger (€0.50–0.80/kWh), the cost rises to €8–14 per 100 km, close to fuel. Home charging remains by far the cheapest option.
Should I choose an LFP or an NMC battery?
LFP is more durable, cheaper and tolerates daily charging to 100 %, but it is heavier and weaker in extreme cold. NMC offers more range for a given weight and better fast charging, with a slightly shorter life. For a city car, LFP is often the best choice.
Do I need a wallbox to charge at home?
Not always. A 16 A reinforced socket (3.2 kW) covers 70–90 km overnight, enough for many drivers. A 7.4 kW wallbox becomes relevant beyond 50 km a day, to charge on off-peak rates or for two vehicles.
Is an electric car really greener?
Yes over the full life cycle in most European electricity mixes, according to life-cycle analyses by ADEME and the IEA. Battery manufacturing emits more upfront, but that debt is repaid after 20,000–50,000 km depending on the carbon intensity of the electricity used.
How long does an electric car battery last?
Manufacturers generally guarantee eight years or 160,000 km at 70 % capacity. In practice LFP batteries often exceed 3,000 cycles and NMC 1,500–2,000 cycles before losing 20 % of capacity, which represents 300,000–500,000 km.
Can an electric car tow a caravan?
Yes if the manufacturer approves it (often 750–2,500 kg). Expect 30–50 % less range depending on the weight and aerodynamics of the trailer, and favour models with a 75 kWh battery or more.
What does it cost to maintain an electric car?
About 30–40 % less than an equivalent combustion car: no oil changes, no timing belt, and brakes that last longer thanks to regenerative braking. The remaining items are tyres (faster wear due to weight), cabin filters, brake fluid and air conditioning.