Buying an Electric Car: Advantages and Considerations

Electric vehicles (EVs) have become the preferred choice for an increasing number of people due to low license fees and zero fuel consumption. However, for learners and new drivers, in addition to carefully selecting a model that suits their performance needs, it’s also necessary to bear in mind the additional ownership costs. In this guide, we’ll examine the various considerations and guidelines for beginners purchasing EVs. We’ll also recommend six budget-friendly electric cars offering great value for money, helping aspiring EV owners choose their ideal vehicle.

New Drivers Buying Electric Cars: Advantages of Electric Vehicles

1. Low Registration Fees

Electric vehicle registration fees are calculated based on vehicle weight, while fuel-powered cars are charged according to engine displacement. As a result, EV registration fees are generally much lower than for gasoline or diesel vehicles. For instance, an electric car weighing up to 1 ton (1,000 kg) has an annual registration fee of HK$572, with an additional fee of HK$124 for every extra 250 kg (or a fraction thereof). In contrast, gasoline cars with an engine displacement of up to 1,500 cc already cost more than HK$5,000 in annual registration fees, while with diesel vehicles the cost is around HK$7,000. Choosing an EV can thus lead to significant savings on registration fees each year.

2. Simple Maintenance

Electric cars do not have engines or gearboxes, and they do not require the regular oil changes that gasoline vehicles do, making maintenance relatively straightforward. The main components of EVs include the battery, electric motor, and electronic control system, all of which are covered by the dealership. Routine maintenance primarily involves checking battery health, ensuring the cooling system operates properly, and inspecting tires and electronic components.

3. Not Affected by Fuel Price Increases

Hong Kong has some of the highest fuel prices anywhere, whereas pure EVs only require charging to operate, making them unaffected by fuel price hikes. Moreover, electricity costs much less than gasoline and diesel, significantly reducing driving expenses.

4. Drastic Reduction in Consumables

Electric cars do not have fuel tanks, which means they do not need any consumable items related to gasoline, such as engine oil, transmission fluid, or spark plugs. This reduction in consumables not only reduces associated costs but also eliminates the need for regular engine inspections and the various regular replacements and replenishments, saving considerable time.

New Drivers Buying Electric Cars | Considerations When Buying an Electric Car

Number of Charging Stations at Frequently Visited Locations

Although electric cars are becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong and the number of charging stations has significantly increased, car owners still need to pay attention to whether there are electric vehicle charging parking spaces and sufficient charging stations at their frequently visited places. Additionally, it's important to note the charging speed of the stations. If it is a BS1363 slow charging point, i.e., a 13A socket, the charging is very gradual and is only suitable for vehicles that will be parked for several days. For those looking to find the locations of intermediate/fast charging parking lots and stations in the 18 districts, please refer to our comprehensive guide to electric vehicle charging parking lots/stations across the city in 2025.

Car Insurance Premiums

The law requires that all cars on the road must have valid third-party liability insurance (TPL). However, TPL only covers personal injuries and property damage to third parties in traffic accidents. To cover the car owner, the owner's vehicle, and private electric vehicle chargers, comprehensive car insurance (full coverage)  must be purchased. Generally, insurance premiums for electric vehicles are often 30% to 150% higher compared to for gasoline vehicles.

If the car owner is a young driver with a provisional license (P license) purchasing a high-performance, upmarket electric vehicle, the insurance premium will be even more staggering. Since car insurance premiums are determined based on various factors such as the insured's age/experience, the vehicle's market value and performance, deductibles, and no-claim discount (NCD), young drivers on provisional licenses with little driving experience are deemed higher compensation risks. If they buy an upmarket electric vehicle and do not have NCD in the first year of insurance, they will need to pay a high premium. Therefore, we recommend that young P-license drivers start with entry-level EVs to lower their insurance expenses.

New Drivers Buying Electric Cars | The Guidelines

Select a Lightweight and Smaller Car for Easier Driving and Parking

In Hong Kong, with so many vehicles on the road and narrow parking spaces , new drivers who just got their licenses may not be experienced enough to handle unforeseen situations on the road. A smaller car is easier to operate on the road as well as in tight parking spots. This helps boost new drivers' confidence in parking and driving, while also reducing the chances of accidents.

Don't Blindly Pursue Acceleration

Compared to traditional fuel cars, EVs launch and accelerate more quickly. For new drivers who are still getting used to vehicle control, an electric car with less horsepower and slower acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h will be easier to handle. This approach allows you to accumulate driving experience and helps avoid accidents caused by a vehicle's excessive acceleration.

Select an Entry-Level Car to Lower Ownership Costs

As mentioned earlier, new drivers with a P license who do not have an NCD discount will face significant insurance premiums if they purchase a high-performance, upmarket EV. Therefore, when choosing their first electric car, it's advisable to opt for entry-level models. These cars are generally easier to handle due to their performance and size, which reduces the likelihood of accidents, and they also come with lower insurance costs.

New Drivers Buying Electric Cars | Recommended Entry-Level Electric Cars Under HK$200,000

1. ORA 03 Standard/Long Range Version

The compact ORA 03 comes in both standard and long-range versions, with driving ranges of 310 km and 420 km, respectively. The standard version is more suitable for short-distance commuting. With a moderate size of approximately 4.2 meters in length, it allows new drivers to navigate and park more easily. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, making it manageable even for P license drivers.

Inside, it is well-equipped with features such as a 360-degree panoramic camera, a center console with a 10.25-inch display and Apple CarPlay, and an adaptive cruise control system. Additionally, the vehicle is available in numerous colors, making it particularly appealing to younger owners.

2. AION Y Plus

The Y Plus is the first model from GAC Group's electric vehicle brand AION to be sold in Hong Kong. The vehicle features a five-door design and falls into the compact SUV category. Its front end has a full-width design, with LED headlights and daytime running lights on both sides, giving it a sci-fi appearance. It offers 7 exterior color options and 5 interior themes, allowing owners to mix and match according to their personal preferences.

The Y Plus has a spacious cabin and is well-equipped, including features like an electric driver's seat, a multifunction steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, and an air conditioning system with PM 2.5 filtration, making it a good value for money.

3. Wuling Air EV

The Wuling Air EV features a 4-seat design with a body length of less than 3 meters. Its boxy shape makes it compact and cute, easy to park, and capable of navigating narrow streets effortlessly. As much as 62% of the vehicle's body is made of high-strength steel, enhancing safety.

Although the cabin is small, the trunk capacity can reach 704 L when the rear seats are folded down. It also comes equipped with a dual-purpose 10.25-inch touchscreen digital dashboard. In terms of performance, the Air EV is equipped with a 26.7 kWh battery, giving it a range of 333 km (CLTC), making it suitable for daily short-distance commuting. The Wuling Air EV has a price tag of around HK$100,000, even without any One-for-One trade-in.

4. Wuling Binguo EV

The Wuling Binguo EV, although larger than the Air EV, is still compact with a length of just under 4 meters, making it suitable for parking in narrow spaces and maneuvering through busy streets. The Binguo EV’s 37.9 kWh battery gives it a range of 410 km and makes it ideal for urban commuting.

The interior features a two-spoke steering wheel and two 10.25-inch color screens. With the rear seats folded, the trunk capacity can reach 790 L. The price is approximately HK$158,000 (no One-for-One trade-in required).

5. NETA AYA

The NETA AYA is positioned as an entry-level compact SUV, with a length below 4.1 meters and a weight under 1.2 tons. It is compact and lightweight, with a maximum power output of 70 kW and a maximum torque of 150 Nm, resulting in relatively low energy consumption.

Its range (NEDC) of 401 km makes it suitable for daily commuting or outings. The Intelligent version features various active safety systems, such as lane departure warning, frontal collision warning, lane keeping assist, emergency braking assist, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its small size, the cargo space can be expanded from 335 L to 588 L with the seats folded.

6. Nammi BOX

The Nammi BOX is approximately 4 meters long and available in two versions: Nammi and Nammi Pro, equipped with 31.4 kWh and 42.3 kWh batteries, respectively, offering ranges of 330 km and 430 km. The model features an automatic parking function that automatically maneuvers the vehicle into a parking space once detected, making it especially suitable for novice drivers.

The Nammi BOX is also equipped with an L2-level driving assistance system and a 540-degree panoramic surround view system. The Nammi Pro further features several active safety systems, such as electronic stability control, traction control, active braking assist, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and intelligent speed control.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should new drivers pay attention to when buying an electric vehicle?

Before purchasing an EV, remember to check the availability of parking and charging stations at frequently visited locations, as well as the insurance premiums for your desired models. Insurance premiums are determined by various factors , including the age and driving experience of the policyholder, the vehicle's market value and performance, the deductible, and the no-claims discount (NCD).

Since young drivers with a P license have little driving experience and pose a higher compensation risk, purchasing an upmarket EV without an NCD in the first year can result in high insurance costs. Therefore, we recommend that young drivers with a P license start with entry-level vehicles to reduce insurance premiums.

What electric vehicles are suitable for new drivers?

Currently, various car brands offer lightweight and affordable entry-level models suitable for new drivers. Models priced under HK$200,000 include the ORA 03 Standard/Long Range versions, AION Y Plus, Wuling Air EV and Binguo EV, NETA AYA, and Dongfeng Nammi BOX.