Are you considering going electric in 2026? Excellent decision. The electric vehicle market has matured considerably: ranges now exceed 500 km, charging times are getting shorter, and the selection has never been more varied. But where to start? Here is our complete guide to choosing the electric vehicle that really matches your needs.

1. Define Your Budget

The purchase price of a new electric vehicle starts at around 5,000 € for a compact city car and can exceed 100,000 € for a premium sedan. But the purchase price is only part of the equation. Here is what to consider:

• Government incentives: In some European countries, the ecological bonus can reach 5,000 to 7,000 € depending on your income. The conversion bonus can add up to 5,000 € if you scrap an old combustion vehicle.
• Running costs: Electricity costs 3 to 5 times less than gasoline per kilometer. For 15,000 km per year, expect about 350 € for electricity versus 1,500 € for fuel.
• Maintenance: No oil changes, no timing belt, no spark plugs, no air filter, no exhaust pipe. Annual maintenance is mainly limited to tires, brakes, and cabin filter. Savings: 30 to 50% compared to a combustion engine.
• Financing: Standard loan, long-term rental (LLD), lease with purchase option (LOA): compare offers. LOA is often advantageous because it includes maintenance and insurance.

2. Assess Your Required Range

This is the most frequently asked question. The WLTP range announced by manufacturers is measured in a laboratory. In reality, here is what you need to know:

• Daily commutes: If you drive less than 100 km per day, a WLTP range of 300 km is more than enough. You will charge at home overnight, once or twice a week.
• Long trips: If you regularly travel between two cities 400 km apart, aim for 500 km WLTP minimum. Sedans like the BYD Seal (570 km) or SUVs like the XPENG G6 (525 km) are excellent choices.
• Impact of conditions: In winter, range can drop by 15 to 25% due to heating and cold batteries. On the highway at 130 km/h, expect 20% less than the WLTP cycle.

3. Choose Your Charging Method

Charging is the second decisive criterion. Three options are available:

• Home charging (recommended solution): Installation of a 7.4 kW wallbox by an IRVE-certified electrician. Cost: 500 to 1,200 € (with a 300 € tax credit). A full charge takes 6 to 8 hours — perfect for overnight. You wake up every morning with a full battery.
• Public charging station: Thousands of stations are available in parking lots, shopping centers, and on public roads. Typical power: 7 to 22 kW. Handy for charging while you shop or during your workday.
• Highway fast charging: DC stations with 150-350 kW allow you to go from 20% to 80% in 20 to 35 minutes. Ideal for long trips. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you're back on the road.

4. Compare Models by Category

Here is our selection of the best electric vehicles by category in 2026:

• Sedans: BYD Seal (from 23,000 €, 570 km range), Xiaomi SU7 (from 28,000 €, 830 km range), Geely Galaxy E8 (from 22,000 €, 665 km range)
• Compact SUVs: BYD Atto 3 Evo (from 16,000 €, 630 km range), Zeekr X (from 19,000 €, 560 km range), Lynk & Co Z20 (from 15,000 €, 530 km range)
• Family SUVs: XPENG G6 (from 16,000 €, 525 km range), BYD Sealion 7 (from 24,000 €, 605 km range), NIO EL6 (from 43,000 €, 529 km range)
• City cars: BYD Dolphin Surf (from 8,000 €, 405 km range), Dongfeng Box (from 9,000 €, 310 km range), Leapmotor T03 (from 6,000 €, 265 km range)

5. Think About Resale

The used electric vehicle market is quickly structuring. Electric vehicles depreciate by an average of 15 to 20% in the first year, then 8 to 10% per year. Premium brands (ZEEKR, BYD, MG) hold their value better. The battery is the main factor in depreciation: a vehicle with a battery health status (SOH) above 90% resells well.

6. Take a Test Drive

This is an essential step. Nothing replaces getting behind the wheel. During your test drive at Autoluxary, try:

• Driving silence and acoustic comfort
• Acceleration responsiveness (torque is immediate!)
• Regenerative braking and one-pedal driving
• The ergonomics of the central screen and controls
• Visibility and driver assistance systems

Ready to make the leap? Contact us for a personalized test drive or browse our online catalog. Our advisors support you from A to Z.