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Buying a new electric car: your rights

General legal information, not legal advice. The rules differ in detail between England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with Citizens Advice or a solicitor for your situation.

If the car is faulty

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a new car from a trader must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. You generally have a short-term right to reject within 30 days. Faults appearing in the first six months are presumed to have been there at delivery. After that you may be entitled to repair or replacement, then a price reduction or final right to reject.

Ordering online or by phone

You normally have 14 days to cancel from delivery, with exceptions such as goods made to your specification. A car built to order can fall into that exception, so check before paying a deposit and keep written confirmation of what was promised.

Warranties do not replace your rights

Vehicle and battery warranties are extra. Battery warranties usually limit years, mileage and a capacity threshold, and may have servicing conditions.

Finance and deposits

• PCP: lower monthly payments, then hand back, buy with a final payment, or trade in.
• Hire purchase: spreads the whole cost so you own the car at the end.
• Leasing: rental with no ownership.
• Motor finance is regulated. Compare the total amount payable and mileage limits, not just the monthly figure.
• Paying part of the price by credit card can give extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act where the item costs between £100 and £30,000 and other conditions are met.

Frequently asked questions

What are my rights if my new car is faulty?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods from a trader must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. You generally have a short-term right to reject within 30 days. Faults appearing in the first six months are presumed to have been there at delivery. After that you may be entitled to repair or replacement, then a price reduction or final right to reject. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can I cancel a car I ordered online?

For most online or phone purchases from a trader, you have 14 days to cancel from delivery. There are exceptions, such as goods made to your specification, which can include a car built to order. Check the terms before paying a deposit and keep written confirmation of what was promised.

Does the manufacturer's warranty replace my legal rights?

No. A manufacturer or battery warranty is an extra benefit and does not remove your statutory rights against the seller. The battery warranty typically has its own limits, such as mileage, years and a capacity threshold.

What is the difference between PCP, hire purchase and leasing?

With PCP you pay lower monthly amounts and can hand the car back, buy it with a final payment, or trade it in. Hire purchase spreads the whole cost so you own the car at the end. Leasing is rental with no ownership. Motor finance is regulated, so check the total amount payable and the terms.

What should I check before ordering a new EV?

Confirm the on-the-road price, whether the Electric Car Grant is included and who claims it, the delivery date and what happens if it is delayed, the battery and vehicle warranty terms, the charging cable included, and how the price is protected if list prices change. Get it in writing.

Related

• Electric Car Grant and EV tax in the UK
• How long do EV batteries last?
• The Warrantywise Reliability Index explained
• Cheapest electric cars in the UK

Figures compiled September 2026 from published UK sources and are approximate. Page reviewed 2026-09-20. General information, not financial, legal or technical advice.