Going electric changes some habits and keeps others exactly the same. Whether your EV is new or used, here’s how to set it up in the first weeks so ownership is cheap, easy, and worry-free.
Week one: sort out charging
Charging is the biggest change from a petrol car, so start here.
- Decide where you’ll charge. A home charger (or even a standard socket for slow top-ups) is by far the cheapest — roughly a third of the cost of public fast charging. No home charging? Map the reliable Level 2 and DC fast options along your regular routes before you depend on the car.
- Set up the apps and accounts for the charging networks you’ll use, so you’re not fumbling at a charger later.
- Learn your car’s charging settings — charge limits, scheduled charging for cheap overnight rates, and battery preconditioning.
Week one: make it legal and covered
This part is identical to any car — and just as easy to forget:
- Transfer registration/title into your name and confirm the papers are valid.
- Arrange insurance (note that EV premiums and repair considerations can differ).
- Write down your registration and insurance renewal dates. See never miss a car registration or insurance renewal.
First month: build good battery habits
Set yourself up for a long battery life from the start (more in EV battery health):
- Charge mostly on slower AC, saving DC fast charging for trips.
- Keep everyday charging in a moderate band (many makers suggest ~20–80%), topping to 100% only before long drives.
- Avoid leaving it very full or very empty in extreme heat.
First month: learn the new maintenance rhythm
An EV needs less servicing, but not none. Plan for:
- Tires (they can wear faster on heavy, torquey EVs), brake fluid, coolant, cabin filter, and software updates.
- No oil changes — one whole chore gone.
- Brakes that last a long time thanks to regenerative braking — but still need occasional attention.
Start tracking from day one
Two numbers are worth watching from the start: your cost per km (see how to track EV charging costs) and your car’s battery/range over time. Log charging, servicing, and renewals together and you’ll always know what your EV costs and how it’s holding up — which also helps at resale. The maintenance reminders and expenses features do exactly this, and if you also keep a petrol car, the multi-vehicle garage keeps them separate. Open the app and add your EV.
Read next
- Compare the best EVs of 2026 — and find the best EV for your budget
- EV vs hybrid vs plug-in hybrid: what’s the difference?
- New car owner checklist (any car)
- EV battery health: how long do they last?
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to set up when I get an EV?
Sort out where you'll charge (home charger or nearby public options), learn your car's charging limits and preconditioning settings, register any charging apps or accounts you'll use, and note your registration and insurance renewal dates. Then start tracking charging cost and battery habits from day one.
Is home charging necessary for an EV?
Not strictly, but it makes ownership much cheaper and easier — home charging is typically about a third of the cost of public fast charging. If you can't charge at home, map out reliable Level 2 and fast-charging options near your routine before you rely on the car.
What maintenance does a new EV owner need to plan for?
Less than a petrol car, but not zero: tire rotation, brake fluid, battery/motor coolant, cabin filter, and software updates — plus registration and insurance renewals like any car. There are no oil changes.
How Kotselog helps: Never miss an oil change, tire rotation, or brake service again. See the maintenance reminders feature →
Start taking care of your car today
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