Thanks Graham - have done so.

Yep, that.

The i3 is said to be a hoot to drive. Get a used one with a range extender (aka petrol engine) and you don't have to worry about the shocking state of the charging network.

I've a plug in my garage for overnight charges on the i8 (which shares a lot of powertrain components with the i3, including the batteries)
I try to park & charge whenever I can:
- the on street lamp post chargers aren't yet 'electric only' so are almost always iced
- car park chargers vary hugely, depending on the supplier.
Check what's in the areas you'd drive to using zapmap app, and look at the user comments to see what's working
- motorway charging generally works, if you have the right app: things are moving quite quickly towards app based use, rather than cards.

Will

Not really. Possibly better build quality in the Kia but flimsier construction that the tank like Merc.

Howard when you can, just test drive a range of EV's, see what suits you. I didn't buy a Tesla as they don't do it for me I bought a small battery EV the Honda e. It suits me for my commute to work, comfortable entry and exit which is prime concern for me these days, have the family tank (Volvo) for those times when well be able to go away again. I only charge at home and at Tesco when shopping so public charging isn't really a thing that concerns me at the moment.

It's very difficult advising anyone to buy a particular car, there is a lot more choice at the moment and even more coming next year. You could see if your localish VW dealer has an ID.3 you could test drive?

Yes they are more expensive than ICE cars, there is a secondhand market but it's a little pricey at the moment.

Just be careful if you test drive a Porker Taycan

https://youtu.be/cGcIFgAzJR8

The Sunday Times colour supplement ran an EV comparison article last weekend. Recommendations.
BEST FOR RANGE IN A SMALL CAR RANGE Renault Zoe 239 miles
JAPANESE STYLE Honda e 137 miles
BEST FOR PRACTICALITY Kia Soul EV 280 miles
BEST FOR LOOKS Mazda MX30 130 miles - I think definitely the most stylish £26k - March delivery
BEST FOR PRICE MGZS EV ?? miles but the cheapest
(or if the wallet will stretch Polestar 2, Audi etron. XC40, Taycan)

I personally have no interest in one at this time +8 for summers, sunny day and European travel, MB GLE43 for UK daily drive and 4 up distance.

If you'd rather try one without committing then I can recommend ONTO (used to be EVezy). https://on.to/ You can register and say which of their cars you would like and then wait for one to become available. It's a subscription type system where you pay a monthly fee while you have the car and can hand it back or change it at any time. All motoring costs such as insurance, servicing etc are included.
I chose a BMW i3 and got it in April (I think a lot of people handed theirs back at start of lockdown). It's been really good. I charge it with a standard lead out of my front window from a 3 pin plug and it takes all day to fully charge. The performance is astonishing - the acceleration is 7.3 seconds 0-60mph and actually feels faster than my 1980 Plus8!
A good way of dipping your toe in the electric water.

Thanks Milligoon for your suggestions but we have rather backed ourselves into a corner and need the EV to be our "big car" for longer distances as well. The other two vehicles in the family are both 2 seaters and cant currently be changed for reasons I wont go into here.Doesnt help that the EV has also to be either hatch or estate for the dog.