Best Accessories for a New Electric Car

When you drive away in a new electric car, the charger is only the beginning. A short list of practical accessories will make day-to-day ownership easier, protect the car, and give you the flexibility to charge wherever you end up. Use our EV charging cable finder to make sure you have the right cable for your car first, then work through the essentials below.

Do you really need a portable charger as well as a home wallbox?

Yes, even if you have a fast home wallbox fitted. A portable charger, sometimes called a granny charger, plugs into an ordinary 3-pin socket and trickle-charges your car overnight. It is not quick, but it will get you home if a public charger is out of order or if you are staying somewhere without a dedicated EV point. Browse portable EV chargers to find one rated for your car. Treat it as a piece of safety equipment rather than a daily driver and keep it in the boot.

When do you need a Type 2 cable as well?

If your home wallbox or a public AC charge point is untethered, meaning it has no cable permanently attached, you need to bring your own. Most modern EVs charge over Type 2 on AC, so a good-quality Type 2 to Type 2 cable is the one you will reach for most often. Check the maximum charging speed your car supports before buying, as cables are rated to different amperages. See the full range of Type 2 charging cables for lengths and ratings. Coil the cable loosely after use to avoid kinking the insulation.

Why does a boot liner matter more in an EV?

Electric cars carry their battery pack under the floor, which changes the shape of the boot in some models. A few have a shallower load area or a less conventional floor profile than equivalent petrol cars. A well-fitted boot liner made for your specific model protects the carpet, makes it easier to wipe out mud or spilled charging fluid, and often has raised edges to stop items sliding around. Custom-cut liners are worth the small extra cost over universal mats, as they sit flat and do not fold up at the edges when you load something heavy.

No spare tyre: what should you carry instead?

The majority of electric cars are supplied without a spare tyre. The space that would hold one is often used for battery structure or storage. You rely instead on run-flat tyres, tyre repair foam, or a portable compressor kit. Foam sealant is single-use and only works on small punctures, so a quality 12V compressor gives you more options. Check that any compressor you buy can reach the pressures your car requires, as EV tyres are often run at higher pressures than conventional ones to offset the additional vehicle weight. Keep the compressor charged or plugged in regularly so it is ready when you need it.

Is a dashcam worth fitting to an electric car?

A dashcam is worth fitting to any car, and electric vehicles are no exception. Many newer EVs have large glass surfaces and a quiet powertrain, which makes them desirable in urban areas where car parks and tight streets create collision risks. A dashcam provides footage if another driver hits you while parked, which is a common scenario in city environments. Some insurers will ask for dashcam footage after a claim and others may look more favourably on drivers who have one fitted, though you should check the details with your own insurer. Look for a model with parking mode if your car does not already have a built-in sentry feature.

How do you keep cables tidy and protected?

Charging cables are chunky and awkward to store loose in a boot. A dedicated cable bag or roll-up organiser keeps the connectors clean and protects the cable jacket from abrasion against other items. Some bags include a waterproof lining, which is useful if you are returning a wet cable after rain. A bag also makes it easier to carry the cable to a charge point without it trailing on the ground. If you carry more than one cable, labelling them saves time at the charge point. Keep the portable charger in a separate bag from the Type 2 cable so you always know which you are reaching for.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any Type 2 cable with my EV?

Most Type 2 cables fit any car with a Type 2 inlet, but you should match the cable's amperage rating to your car's on-board charger. Using a cable rated below your car's maximum will slow charging. Check your car's manual or use a cable checker to confirm the right spec before buying.

Do portable chargers work with all electric cars?

Portable granny chargers work with most EVs sold in the UK as they connect via a standard Type 2 or Type 1 inlet. A few older models use a different connector, so confirm your car's inlet type before purchasing. The charging speed is slower than a wallbox but sufficient for overnight top-ups or emergency use on the road.

Is a screen protector necessary for EV touchscreens?

EV touchscreens are generally made from toughened glass, but they can pick up micro-scratches from everyday use, particularly in dusty environments or if you wear rings. A quality tempered glass protector adds an extra layer of protection and can reduce glare in direct sunlight. It is optional rather than essential, but worth considering in the first weeks of ownership before any scratches occur.

Should I get a front-only or front-and-rear dashcam?

A front-and-rear dashcam gives you full coverage of incidents behind the car, which is valuable in rear-end collisions or when reversing. Front-only cameras are simpler to fit and cheaper, but they miss events at the back. If budget allows, a two-channel system is more useful in practice, especially for city or motorway driving where rear-end incidents are common.

Do I need a cable bag if my car has under-boot storage?

Under-boot compartments, sometimes called a frunk or sub-floor storage, are great for keeping cables separate from your main luggage. Even so, a cable bag protects the connectors from knocking against hard surfaces and keeps the space neat. A bag is particularly useful when you are travelling and storing the cable in a hotel boot or guest house.

Can I fit a dashcam myself in an electric car?

Many dashcams can be fitted using a simple adhesive mount and plugged into a 12V socket or USB port. Hardwiring for parking mode is more involved and requires some electrical knowledge, as EV auxiliary systems differ from petrol cars. If you are not confident, a car audio or fitting specialist can hardwire it correctly without voiding your vehicle warranty.

Getting these accessories sorted early means you are prepared for every charging scenario from the first day. Start with the essentials: a portable charger for emergencies and a Type 2 cable for public and home AC points. Then add a boot liner and tyre kit before your first long run. The rest can follow as you settle into the rhythm of EV ownership.