Filming with Electric Cars: A Guide for UK Shoots

Electric cars have moved from novelty to everyday sight on British roads, and productions increasingly need them, whether for a contemporary drama, a commercial about modern life or a music video that wants something futuristic. They bring some genuine advantages on set and a few new things to plan for.

This guide covers what is different about filming with an electric car, from charging and range to sound and screens, and how to brief one.

The simplest reason is authenticity. A story set today, in a city, among characters with money or environmental principles, may simply feel more truthful with an electric car on the drive. Commercials for technology, energy and lifestyle brands often favour them for the same reason.

There are practical benefits too. Electric cars are quiet, which helps sound recording during dialogue scenes. They produce no exhaust fumes, which matters for interior locations, studios and enclosed spaces, subject to the venue's own rules. And they can be moved short distances on set without the noise of an engine starting between takes.

Range is the first planning question. A day of repeated drive-bys, tracking runs or long periods with the cabin powered for lighting and screens uses energy, and cold weather reduces range further. Ask the owner how much range they would expect on a typical day and plan with a margin.

Charging is the second. Check whether the unit base or location has suitable charging, whether a public charger is nearby, and how long a top-up would take. The owner should arrive fully charged, and the production should budget time for charging if the car is needed across several days or travels a long way to set.

Quietness is usually an advantage, but it changes the soundscape. A scene that expects engine noise may need sound added in post. Many electric cars also emit an artificial sound at low speed to warn pedestrians, which can be noticeable on a quiet set; the owner will know how it behaves. Some cars offer customised exterior sound or entertainment features, which may be a creative opportunity for music videos.

Modern electric cars often have large central screens, ambient interior lighting and distinctive light signatures front and rear. These can look striking on camera but may flicker or clash with your lighting. Talk to the director of photography and owner about brightness settings, screen content and whether any displays need covering for brand or continuity reasons. On commercials, ask whether any on-screen branding or software content needs clearing.

Electric cars are heavy and can accelerate quickly, so driving shots need the same discipline as any performance car. Silent movement around crew also needs care: make sure everyone knows when the car is live. Rigging and mounts should be agreed with the owner, and anyone working near the car's high-voltage systems should leave that to qualified people. The production's normal risk assessment process applies.

Zero-emission vehicles generally meet the ULEZ standards, which can make them a convenient choice for central London shoots. The Congestion Charge has separate rules, and exemptions have changed over time, so check current guidance from Transport for London before relying on it. Our guide to ULEZ and the Congestion Charge for filming in London covers the basics.

Mainstream family electric cars suit contemporary drama and everyday commercials, while premium saloons and SUVs suit characters with money. Distinctive or heavily customised electric cars work well in music videos, fashion and social content, where personality matters more than realism. Our Tesla Model 3 page and modern cars category show examples, and the music video car hire page covers that world in more depth.

Yes, and for some productions it is the whole point. Owners have wrapped, styled and accessorised electric cars in striking ways, from bold colour wraps to custom wheels and lighting. A car like the Unicorn Tesla on CarSeen shows how far personality can be taken, and that kind of car suits music videos, fashion shoots, comedy and social campaigns. When briefing a customised car, ask the owner which features can be used on set, which need the owner to operate them and which effects should be agreed with the production in advance.

They do not, and that is the point. An electric car places a story firmly in the present, just as a 1960s saloon places it in the past. If your production moves between timelines, casting a contemporary electric car against a classic from the same family or brand can be an elegant visual device. Our guides to period-correct cars, such as the 1990s and 2000s, help with the other half of that pairing.

Add these lines to your usual brief:

• How many runs or how long the car will be powered on.
• Charging availability at the location.
• Whether you want the car silent, or any sound features used.
• Whether screens and interior lighting will be visible.
• Any brand sensitivities, since manufacturer badges and screens are prominent on many models.

Our guide to how to brief a picture car covers the rest.

CarSeen works with private owners of modern and classic cars across the UK, including electric models. When you send a brief, we check range, charging needs and any special features with the owner before the car reaches your shortlist. Browse the catalogue or see cars for commercials for inspiration.