This short video will explain what electric vehicles are and the benefits of driving one instead of a petrol or diesel equivalent.
Benefits
- lower servicing and maintenance costs
- lower or zero rate of vehicle excise duty until 2025
- generally cheaper to refuel than petrol or diesel vehicles
Choosing an electric car can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Our guide will tell you more about the different types of vehicles available and how you can save money on purchasing an electric car.
Electric vehicles are an increasingly attractive option, due to their lower running costs, the expanding choice of models available and intensifying concerns about air quality and climate change.
Learn more about the types of electric vehicles and their benefits.
What is an electric vehicle?
Types of electric vehicles
Benefits of electric vehicles
While the initial upfront purchase price of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be higher, this is usually offset by lower running costs.
Electric vehicles offer savings including:
- A full charge in a pure electric vehicle will give a typical range of around 220 miles and will cost approximately £17 if charging at home. Whereas, driving a petrol or diesel car for 220 miles could cost up to £45. The cost savings will be most significant when owners charge at home and have access to an off-peak overnight electricity tariff, which will cost approximately £8 for a full charge.
- There are fewer mechanical components in an electric vehicle compared with conventional vehicles, which often results in up to 40% lower servicing and maintenance costs.
- Lower or zero vehicle excise duty (VED). However, from 2025 VED will also be charged on electric vehicles. The first-year rate will still be lower for electric vehicles – only £10 compared to £120-£945 for petrol or diesel vehicles – but after that all vehicles will be charged a standard rate of £165 per year.
- Zero emission vehicles – those emitting 0g/km CO2 – qualify for the cleaner vehicle discount on the London Congestion Charge until December 2025. All other vehicles, regardless of their emissions status will be required to pay the Congestion Charge.
- The lower or zero emissions of plug-in vehicles mean that they will attract lower charges from clean air zones being implemented around the UK and London’s ultra low emission zone (ULEZ).
- Free parking and the use of bus lanes for electric vehicles is available in some towns and cities. Check with your local authority to see if they have any local EV incentives.
If you have any additional questions about the benefits of Electric Vehicles (EV) we hope our EV engagement FAQ will help answer some of them as well as links to provide you with further information. We have also developed a EV flow chart designed to help with the decision-making process with some helpful suggestions for anyone who is considering or not sure about an EV as their next purchase.
Purchasing an EV
The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will end in 2030 and the sale of new PHEVs will cease in 2035. As a cleaner alternative, the availability and affordability of EVs and chargepoints continue to improve every year.
The Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme identifies new and used car dealerships who have demonstrated their expertise in EV sales, repair and maintenance. EVA certified dealerships are independently assessed by Energy Saving Trust to ensure that customers receive a high quality experience when exploring EV options. You can find a local EV retail expert on the EVA website. Most of the same purchasing options for petrol or diesel cars are also available for EVs.
Used EVs can also be a more affordable option. See our advice on buying a second hand electric car or van.
Take our EV suitability quiz
Further reading
Electric cars
Many businesses have already realised the benefits of EVs, with electric and plug-in hybrid cars becoming mainstream in the company car market.
Electric vans
Electric vans are becoming increasingly popular and can be a great choice for private and public sector fleets.
Electric motorbikes, mopeds and microcars
Find out more about electric motorbikes, mopeds and micro cars, also known as zero emission powered light vehicles for commuting or leisure.
Additional resources
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There is additional support available on the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles website
Find out more -
You can also get information on electric vehicles from Citizens Advice
Read more