As EVs become more mainstream, the costs are dropping rapidly and there are a wide variety of benefits for drivers making the switch. From the environmental impact to the savings you can make on fuel, tax and maintenance costs, electric vehicles could help you save significant amounts of money.
On a cost per mile basis a fully electric car could cost you a quarter or less of what a traditional petrol or diesel car might. These savings quickly add up, see how much you could save on each journey when driving an EV by using our special Journey Cost Calculator below.
How much could I save?
COST OF ELECTRIC CARS
EVs offer outstanding value over the long term and can be an excellent investment for drivers looking for a cheaper, more efficient way to get around. Like traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, the cost of buying an electric car varies depending on make, model, features and type. There is an EV to suit almost every budget and ourcar selector tool is designed to help you find your perfect car quickly and easily.
CHEAPER TO MAINTAIN
While the price of an EV may be similar to most comparable petrol or diesel cars, the cost of running one is significantly cheaper particularly over the full lifetime of the vehicle. From tax incentives and special government grants to enhanced fuel efficiency, the lower cost of electricity and reduced maintenance requirements, you could spend far less on an electric vehicle than you do on your current car.
Fully electric cars are designed to be as efficient as possible and there are generally 3 main components powering the vehicle; the on-board charger, inverter and motor. This means there is far less wear and tear on the car and little stress on the motor, with fewer moving parts susceptible to damage. All this means you’ll rarely have to have your EV serviced and the running and repair costs are minimal.
BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, BETTER FOR YOU
Fully electric cars have zero tailpipe emissions making them greener, cleaner and better for the environment than petrol or diesel cars. A Plug-in hybrid pairs a small battery and electric motor, with a typical range of around 30 miles, with a fuel-efficient petrol or diesel engine. Plug-in hybrids driven in electric mode emit zero tailpipe emissions and the electric range is well within the average UK daily distance driven of 30 miles.
Less emissions mean reduced greenhouse gasses, enabling the UK to move towards sustainable, renewable sources of electricity.
With newer technology helping create even more environmentally friendly batteries, advances in hydrogen and even more efficient, quieter EV motors, the future of driving is bright and clean.
FAST, EASY HOME CHARGING
Charging your EV at home is cost efficient, simple and fast. A compact, all-weather home charging unit can be outside your home and you’ll be eligible for a £350 government grant to cover installation.
Once installed, you’ll be able to charge your EV by simply plugging in the charging cable when you’ve parked up. It’s as easy as charging your mobile phone. Using a 7kW home charging port, most EVs can charge to full capacity in around 5- 10 hours so your car will be ready to go when you are. Rapid chargers can speed up the process even more, charging most cars to about 80% in under an hour.
Check out our charging calculator which shows exactly how long a wide range of EVs take to charge. You’ll also see a breakdown of electricity usage and cost so you know exactly how much you could save every time you charge your car.
A QUIETER, MORE ENJOYABLE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
One of the first things drivers notice when switching to an electric car is the quietness of the vehicle, which creates a far more comfortable, relaxing driving experience.
All electric cars have instant torque , which means you’ll always have power right at your fingertips. As soon as you hit the accelerator you’ll get an instant response and surge of speed from the car, making these vehicles ideal for city driving.
Batteries in EVs are often found in the floor of the car, which provides excellent balance and weight distribution. This means handling around corners and curves is effortless and reliable. Zip through traffic and glide across town in a comfortable, clean and quiet car. Isn’t that how driving should be?
THE FUTURE OF DRIVING IS ELECTRIC
The benefits of driving electric cars are clear. With exciting new technologies currently being developed, which promise to cut charging times to minutes, extend range significantly and further enhance safety and automation features, there has never been a better time to switch to driving an EV.