Electric vehicles (EVs) have a lot to offer drivers:

• They offer lower running costs: electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially with home charging.
• They’re excellent for the environment: with no tailpipe emissions, EVs contribute to cleaner air.
• They avoid the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge and congestion charges in cities, being exempt
• You can enjoy lower maintenance and repair costs. EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, meaning fewer costs for maintenance and repairs.

EVs can last between 10 and 20 years, or 100,000 to 200,000 miles. Some car manufacturers even offer an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty.

Recent studies have shown that EVs can last as long, if not slightly longer than petrol or diesel cars in the UK.

The cost of charging an EV at home is less than using a public charger. The average home charging cost for a full charge is between £6 and £12, and public charging can range between £7 and £10 for 80% charge using a rapid charger.

EVs are generally cheaper to run than petrol cars due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. Electricity is significantly cheaper than petrol, leading to lower costs per mile. They also have fewer moving parts than petrol cars, resulting in less frequent and less costly maintenance. In addition, EVs don’t require oil changes, saving drivers more time and money. And most EVs have regenerative braking which reuses energy expended during deceleration, extending the life of the brake pads.

EVs can be charged at home using an installed charge point, or at a public charging point.

Public charging points can be found at service stations, car parks, supermarkets, cinemas and even roadside, and often have destination, rapid or ultra-rapid chargers, suitable for any journey type.

EV charger installations usually cost between £800 and £1,500, which includes the charger and installation. The price varies based on the charger model, complexity to carry out the installation and whether you’re eligible for a government grant. EV charger installations usually cost between £800 and £1,500, which includes the charger and installation.

The price varies based on the charger model, complexity to carry out the installation and whether you’re eligible for a government grant.

As of April 2025, EV drivers are required to pay road tax; here’s a breakdown of the changes:

• Starting from 1 April 2025, newly registered electric vehicles will be subject to a first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) of £10. From the second year onward, the standard annual VED rate of £190 will apply.
• Electric vehicles registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025 will also begin paying the new standard VED rate of £190 per year, starting from 1 April 2025.
• The government will abolish Band A in the current VED system – previously used for low or zero-emission vehicles such as EVs. As a result, vehicles that currently fall into Band A and pay no tax will be required to pay at least the lowest applicable rate, starting 1 April 2025.

Just like petrol and diesel cars, EVs also require MOT tests. It’s a compulsory safety and roadworthiness check for all vehicles over 3 years old.

There are many benefits to EV ownership, including low charging costs, great efficiency and being better for the environment. And purchasing a second-hand electric car can be a more affordable way of making the switch from petrol or diesel cars. There are many benefits to EV ownership, including low charging costs, great efficiency and being better for the environment. And purchasing a second-hand electric car can be a more affordable way of making the switch from petrol or diesel cars.

Hybrid vehicles combine an engine that runs on petrol with an electric motor and battery, and enable both combined and independent power. Hybrid vehicles are highly fuel efficient, and help to reduce emissions through regenerative braking and all-electric driving modes.

There are several hybrid engine types:

• Mild hybrids (MHEVs) – these vehicles use a small electric motor for auxiliary functions and regenerative braking. The ICE engine takes care of most of the driving power.
• Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) – these vehicles have a larger battery that can be recharged from an external power source, meaning that its electric-only range is much longer.
• Full hybrids – these vehicles have a larger electric motor and battery , large electric-only driving ranges, significant fuel economy gains and are self-charging, eliminating the need for a charger.

Hybrid vehicles are a worthwhile investment. They’re well suited for city driving or for areas that prioritise fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. They offer better fuel economy than ICE vehicles, produce fewer emissions and require less overall maintenance due to regenerative braking systems.

The UK government’s 2035 EV initiative means that hybrid vehicles will eventually be phased out, but not just yet. Hybrid cars that can drive a significant distance without emitting carbon will be available for purchase until 2035.

Hybrid cars don’t switch to petrol at a specific speed. The engine and battery/electric motor work to combine both electric and petrol power depending on power demand and driving conditions. Petrol power will typically be used for higher speeds and more challenging driving conditions.

You’ll need to assess whether a plug-in hybrid suits your driving needs. They offer a great balance of electric range and petrol power and, overall, have lower running costs and produce lower emissions, making them efficient, eco-friendlier models.