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UK drivers are switching to EVs for good reasons. For a start, petrol prices are rising, and cities are introducing clean air zones. Plus, the ban on the sale of new petrol cars is set to start in 2030. Meanwhile, electric cars are becoming cheaper to run, easier to charge and more practical for everyday use.
If you’re deciding whether to go electric or stick with petrol, then understand why drivers are making the switch to EVs. Of course, whichever option you go for, perform a HPI check on cars before buying.
Filling up a petrol tank has never been cheap, yet charging an EV is more affordable, particularly when done at home, costing around £13 for a full charge. Many energy providers offer EV-specific tariffs, reducing charging costs further. Even if you rely on quicker-to-charge but more expensive public charging stations, running an electric vehicle costs less per mile than refuelling with petrol.
Maintenance is another area where petrol cars fall behind. A combustion engine has hundreds of moving parts that suffer wear and tear. Oil changes, timing belts, spark plugs, and exhaust repairs are unavoidable expenses.
An EV has far fewer mechanical components. You won’t need to replace an oil filter, and brake wear is reduced thanks to regenerative braking, which slows the car while converting energy back into the battery. With fewer parts to break down, servicing an EV is simpler and less expensive.
An electric car produces no exhaust emissions, making it much cleaner than petrol vehicles. With air pollution linked to respiratory health problems and greenhouse gases, switching to an EV helps cut down on pollutants.
Charging your car at home or a rapid charging station is also getting greener as the UK increases its renewable energy sources. If you install solar panels at home, you can even power your car with clean energy, reducing your reliance on the grid altogether.
Electric cars are quiet. Without a combustion engine, there’s no rattling, roaring and vibrations through the steering wheel. The result is a relaxing drive, whether you’re on a motorway journey or navigating city traffic.
Acceleration is another area where EVs stand out. Unlike petrol cars, which need to build up power as they go through gears, an electric motor delivers instant torque. This makes merging onto motorways, overtaking or pulling out of junctions effortless.
The UK government is pushing for cleaner transport by offering incentives for EV owners. While the Plug-in Car Grant for new purchases ended in 2022, drivers still benefit from lower road tax and reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates for company cars. Some London boroughs offer free or reduced-charge parking or exemptions from congestion charges.
London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been expanded to include all 32 London boroughs and other urban areas are implementing clean air zones that charge older, high-emission vehicles.
If you’re buying a car, check its history before deciding. Performing a HPI reveals if a vehicle has outstanding finance, has been written off, or has mileage discrepancies. This is important when buying a second-hand EV, as battery condition and previous ownership records can affect its value.
