Electric cars can save drivers around £579 per year compared to petrol cars, which is one of the main ownership benefits of EVs. Reduced pollution and improved driving experience, as well as government incentives and rapidly improving infrastructure, make electric cars more attractive to drivers. Lower maintenance costs also mean fewer potential issues over an EV’s lifespan. This guide will explain more about the benefits drivers can experience with an electric car.
Electric driving initially started as an incentive to help the environment and reduce carbon emissions. But over the years, technology has advanced, and the benefits of driving all-electric have become more evident.
On average, EV drivers can save around £500 per year on fuel. The exact amount will depend on the EV, your electricity tariff and fuel prices. This is due to electricity costing less per mile than fuel.
You could be looking at paying around 40% less for maintenance costs when switching to an electric car. EVs have fewer moving parts than cars with an internal combustion engine, which means there’s less to replace, and typically less that can go wrong.
This depends on your energy provider and your energy rate. Typically, charging at home costs less than using a public charger. Some energy providers offer EV-specific tariffs for cheaper overnight charging. It’s best to check this when having a charger installed.
You’ll pay £10 for the first year of your EV's life, increasing to £195 annually for cars registered after 1st April 2017. Electric cars were previously exempt from vehicle tax until VED changes introduced in April 2025.