Published 30 January 2025
Electric car costs – what should you know?
Published 30 January 2025
If you’re thinking of buying an electric vehicle (EV), it’s smart to do your research before going green. Though there’s lots to consider, you can bet electric car costs sit at the top of the list.
How much does an electric car cost to buy?
More and more people are seeing the environmental benefits of switching from traditional fuel to electric. But how much might it cost to go green? And is it really worth it?
The cost of buying an electric car can vary depending on the make, model, how old it is and how you buy it. As the market expands, there are more electric car and hybrid options to consider than ever – available to buy outright, on finance, second-hand or by leasing.
Typically, electric cars cost more than their petrol or diesel equivalents. This is generally because they’re produced in smaller numbers using state-of-the-art technology.
So, depending on your budget, you may have to wait a bit longer to save up. But when you’re tightening those purse strings, it’s worth considering any long-term benefits of owning an EV. For example, some models may have lower running costs and over time, this could help balance out the extra expense of the initial purchase.
EVs are becoming cheaper each year as new cars push existing models into a growing second-hand market.
To qualify for an OZEV chargepoint grant you either need to be a homeowner living in a flat, or renting a residential property. It’s best to check GOV.UK for the full qualifying criteria for renters or flat owners.
What are the running costs of an electric car?
How much does an electric car cost per mile?
While this varies between models, electric cars can cost as little as 4-5p per mile based on 100 miles of travel – less than half the average price of fuel per mile. In one single 100-mile charge, this might cost around £5 total.
You can also find public charging points available for recharging on the go. Some rapid charge stations can cost approximately £19 for a 30-minute charge for up to 90 miles (on average). If you’re lucky, your workplace may even have one you can use for free.
Other costs of owning an electric car
There are some other costs involved in electric car ownership, and maybe not the kind you’d expect. There’s more to going electric than you might think. Compared to owning a conventional petrol or diesel car, ongoing costs are likely to be lower:
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Tax benefits
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Electric car congestion charge
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Lower maintenance costs
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EVHS grants
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MOT
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