You know the change is coming, but you don’t feel like you are ready for it, or excited by it. Sound familiar? We understand, this is why we’re here to help.
The Government has decided to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles (ICE) by 2035 . After this, all new vehicles producing tailpipe emissions, including hybrid vehicles, will be banned by 2035. Before the 2035 ban, you can buy a new vehicle if it has the capability to drive an approved distance with zero emissions. The distance required is defined via consultation.
There are different types of electrified vehicles available. Some of them are fully powered by electricity, and some use a combination of traditional petrol and diesel engines and an electric motor. The commercially available type of EVs include:
With the ban of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles edging closer, more UK drivers are deciding to make the switch to electric. By the end of July 2023, there were approximately 840,000 battery electric vehicles in the UK*. This is a 26.5% increase from the previous year.
The high initial price of EVs has been one of the main obstacles for a long time for those thinking about making the switch to electric. However, electric vehicles end up costing you less in the long run, thanks to several factors:
Electricity is cheaper than petrol or diesel – yes, even now.
If you choose to charge your EV at home, you can choose the optimal time for your charging, when the electricity is cheapest. This is usually during the night. You get to enjoy a well-deserved rest, while your EV also charges its battery!
Concerned about how much servicing your EV will cost you? As electric vehicles have fewer parts compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, they are easier, quicker and cheaper to service. In fact, servicing an EV is on average 23% cheaper than an ICE vehicle.
Most people have heard about this benefit: if you drive an electric vehicle, you are exempt from paying road tax. In the long run, you can gain significant savings, and it’s also one less thing to worry about!
Many cities in the UK have introduced Low Emission Zones (LEZs). In these areas, any vehicle that does not release harmful emissions to the atmosphere, is classed as exempt from paying the congestion charges.
For instance, in central London, you save as much as £14 every day if you drive a fully electric vehicle.
Another key barrier for switching to electric for many people is the range of EVs. In their early stages, EVs typically had a low range, and they required regular charging to keep them running. However, today there are many electric vehicles with fantastic ranges.
The longest range of EV is 452 miles, and you can get it with the Mercedes EQS. This is more than enough for a road trip around the country. You might not have to charge the EV until you return home!
Typically, the range of an EV ranges from 150 to 300 miles. It’s time to wave goodbye to range anxiety!
Charging may just be the main reason people put off buying an EV. There are several misconceptions about charging opportunities, and negativity around charging your EV.
You can charge your electric vehicle at home with a wall charger, or when out and about with a public charger. The public charging stations also include faster charging, so you can get back on the road in no time. For instance, Hyundai IONIQ 6 can be charged from 0-80% in 18 minutes.
As of July 2023, there were 45,737 public electric vehicle charging points in the UK, across 26,805 locations**. The number of charging points is growing fast each year, as the UK Government is building an infrastructure ready for the large change in 2035.
Find your nearest public charger
There are five type of electric vehicle chargers. These are Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMo, CCS combo type 1, and CCS combo type 2.
Increasingly, you will also come across rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. The official name for these is direct rapid (DC) charger. Most new electric vehicle models come with DC charging as an option.
At home, you can also charge your EV with a regular UK three-pin plug. Although, you can expect a longer charging time with this method.
Like any other battery, electric vehicle batteries also degrade over time, resulting in shorter range. However, the batteries in electric vehicles last at 10-20 years. For instance, an eight-year-old Nissan LEAF vehicle will still have a battery capacity of around 80%.
You can preserve your electric vehicle’s battery with simple steps:
If you are looking for an affordable way to make the switch to electric, a second-hand electric car is a great way to do this. As well as benefiting from a lower price, you can also bypass new car wait times.
Many new cars offer comprehensive battery warranties so even when buying a used car, you can be confident that any issues will be covered.
With so many manufacturers now offering electric cars, it’s important to do your research.
Key things to factor into your decision include:
Older used electric cars with more mileage on the clock will typically be cheaper to buy. But while they are more affordable upfront, they may require more maintenance in the long run.
It’s important to take into consideration how often the car will be used and the types of journeys it will be used on.
If it’s just you that is driving the car, you may only need something compact. Whereas if you have a family, you might require something slightly bigger.
As with buying any used car, it’s important to get all the facts before making a purchase.
It’s important to check the following things:
We would always recommend test driving a used electric car, especially if you’ve never driven an EV before to get a feel for how it drives.
The cost of a second-hand electric year varies based on manufacturer, the model year, and the trim level of the car. At Bristol Street Motors, we stock a wide range of used electric cars to suit all budgets.
There are currently no government grants available to help with the cost of buying a second-hand electric car in England. However, you could be eligible for the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant. This provides up to £350 towards the cost of installing a home charging point.
The grant is available for rented or owned properties with on-street parking. You can find out more and see if you’re eligible by visiting the government website.
Just like buying a new car, there are pros and cons of buying a used EV, and it’s important to weigh these up before deciding.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More affordable | Limited warranty |
| No wait time | Battery's health may already be declining |
| Cheap to run | Older technology |
Learn more about electric vehicles
Yes! Electric vehicles have many personal benefits, not to mention being better for the environment. You will end up saving money in the long term, without compromising on safety or performance.
With more models on offer, the price of new electric vehicles is expected to reduce. The UK Government is also helping people buy EVs with their grant schemes.
Electric vehicles have lower running costs compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. The UK Government is banning all new ICE vehicles from 2035 onwards, enforcing the transition to electric vehicles.
Yes, they are! When comparing to traditional ICE vehicles, you end up spending less on fuel, servicing as well as taxes and charges. Even though the initial price of an EV might feel high, you will end up saving money in the long term.
The Ultimate Guide to Charging an Electric Car
The Best Used Electric Cars Under £12,000
Electric Cars vs Petrol and Diesel: What are The Benefits of Switching