Benefits for car users

An electric car offers benefits for car users. Some of these are detailed below.

Reduced running costs

Although electric vehicles are more expensive to buy, they have significantly lower running costs when compared to petrol or diesel equivalents.

How much do electric vehicles cost to run?

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has calculated that depending on when and how an electric vehicle is charged it will cost 2-4p per mile. This compares to 10-14p per mile for an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. Therefore on average the fuel costs based on an annual mileage of 10,000 would be:

• petrol/diesel - £1,200 (based on 12p per mile)
• electric vehicle - £300 (based on 3p per mile)

Do I pay car tax on an electric car?

Electric vehicles have no tail pipe carbon emissions therefore they are exempt from car tax (also known as vehicle excise duty).

• Exemptions from paying vehicle tax

Sales and after care

Electric vehicles have very few moving parts therefore they require very little maintenance. This is a considerable cost saving, especially as cars get older.  

Plug-in car grant

Please see the section plug-in car and van grants for further information.

• Plug-in car and van grants

Convenient charging

The most convenient way to charge your electric vehicle is at home. The first 150 domestic electric vehicles to register with ecar can apply for a grant for a smart home or workplace charging point.

By charging overnight electric vehicle owners do not have to go anywhere to charge and can benefit from lower night time tariffs.

Also by signing up to use the ecar charging points you will be able to access a region wide network of charging points that you can top up at when you are out and about.