The transition to electric cars (EVs) is gaining momentum with the UK government aiming to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. However, moving to an electric car means adapting to key differences. We’ll walk you through what to expect when switching to an electric car, focusing on charging habits, maintenance and the driving experience.
The transition to electric cars (EVs) is gaining momentum in London, with the UK government aiming to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. This marks a major shift in the automotive landscape, as more consumers make the move toward greener, more efficient vehicles.
However, switching to an EV comes with its own set of unique changes and challenges. This guide will walk you through what to expect when switching to an electric car, covering everything from charging habits and maintenance to the driving experience.
Reasons to switch
Electric vehicle (EV) ownership in London offers numerous advantages, including financial incentives along with the environmental benefits. And the infrastructure is growing too, with an expanding EV charging network of public charging stations.
Zero-emission vehicles are eligible for a 100% discount on the Congestion Charge until 24 December 2025, reducing daily commuting costs. Fully electric vehicles are exempt from VED, leading to savings of up to £500 annually compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. And EVs are more energy-efficient, converting approximately 85-90% of battery energy into movement, compared to 20-30% for petrol engines. This efficiency translates to lower fuel costs and reduced emissions.
Charging habits: preparing for a new routine
Rather than visiting a petrol station, you’ll charge your EV, either at home or at public charging points. A 7kW home charger typically takes 6-8 hours for a full charge, making it convenient to top up while you sleep. Installing a home charger costs around £800-£1,200, although you may be eligible for an electric vehicle chargepoint grant from the government of up to £350.
Public charging stations are growing in number and variety. Rapid chargers (50kW and above) top up your car to 80% in about 45 minutes, while slower chargers (7-22kW) take longer, typically 1-4 hours. Ultra-rapid chargers, typically 100kW and above, are becoming more widespread at motorway service stations. Apps like Zapmap or PlugShare can help you locate charging points and check availability.
Understanding maintenance: fewer parts, lower costs
Electric cars have no internal combustion engine, no exhaust system and no need for regular oil changes. As a result, EVs require much less maintenance than petrol or diesel.
While you’ll still need to replace components like tyres and brake pads, the brake pads on EVs tend to last longer because of regenerative braking. This system uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle when the brakes are applied, meaning less wear and tear on brakes.
Most EV batteries are covered by warranties of up to 8 years or the first 100,000 miles, with many manufacturers offering free software updates to keep your car’s system running smoothly.
With fewer moving parts to service, EV owners spend less time in the garage, and this can translate into considerable savings. A study estimated that the average cost of service and maintenance of an EV is about 23% cheaper over three-years than that of a petrol or diesel car.
The driving experience: smooth, silent, and efficient
Unlike petrol cars, EVs are powered by electric motors that provide smooth, instant torque. This means that acceleration is nearly immediate, meaning EV models such as the new Astra give you a responsive and smooth drive with no engine noise to distract you. Indeed, one of the big differences is how quiet EVs are. The absence of an internal combustion engine makes for a much quieter, more peaceful cabin.
Petrol cars have to burn fuel to create heat and convert that heat into motion. However, EVs convert around 85-90% of the energy from the battery into movement, compared to 20-30% for a traditional petrol engine. As a result, EVs offer lower running costs and fewer emissions.
Overcoming Range Anxiety and Charging Point Availability
Despite the growing popularity of electric vehicles, some challenges remain for potential EV buyers, particularly in the areas of range and charging infrastructure.
Range Anxiety refers to the fear that an EV will run out of charge before reaching a charging point. Many modern EVs now offer ranges of over 200 miles per charge, but factors such as driving habits, weather conditions, and air conditioning usage can all affect the range.
Although the number of charging stations is steadily increasing, the availability and accessibility of charging points can still be an issue, particularly in rural areas or during peak times. Some stations may be out of service, or unavailable due to high demand. But this shouldn’t really concern most Londoners.
Government Incentives and Financial Benefits for EVs (2024-2025)
To encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and help consumers manage the transition, the UK government has introduced various incentives, grants, and financial benefits. These can significantly reduce the upfront cost of purchasing an EV and lower the long-term running costs.
Please note, you should check the UK Government websites for eligiblity and criteria.
Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG)
The PiCG offers up to £1,500 towards eligible purchases of a new electric vehicle, provided it meets certain criteria, such as a price cap of £32,000 (excluding VAT and delivery). This grant makes EVs more affordable, particularly for first-time buyers. You do not apply for this grant, it is applied at purchase, and it’s more for vans, trucks and taxi’s.
Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS)
This scheme offers up to £350 off the cost of installing a home charging point, making home charging more affordable for EV owners who have off-street parking.
Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)
This scheme offers financial support for businesses to install charging points for company cars or for employee use. Eligible applicants can claim up to £350 per socket, with a maximum of 40 sockets per company.
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Exemption
All fully electric vehicles are exempt from VED (road tax) until April 2025, which can result in significant savings, as petrol and diesel cars are subject to road tax fees ranging from £160 to £500 annually.
Lower Running Costs and Fuel Savings
Charging an EV is much cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car. The cost of electricity to fully charge an EV is generally around £5-£10, compared to upwards of £50 to fill a petrol tank.
Free or Reduced Parking
Many local councils offer free or reduced parking for EV owners. This can be especially valuable in cities where parking fees are high, further reducing the overall cost of EV ownership.
Tax Benefits for Businesses and Company Car Drivers
Company car drivers can benefit from a much lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate for EVs, which is only 2% compared to up to 37% for traditional petrol and diesel cars. Additionally, businesses that buy electric cars can take advantage of the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), allowing them to claim 100% of the vehicle’s cost against taxable profits in the year of purchase.
Green Finance Options and Low-Interest Loans
Some financial institutions offer green loans and low-interest finance options for purchasing electric vehicles, which make the upfront cost more manageable.
