Is It Still Worth Buying an Electric Car in the UK?

 


Is It Still Worth Buying an Electric Car in the UK?

There’s no doubt that electric cars (EVs) make sense for many people, but recent changes in policy mean the headline savings that once came with EV ownership are evolving. Here’s a clear look at the current situation.

✅ Running Costs Still Generally Lower Than Petrol/Diesel

Even though upfront prices for EVs are usually higher than equivalent petrol or diesel cars, EVs typically cost less to run because:

  • Electricity (especially home charging) is cheaper per mile than petrol or diesel. MoneySavingExpert.com

  • EVs have fewer moving parts, which can mean lower servicing and maintenance costs over time.

Analyses suggest that, with home charging and careful tariff choice, EV running costs still tend to come out lower than for fossil fuel cars for many drivers — even after new taxes are factored in. honda-eprogress.co.uk

💸 Tax Changes: What’s New (and Coming)

🪪 Road Tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)

  • From April 2025/2026, EVs are no longer fully exempt from annual road tax (VED). RAC+1

  • Most new EVs pay around £195/year, and more expensive ones may incur an Expensive Car Supplement — though the threshold for that tax has been raised to £50,000 from April 2026, helping mid-range EVs avoid it. GOV.UK

🚦 London Congestion Charge

  • From January 2026, electric cars no longer have full exemption from the London Congestion Charge. The Independent

  • EVs now pay £18/day with a 25% discount if registered on AutoPay (about £13.50), though discounts are scheduled to shrink further by 2030. Transport for London
    (If you’re based outside London, this affects you only if you drive into the zone.)

📍 Future Mileage-Based Tax

The government plans to introduce a ‘pay-per-mile’ road tax for EVs from 2028, roughly 3p per mile for battery electrics. DriveElectric
For an average driver, this could add around £250–£300 per year — still lower than equivalent petrol fuel duty in many cases.

📉 Infrastructure & Practical Considerations

🚗 Charging infrastructure growth has slowed, with the number of new public chargers falling recently — meaning more planning and patience may be needed for round-the-clock charging. The Times

Home charging remains the biggest cost saver, so having off-street parking or a driveway is a huge advantage.

🧠 So What’s the Bottom Line?

✅ Good reasons to buy now:

  • Lower running costs than petrol/diesel for many drivers.

  • Still future-proofing against rising fossil fuel prices and stricter clean air zones.

  • Purchase incentives and grants on some models still in place. MoneySavingExpert.com

  • EV sales and infrastructure are moving steadily towards mainstream.

⚠️ Important caveats:

  • EVs face new taxes and charges that shrink some traditional perks (road tax, congestion discount). The Independent

  • Policies continue to shift — waiting for yet-to-be-announced changes might marginally improve costs (e.g., luxury tax thresholds), but this uncertainty can also delay decisions. carwow.co.uk

  • Charging network expansion needs to pick back up to support everyone.

The Verdict

🤔 If you drive mostly locally, can charge at home, and don’t rely on London city centre driving — now is still a sensible time to buy an EV.
You’ll benefit from lower energy costs and future-proof your motoring as the UK moves towards zero-emission transport.

🚙 If your daily life depends on regular central London access or you’re trying to time policy changes, be aware that some cost advantages are diminishing and tax changes are on the horizon.

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