Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with more drivers choosing electric cars for their lower running costs, environmental benefits and convenient charging options. EVs have also become increasingly popular with company car drivers, while more private buyers are now considering making the switch.
The UK government plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, with hybrid vehicles remaining available until 2035. This means more drivers are considering whether an electric car could be the right choice for their next vehicle.
In this guide, we’ll explain the main benefits of electric cars, including EV running costs, government incentives, charging and environmental benefits. We’ll also look at some of the key things to consider before making the switch.
1. Reduced running costs
While the initial cost of an electric car can be higher than that of a traditional fuel-powered car, the long-term savings are significant. EV home charging is significantly cheaper than fuel. In fact, switching to an EV can save on vehicle running costs up to £700[i] based on an average mileage per year compared to traditional cars. EVs can also be cheaper to maintain because they have fewer moving parts, meaning fewer repairs and replacements.
What’s more, the price gap between EVs and ICE vehicles is slowly shrinking, especially with second-hand EVs, so buying an electric vehicle may be more affordable than you think.
2. Less CO2 produced
More drivers are turning to electric vehicles in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint. And it’s easy to see why, with research indicating that EVs produce around two-thirds less greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime [ii] compared to petrol cars in their lifetime. That being said, the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate states that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain will now be zero-emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035.
3. Reduced noise pollution
Electric vehicles contribute to reducing noise pollution, especially in urban areas, as they’re powered by an electric motor rather than an engine. This makes for a more pleasant driving experience.
4. Improving range
The latest electric cars on the market now provide a significant range-boost compared to early models, with the average range of cars today between 300 miles[iii] which is more than London to Newcastle, or more than the average weekly commute[iv].
5. Government funding
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) currently offers several grants to help with the cost of buying an electric car or installing an EV chargepoint, including:
- Electric Car Grant (ECG) – provides a discount on eligible new electric cars, which is applied by participating manufacturers and dealerships. You don’t need to apply for the grant yourself.
- Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) – provides eligible businesses, charities and public sector organisations with up to £500 per chargepoint socket towards the cost of installing EV chargepoints.
- EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners – helps eligible EV drivers who rent their home or own a flat towards the cost of buying and installing a chargepoint.
- EV Chargepoint Grant for households with on-street parking – helps eligible households without access to off-street parking with the cost of installing a home chargepoint, with grants of up to £500 available.
- EV Chargepoint Grant for residential landlords – eligible landlords can apply for up to £500 per chargepoint socket towards installation costs.
Grant eligibility and funding can vary, so check the latest government guidance before applying.
For more information on government grants, please visit the government website.
6. Renewable energy charging
Most electric vehicle (EV) chargers use electricity from the National Grid. The UK’s electricity comes from a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources, including wind, solar and natural gas. As more renewable energy is added to the grid, the carbon intensity of electricity generation can decrease.
7. Increased charging points
If you’re out and need to charge your EV, the UK’s charging network is scaling up fast. From July 2024 to July 2025, the public charging network grew by over 17,000 new devices – bringing the total to more than 82,000, a 27% increase in just one year. With this pace of expansion, charging anxiety is steadily becoming a thing of the past. [vi]
8. EV maintenance at Halfords
The UK currently faces a critical shortage of EV technicians, with 113,000 needed by 2030. Projections indicate a potential shortfall of 3,000 EV engineers by 2031, increasing to 16,000 by 2035 [V]. That’s why, at Halfords, we’re committed to continually training our colleagues and enhancing their skills in electric vehicle maintenance.
We have 356 garages across the Halfords network that provide EV support including electric vehicle servicing and MOTs. So, if you do make the switch to EV, you know you’ll be in good hands with Halfords.
In conclusion, there are undoubtedly a wide variety of benefits to driving an electric car from environmental advantages to significant cost savings. As the UK heads towards a greener future, electric cars represent a smart, sustainable option for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
