Thinking about switching to an electric vehicle? You're not alone. Sales of new electric cars are rising year on year, and with the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars fast approaching, there's never been a better time to get to grips with what EVs offer. This guide covers everything from how they work to how much they cost to run.
What is an electric vehicle?
An electric vehicle (EV) is any car that uses an electric motor as its primary power source.
The term covers several different technologies, and the differences between them matter when you're choosing your next car.
The three main types are:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) run entirely on electricity stored in an onboard battery. There's no petrol or diesel engine. To recharge, you plug into an external power source - at home, at work, or at a public charge point. BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions whilst driving.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) pair an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. Like a BEV, you charge them by plugging in. The engine takes over once the battery runs low, giving you greater flexibility on longer journeys. PHEVs can cover short distances on electric power alone.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) - also called self-charging hybrids - combine an electric motor with a combustion engine, but you never plug them in. The battery charges itself through regenerative braking and the engine. They can't match the electric range of a BEV or PHEV, but they're a good step up from a conventional petrol or diesel car.
For a deeper look at the different hybrid types, read our guide to hybrid cars.
The benefits of owning an electric car
Lower running costs
Charging at home costs considerably less per mile than filling up with petrol or diesel. Many energy suppliers offer overnight tariffs that bring the cost down further. On top of that, EVs are exempt from the London Congestion Charge and pay reduced rates in other Clean Air Zones.
Fewer servicing costs
Electric motors have far fewer moving parts than combustion engines. No oil changes, no timing belts, fewer brake replacements thanks to regenerative braking. Your annual servicing bills are likely to be lower as a result.
Zero tailpipe emissions whilst driving
BEVs produce zero tailpipe emissions whilst driving. That's better for air quality, especially in towns and cities, and it's one reason why local authorities are expanding clean air zones across the UK.
A different kind of driving experience
Electric motors deliver torque instantly. Pull away from a junction and the response is immediate. There are no gear changes, no engine noise, and no vibration through the steering wheel. Many drivers find it genuinely hard to go back once they've experienced it.
How much do electric cars cost?
The upfront cost of a new EV is typically higher than a comparable petrol or diesel car, largely because of the cost of the battery. That said, prices have fallen considerably over the past few years and continue to do so.
Entry-level electric cars - models like the Dacia Spring, Citroën ë-C3, and BYD Dolphin Surf - bring electric motoring into a much more accessible price bracket.
Mid-range electric cars - including the Renault 5 E-Tech, Volvo EX30, and Ford Explorer - offer a strong balance of range, technology, and value.
Premium electric cars - such as the BMW i4, Audi Q4 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQS - bring long range and cutting-edge technology.
Used electric cars are also worth considering. Prices have softened in the used market, and a good used EV can offer strong value alongside low running costs. Browse our used electric cars to see what's available.
What range can you expect?
Range anxiety - the fear of running out of charge before reaching your destination - was a genuine concern in the early days of EVs. Modern battery technology has moved the goalposts significantly.
Most mainstream BEVs now offer between 150 and 300 miles on a full charge (WLTP). To put that in context, the average car journey in the UK is around eight miles. Even a modest-range EV handles that comfortably.
For drivers who regularly cover longer distances, there are plenty of options. The Mercedes-Benz EQS offers up to 453 miles (WLTP). The BMW iX reaches up to 380 miles (WLTP). The Volkswagen ID.7 can cover up to 382 miles (WLTP).
Range varies depending on factors including battery size, speed, weather, and how you drive. Manufacturer WLTP figures give you a useful benchmark, but real-world range will differ.
How do you charge an electric car?
At home
Home charging is the most convenient option for most EV owners. A dedicated wallbox charger - fitted to your driveway or garage - delivers a much faster charge than a standard three-pin socket. Most people charge overnight and wake up to a full battery. If you're on a time-of-use tariff, overnight charging can also be the cheapest.
A standard three-pin socket works as a backup, but it's slow and not recommended for daily use.
At work
Many employers now offer workplace charging. For regular commuters, this can effectively double your charging opportunities without any extra effort.
At public charge points
The UK's public charging network has grown substantially. You'll find charge points at motorway service stations, supermarkets, car parks, and retail parks. Most accept contactless payment, and rapid chargers - capable of adding significant range in 20-30 minutes - are increasingly common on major routes.
Different networks operate across the country. Most work on a pay-as-you-go basis. Some require a smartphone app for access, so it's worth checking before you travel.
What is it like to drive an electric car?
Smooth, quiet, and immediate. These are the words most drivers reach for.
There are no gears to manage. Acceleration is instant, with the full torque of the motor available the moment you press the pedal. At motorway speeds, EVs are notably quiet, with wind noise replacing the usual engine sound.
Many electric cars use regenerative braking, where lifting your foot off the accelerator slows the car and recovers energy back into the battery. In stop-start traffic, this can be a real advantage. Some drivers adapt quickly and barely use the brake pedal at all.
Pedestrian Safety Systems are fitted to new EVs by law. At low speeds, the car generates an artificial sound to make it audible to people nearby.
Is an electric car right for you?
The honest answer is it depends on how you drive.
If your daily mileage is modest, you have somewhere to charge at home or at work, and your journeys are mostly local, an EV is likely to suit you well. Running costs will be lower, and the driving experience tends to win people over quickly.
If you regularly drive long distances without access to a regular charging point, a PHEV may be a better fit for now - giving you the benefits of electric driving on shorter trips, with a petrol engine for when you need it.
The public charging network continues to expand, with government investment driving growth in rapid charging locations across the UK. The practical case for going fully electric gets stronger every year.
Our colleagues across Vertu's dealership network are well placed to help you work out which option suits your situation. Get in touch or book an appointment at your nearest dealership.
Electric cars at Vertu
We offer a broad range of new and used electric cars across our dealerships, from compact city cars to large family SUVs. Our colleagues can talk you through the options, arrange a test drive, and help you find the right deal.
For more on specific models and brands, explore our related guides:
- Electric