Thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle? Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they can also lead to significant cost savings in the long term. According to electric vehicle specialist Alex Thwaites, EVs are more cost-effective to operate than traditional petrol and diesel cars. In fact, drivers of electric vehicles can save up to 89% on fuel costs compared to petrol car owners. By utilizing home charging with a lower EV rate, such as OVO’s Charge Anytime (priced at just 7p per kWh), you could travel 200 miles for only £3.50, a substantial reduction from the £34.40 cost in a petrol car, resulting in savings exceeding £30.
Considering the shift to an EV? You’re not alone in this decision. Alex provides insights into the additional advantages of owning a family EV and essential factors to weigh before making a purchase.
“Operating an EV results in zero exhaust emissions, contributing to improved local air quality,” states Alex. “The environmental impact depends on the source of electricity generation, with EVs becoming more environmentally friendly as the grid transitions to cleaner energy sources. Owning an EV can prevent 1590kg of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to the greenhouse gases emitted by a diesel car traveling 5,780 miles.”
Alex highlights the streamlined design of EVs, which reduces the chances of mechanical issues compared to traditional vehicles, translating to less time and money spent on maintenance. Additionally, the immediate torque delivery in electric vehicles provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, enhancing acceleration for overtaking and merging onto highways.
For efficient charging, Alex recommends charging your EV overnight to wake up to a fully charged vehicle. With modern EVs offering ranges exceeding 250 miles, a single home charge can cover substantial distances.
EV drivers often benefit from incentives in urban areas like London, such as free or discounted parking and exemptions from congestion charges and ULEZ fees, providing potential monthly savings of around £330 or over £3,900 annually for those regularly commuting into central London.
Despite electric and low-emission vehicles being subject to vehicle tax, EVs typically incur lower tax costs compared to petrol or diesel cars, especially for vehicles priced under £40,000.
The resale market for used EVs in the UK has witnessed significant growth, with nearly 22,000 used EVs sold in July 2025 alone. The increasing demand and availability have made second-hand EVs more appealing and accessible to buyers seeking premium models at competitive prices.
EVs excel in energy efficiency, converting approximately 85-90% of battery energy into motion, far surpassing the energy conversion efficiency of petrol and diesel engines, which typically waste energy as heat and friction.
Owning an EV offers the convenience of automatic software updates, akin to a smartphone, ensuring continuous improvements in features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements without requiring dealership visits.
EVs often incorporate advanced technology surpassing that of combustion vehicles, from sophisticated software to futuristic interiors and larger, high-resolution displays.
To make an informed decision, Alex advises researching the financial aspects, including potential savings from government grants, local council schemes for home charger installations, and leasing and salary sacrifice programs. Partnering with Love Electric, OVO offers customers leasing a compatible EV 5,000 miles of complimentary charging.
Consider your typical driving distances when selecting an EV to ensure the range meets your requirements. Most UK journeys fall below 100 miles, and EVs typically provide ranges between 150 and 400 miles per charge. Models like Volkswagen’s ID.7 Tourer GTX, capable of covering up to 358 miles on a single charge, are ideal for family trips.
For hassle-free public charging, Alex suggests using the OVO Charge app, simplifying smart charging, route planning, and payment handling for both home and public charging. Subscribing to the OVO Charge Anywhere Turbo Boost Package could save up to 15% on each public charging session.
Before committing to a purchase, test driving various EV brands is essential to identify preferences, especially with the introduction of innovative newcomers and EV-exclusive brands offering competitive prices and driving experiences.
By exploring the numerous benefits and considerations outlined by Alex, potential EV owners can make informed decisions regarding transitioning to electric vehicles for a sustainable and cost-effective driving experience.
