Is it Worth Buying an Electric Car? The Expert Guide
If you’ve always driven a petrol or diesel and now you’re thinking about making the switch to electric, you’re probably wondering, is it worth buying an electric car?
With lower running costs, far more convenient charging, and leaps in battery tech, we absolutely think buying electric is worth it. But not for everyone in the UK.
Where you live and whether you can charge at home have a huge impact on how much you’ll save and how convenient EV ownership will be. For some drivers, switching to an EV cuts fuel costs dramatically. For others, sticking with a petrol or diesel car for a little longer may make more sense.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether an electric car is worth it for you and how to get the most from it if it is.
Is Buying an Electric Car Worth It?
If you have off-road parking and can install a home EV charger, we firmly believe buying an electric car is worth the investment. You’ll spend far less on “fuel” than you would filling up with petrol or diesel. Add in lower servicing costs and a quieter, more enjoyable driving experience, and it’s easy to see why more and more drivers are making the switch each year.
Buying an Electric Car Is Worth It If You…
- You have a driveway or dedicated parking where you can install a home EV charger.
- Most of your journeys are well within your car’s range, such as commuting or weekly food shops.
- You drive enough each year to benefit from lower running costs.
- You plan to keep your car for several years.
- You want to reduce your environmental impact.
An Electric Car May Not Be Worth It If…
- You can’t charge at home and would rely almost entirely on public charging.
- You regularly travel very long distances with little opportunity to stop and recharge.
- You frequently tow heavy trailers or caravans over long journeys.
- Your local charging infrastructure is limited or unreliable.
Our clients who can charge overnight at home see the biggest savings, especially when they pair one of our smart chargers with an off-peak electricity tariff.
The Biggest Factors That Decide Whether an EV Is Worth It
Not every driver will get the same value from owning an electric car. Two people could buy the exact same EV, yet have completely different experiences.
Before deciding whether an electric car is worth it, here’s what to weigh up.
Can You Charge at Home?
If there’s one thing that makes the biggest difference to EV ownership, it’s having a home EV charger.
Charging at home is much cheaper than using public rapid chargers. Instead of the constant trips to a petrol station, you can plug your car in overnight and be ready to go each morning.
If you don’t have off-road parking or the ability to install a home charger, you’ll need to research the public charging options in your area to find out how easy it is to get to stations and what you’ll pay.
If you’re unsure whether you can install an EV home charger on your property, we can help. Get in touch with our team and we’ll arrange a home assessment to show you your options.
How Many Miles Do You Drive?
Your annual mileage plays a big role in how much money you could save.
If you regularly commute or cover thousands of miles each year, the lower cost of electricity compared to petrol or diesel can quickly add up. We have many clients with higher annual mileage, and they see the greatest financial benefit from switching to an EV.
On the other hand, if you only drive occasionally, the savings may take longer to offset the higher purchase price of some electric vehicles. Even so, you’ll still save money on maintenance costs and the sheer convenience of home charging.
What’s Your Budget?
EVs are a big investment, and that initial purchase price is offputting for a lot of drivers. But the price of electric cars has come down dramatically in the past few years, and many new affordable models are on the market.
A 2026 Dacia Spring is on the more affordable end, starting at around £15K. Right on the other end of the spectrum is a Tesla Model Y that can cost £60K or more.
You’ve also got to look past the purchase price to the total cost of ownership. Some of our clients save thousands every year on fuel costs alone, which is what makes EV a more affordable option when you look at the bigger picture.
Electric Car vs Petrol Car Costs
So, how much could you potentially save when you switch to an EV? Let’s look at the difference in the usual running costs to see if it is worth buying an electric car compared to a petrol.
|
Cost |
Electric Car |
Petrol Car |
|
Fuel |
The average cost of EV charging per mile in the UK ranges from 2p to 27p, depending on whether you’re home charging your using public stations. |
The average petrol cost per mile in the UK ranges from 16p to 20p, depending on the car’s fuel efficiency. |
|
Servicing |
The average cost ranges from £90 to £150, since there are less moving parts and no oil changes. |
The average cost for a petrol car service in the UK ranges from £90 to £400+, depending on the service level. |
|
Maintenance |
No clutch, exhaust, timing belt or oil changes. Brake wear is also reduced thanks to regenerative braking. |
More mechanical components increase the likelihood of repairs as the vehicle ages. |
|
Vehicle Tax |
EVs under £50K registered on or after 1 April 2025 pay £10 for the first year, then the standard rate of £195 per year. |
For standard petrol cars registered after 1 April 2017, the flat annual tax rate is £200. |
|
Insurance |
EV insurance tends to be higher due to higher purchase costs and expensive battery packs. |
Often slightly cheaper, but costs vary widely. |
When you’re deciding whether it’s worth buying an electric car, you’ve got to consider the total cost of ownership. The fuel savings alone is what makes many of our clients take the leap and switch to electric.
The exact costs will depend on where you charge, how much you drive, and many other personal factors. So take the time to run the numbers on the car you plan on buying to get a full picture of the costs.
The Real Benefits of Buying an Electric Car
If you’re still asking yourself, “Is an electric car worth it?”, let’s look beyond the numbers. While lower running costs are often the biggest selling point, they’re far from the only reason drivers choose to switch.
A More Relaxed Driving Experience
The difference between driving a petrol or diesel and an electric car is night and day. Without the noise and vibration of a combustion engine, driving is noticeably calmer navigating city traffic or cruising on the motorway.
The instant torque of EVs also makes driving much smoother. And the regenerative braking means you barely have to use the brake in traffic, giving you a simpler one-pedal driving experience.
The Convenience of Charging at Home
Petrol stations are busy and a frustrating chore when you don’t notice your fuel got lower than you thought it was.
Home charging means your car is ‘refueled’ while it sits on your drive. Plug it in when you get home from work, and our smart EV chargers will automatically calculate the best time to start charging to get you the cheapest tariff.
No more petrol station trips, just a fully charged car ready for your commute every morning. That convenience is something you can’t get with a petrol or diesel car.
Lower Environmental Impact
If your carbon footprint is important to you, then it’s definitely worth buying an electric car. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions which means far less greenhouse gas emissions.
And as the UK’s electricity grid continues to use more renewable energy, the environmental benefits of driving an EV are expected to increase even more.
Is Buying a Used Electric Car Worth It?
If a brand-new EV is out of your budget, a used electric car is a better value way to make the switch. The second-hand EV market is growing rapidly, giving first-time buyers a much wider choice of affordable vehicles than ever before.
Why Used EVs Offer Great Value
Like all cars, electric vehicles depreciate over time. While depreciation isn’t ideal for the first owner, it can work in your favour if you’re buying used.
Most second-hand EVs are only a few years old, so they have relatively low mileage and still benefit from the manufacturer’s battery warranty. That means you can often purchase a well-equipped electric car for significantly less than its original list price.
What About the Battery?
Battery health is understandably one of the biggest concerns when buying a used EV, but it’s rarely the problem you expect.
Modern EV batteries are designed to last for years and gradually lose capacity rather than suddenly fail. Even an older electric car retains well over 85–90% of its original battery capacity,which is more than enough range for everyday driving.
If you do decide to buy a used EV, make sure to check:
- Whether the battery is still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The vehicle’s service history.
- A battery health report, if available.
- The car’s current real-world driving range.
- The condition of the charging cable and charging port.
Who Should Buy an Electric Car?
Electric cars aren’t just for early adopters anymore. With longer ranges and lower running costs, they’re now a practical option for many UK households. If any of the following sound familiar, there’s a good chance an EV could be a worthwhile investment.
Homeowners with Off-Road Parking
The single biggest factor when buying an electric car is your ability to charge it at home. If you have off-road parking or a dedicated parking space, you’re in the best possible position to benefit from owning an electric car.
Installing a smart home charger means you can charge overnight and take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity tariffs. This is where the biggest long-term savings come from.
Daily Commuters
If your daily routine involves driving to work or dropping the children off at school, an electric car should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Modern EVs have more than enough range for several days of average UK driving, meaning you may only need to charge once or twice a week depending on your mileage.
Families
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular with families thanks to their spacious interiors and more comfortable driving experience.
Charging at home also means one less errand to think about during a busy week, while the money saved on fuel can help offset other household expenses.
Drivers Planning to Keep Their Car Long Term
The longer you own an electric car, the more opportunity you have to benefit from its lower running costs.
While the purchase price might be higher than an equivalent petrol model, drivers who keep their vehicles for several years are more likely to see those savings outweigh the initial investment.
Who Might Want to Wait Before Buying an Electric Car?
An electric car is a great choice for many drivers, but it’s not the perfect fit for every lifestyle. You may want to think twice before making the switch if:
- You can’t charge at home. Relying entirely on public chargers is usually more expensive and less convenient than overnight home charging.
- You regularly drive very long distances. Modern EVs offer excellent range, but frequent long journeys still require some planning around charging stops.
- You often tow heavy loads. Towing a caravan can significantly reduce an EV’s range, making long trips less practical.
- You’re not ready to change your routine. EV ownership works best when you can charge little and often, rather than waiting until the battery is nearly empty.
These situations don’t rule out owning an electric car, but they are worth considering before you buy.
Why Home Charging Makes the Biggest Difference
If there’s one factor that has the biggest impact on whether an electric car is worth buying, it’s having the ability to charge at home.
Charging at home during the lowest possible tariffs is the cheapest way to run an EV, and the convenience of being able to charge up while you sleep is hard to beat.
At Pro EV, we install a range of smart home EV chargers designed to make electric car ownership as simple and affordable as possible. If you’re trying to decide if it’s worth buying an electric car, we can guarantee a sleek home charger will make the decision effortless.
Get in touch with our team for expert advice on the best charging solution for your home and vehicle.
Get in touch for a free consultation today
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth buying an electric car in the UK?
If you can charge at home and drive regularly, an electric car offers lower running costs, reduced maintenance and a more convenient driving experience than a petrol or diesel vehicle. Whether it’s worth it for you ultimately depends on your budget, driving habits and access to charging.
Are electric cars actually cheaper to run?
In most cases, yes. Charging an EV at home is usually much cheaper than buying petrol or diesel, and electric cars generally have lower servicing and maintenance costs because they have fewer moving parts.
Is an electric car worth it if I can’t charge at home?
It can be, but you’ll likely spend more on public charging and may need to plan charging sessions more carefully. Home charging offers the greatest convenience and the biggest long-term savings, so it’s worth exploring whether you have access to off-road charging by talking to the team at ProEV today.
Are used electric cars worth buying?
Used EVs can offer excellent value, especially if they’re still covered by the manufacturer’s battery warranty. With lower purchase prices and the same low running costs as newer models, they’re an attractive option for many first-time EV buyers who can’t afford a new EV outright.
Should I buy an electric car now or wait?
If you have somewhere to charge at home and your driving habits suit an EV, there’s really no reason to wait. Modern electric cars offer excellent range and lower running costs than ever before. If you want a new car that’s future-proof, EVs are a great way to go.
Is installing a home EV charger worth it?
A dedicated home charger is faster, safer and more convenient than using a three-pin plug. Smart chargers can also schedule charging during cheaper off-peak electricity periods to reduce running costs and make electric car ownership even more affordable.
View our guides
EV Charging Costs Explained: How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
