What are the benefits of an electric car?

Key takeaways

• Electric cars offer a myriad of environmental benefits, from improving local air quality and reducing noise pollution to reducing your long-term carbon footprint

• You might also face lower running and maintenance costs

• Flat owners, renters and landlords can get government grants that reduce the cost of installing a home charger by up to 75%

What are the main benefits of owning an electric car?

In recent years, the automotive industry has seen a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), and it's not hard to see why. With a myriad of benefits ranging from environmental friendliness to economic savings, electric cars are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for conscious consumers.

Let's plug into the world of EVs and explore the top benefits that might just spark your interest in making the switch.

Savings for your wallet

Electric cars are generally cheaper to run. With fewer moving parts, they require less maintenance, which can lead to significant savings over time.

In 2025 the UK government pulled the plug on EV exemptions from road tax (owners pay standard rates from 1st April 2025) and congestion charges (the 100% discount ends December 2025). However, some perks like free or dedicated parking spaces remain, and some energy tariffs offer reduced rates for EV charging.

Government grants and incentives

While some of the biggest government schemes that were available for electric vehicles have been rolled back in recent years, there are still grants available. For example, renters, flat owners and landlords can get either £350 or 75% off the cost of buying of installing government-approved home chargers (whichever amount is lower).

Petrol and diesel cars are being phased out

The UK government is currently committed to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars after 2030, and all new cars and vans will need to be 100% zero emission by 2035.

Future government policies are hard to predict, but as the negative impacts of climate change and air pollution become increasingly apparent it would be reasonable to assume that this state-level push towards electric vehicles and away from petrol and diesel ones will continue. That would likely mean decisions around tax, infrastructure and other car costs would be geared towards benefiting electric vehicle users over petrol and diesel ones, and charging at home, work, or public stations would become increasingly convenient.

Good for the environment

Here are some of the environmental perks of driving an EV:

• Reducing your carbon footprint: With no exhaust fumes, you're contributing to a significant reduction in greenhouse gases

• Improved air quality: The absence of CO2 emissions means that electric cars help combat air pollution, leading to clearer skies and healthier communities

• Less noise pollution: The quiet hum of an electric motor is a stark contrast to the roar of a combustion engine, contributing to a more serene urban soundscape

Smooth driving

Electric car motors don’t rumble like a traditional petrol-powered car - instead they hum gently, giving you a smoother and quieter drive, which can be ideal for city driving in particular.

Reducing insurance costs

As electric cars become more widespread and common, with technology becoming even more efficient and reliable, electric car insurance costs will fall even faster than they are currently. These vehicles are the future of transport, so they’ll make a wise investment.

Are there any drawbacks to owning an electric car?

If you’re considering an electric car, it’s worth thinking about the following points before you make your decision:

Higher upfront costs

Electric cars, depending on the model you choose, can be a little pricier to buy compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts, even after factoring in government grants.

Charging infrastructure and times

The UK’s charging infrastructure is growing rapidly but there is still room for improvement, and rural areas in particular can feel a little left behind.

Long-distance range

While modern electric cars do have an improved range, long-distance travellers are still likely to have to plan pit stops along the way.

Choosing the right electric car

The electric vehicle market is burgeoning with options, from compact city cars to spacious SUVs. But with so many choices, how do you find the one that's right for you?

To help you find your perfect EV, we have a handy Electric Vehicle Tool where you can compare electric vehicles based on features like efficiency and charging speed, price, and car insurance quotes.