Should You Buy an Electric Car in the UK in 2025?

It is the biggest question in the modern motoring world, where EVs are now everywhere on UK roads. You may be wondering whether should you buy an electric car in 2025. One minute, you hear they’re a “game-changer” for saving money and the planet. Next, you hear about high prices, “range anxiety”, and the confusing charging network.

This guide will find you all your answers and will walk you through the real-world pros and cons of an EV for drivers in the UK.

Key Takeaways: Should You Buy an EV in 2025

• Electric cars can save you money long term, especially if you can charge at home on an off-peak tariff.
• Upfront prices are still higher than petrol or diesel cars, but used EVs are becoming much more affordable.
• Running costs are far lower, with electricity costing less per mile and fewer parts to service.
• From April 2025, EVs will pay road tax, but they still avoid ULEZ and Clean Air Zone charges.
• Home charging makes EV ownership simple. Without off-street parking, you’ll rely on costlier and less convenient public chargers.
• The UK charging network is improving fast, though reliability and busy peak times can still be an issue.
• EVs suit short daily trips well. Long motorway journeys are fine too, but need more planning and often a higher-range model.

Do Electric Cars Really Save You Money Compared to Petrol/Diesel?

Are electric cars worth it? The simple answer is yes, but not for everyone. Because it depends on several factors, like comparing to upfront cost, how much you drive and where you live. Let’s break down the real-world figures you need to know in 2025.

Upfront purchase costs

Electric cars are a bit expensive than petrol and diesel cars due to their battery. It is the single most costly part of the car. If you compare a new electric Vauxhall Corsa-e to its petrol Vauxhall Corsa cousin, you could be looking at a difference of over £10,000 for the sticker price.

However, if the petrol version costs roughly £1,500 a year in fuel and maintenance costs, you’d need to drive the petrol version for about 8 years to offset that extra upfront cost. 

This is the biggest hurdle for most buyers to consider buying an EV or not. That said, the used EV market is getting better, and then it will save you more money by buying a used one than a brand new one.

Running costs in the UK

One of the biggest advantages of EVs is lower running costs. The electricity is generally cheaper than petrol and diesel, which could save more. Maintenance is also simpler because of fewer moving parts mean fewer services.

Cost Per Mile Comparison (UK, 2025)

Charging / Fuel Type	Cost per Mile Estimate	Notes & Sources
Home Charging (Off‑Peak)	7p ‑ 9p	Typical range based on a dedicated EV tariff.
	“Can be as low as 2p‑5p…”	With very cheap off‑peak EV tariffs.
Typical Petrol Car	15p ‑ 17p	Average petrol cost per mile around 13p‑18p; many petrol cars fall in 15p‑17p.
Public Rapid Charging	14p ‑ 15p (as given)	Note: many sources show public rapid charging often cost 15p‑20p or more per mile.

 

Tax, incentives & ULEZ/CAZ impact

For years, EVs had two huge financial perks: no road tax and free entry into clean air zones. This is changing fast. The free road tax (VED) party ends on 1st April 2025 and the new EV will pay £10 in the first year, then the standard rate (currently £195/year) from year two.

The existing EVs, for example, registered between 2017 and 31st March 2025, will also start paying the £195/year standard rate. And the expensive ones, £40,000+ “expensive car supplement”, will pay an extra £425/year for 5 years.

However, the electric cars are still exempt from charges in ULEZ and CAZ zones. This can save you £12.50 per day in London.

Servicing & Maintenance

Electric cars are simpler than petrol or diesel ones. They have far fewer moving parts, which means less to go wrong.  For electric cars, you don’t need to service them often, and annual servicing is 20-30% cheaper. You will still need to replace consumables like tyres and brake pads.

Insurance Costs

Insurance for electric cars is a bit costly compared to petrol/diesel cars. Insurance for electric cars tends to be higher due to three main factors. Their initial purchase price is greater, battery replacement costs are significant, and repairs often require specialised knowledge. 

Will an EV Fit Your Life?

No doubt, EVs are getting common and would save you money, but is it more practical than other cars? It could save you a fortune, but it creates a new source of daily frustration. Let’s understand it.

Do You Have Off-Street Parking?

If yes, you have off-street parking, like a garage or driveway, then EV ownership is more convenient than petrol. You get home, plug in, and wake up every single morning to a “full tank”. You’ll rarely use the public charging network, which is a bit costly. This is the dream scenario.

If you have no off-street parking and park your car on the street, you should reconsider your decision. Because you will depend on public charging stations, which can be more expensive and less convenient. 

How Good is the UK Charging Network?

Next, you should know how convenient and good the charging network is in the UK. According to the Zapmap report that there are 86,798 electric vehicle charging points across the UK.  And the network is growing so fast, especially on motorways and supermarkets. 

However, you have to use multiple apps to spot charging points, and this also drains your wallet. Some chargers are busy at peak times, and reliability can be hit-and-miss.

What is your “real” driving nature?

This is what you should analyse about your driving nature. One of the biggest fears of electric cars is range anxiety. The average UK daily journey is less than 25 miles. The cheapest new EV you can buy today has a real-world range of at least 150-200 miles. It is best for short commutes and school runs.

However, for long journeys, you have to go for a bit expensive one, like the Tesla Model 3, which gives 436 miles.

Should You Buy an Electric Car Now or Wait?

Now it is a practical question that everyone asks whether you should buy an electric car now or wait for a better one. Here’s the honest breakdown to help you decide.

Reasons to BUY NOW

There is a strong case to switch to an electric car if the money and lifestyle section already favour you.

• You will start saving money immediately if you charge an EV at home and save hundreds of pounds by not spending 15p+ per mile on petrol or diesel.
• EV will give a genuine driving experience, like the instant power, the silent, smooth ride, and the gear-free drive, which are genuinely a better way to travel.
• Used electric cars have become far more affordable, and new models are regularly discounted. You can get more range and features for less money than a few years ago.
• You will get incentives like Benefit-in-Kind (BiK), less road tax and no ULEZ and CAZ zone charges.

Reasons to WAIT

On the other hand, being cautious, completely logical. The technology is still evolving and here are some reasons to wait:

• The prices are still high, and the cheapest electric cars still cost you thousands of pounds more than conventional cars. Though you can wait for the used EV market boom to get a better car at reasonable prices.
• Technology is improving, and with time, newer batteries offer better range, faster charging, and longer lifespans.
• The charging network is still growing. It is good but not perfect, and in 2-3 years, it will be bigger and more reliable.

So, Should You Buy an EV in 2025?

 

YOU SHOULD BUY NOW IF…	YOU SHOULD WAIT IF…
✅ You have off-street parking and can install a home charger.	❌ You park on the street and rely completely on public charging.
✅ Your annual mileage is above average (the savings compound faster).	❌ You use your car for very long, high-speed motorway trips most days.
✅ You are a company car driver (the tax savings are too massive to ignore).	❌ Your budget is tight and you need a cheaper initial purchase price.
✅ You regularly drive into ULEZ/CAZ zones (you save £12.50 per day).	❌ You need to tow heavy loads (the range penalty is still too severe).

 

Pros & Cons of Buying an Electric Car in the UK

Why should you buy an electric car

✅ Ultra-Low Running Costs: If you can charge at home on an off-peak tariff, your “fuel” costs can be cut in half (or more).

✅ A Better Driving Experience: They are just nicer to drive. They’re quiet, smooth, and impressively quick off the line.

✅ Free City Entry: You’ll pay £0 to enter any of the UK’s Clean Air Zones (CAZ), including London’s ULEZ.

✅ Great for the Environment: Zero tailpipe emissions is a huge win for air quality in towns and cities.

Why you should not buy an electric car

❌ High Purchase Price: This is the biggest single barrier. They cost significantly more to buy than the petrol equivalent.

❌ Home Charging is (Almost) Essential: If you can’t charge at home, the cost savings disappear and the “faff” factor of using public chargers is high.

❌ Long Journeys Need Planning: You can’t just jump in the car and drive 400 miles. You will have to stop for a 20-30 minute charging break.

❌ Higher Insurance Costs: Premiums are currently higher for most EVs due to the specialist parts (like the battery) and repair costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying an electric car?

For the right person, 100% yes. It’s totally worth it if you can charge at home and if your daily drive is well within the car’s range. It saves you fuel money.

However, it’s probably not worth it if you live in a flat with no charger or if you regularly drive 300+ miles a day.

Is the 2035 ban on new petrol/diesel cars definitely happening?

Yes. As of right now, the UK government has confirmed its plan to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars, including hybrids, from 2035. This does not mean you’ll be forced to scrap your car. The ban is only for the sale of new models.

How long do electric car batteries last?

Most manufacturers expect a battery to last for 10 to 20 years, with a lifespan of 100,000 to 200,000 miles. This guarantees that the battery will keep a certain amount of its health (usually 70%) in that time. 

Are electric cars really better for the environment?

Yes, EVs are better for the environment. It’s true that manufacturing an EV (especially the battery) creates more CO2 than making a petrol car. However, that “carbon debt” is paid off very quickly within 2-3 years.

What happens if I run out of charge?

Running out of charge is like running out of petrol. It’s rare, but here’s what happens. First, the car won’t just die. It will give you lots of warnings and enter a “limp mode” to save power, giving you a chance to pull over safely. You cannot be towed with a rope like a normal car, as this can damage the electric motors. You must call a breakdown service. 

Final Verdict: should you buy an electric car

An electric car can be a smart move in the UK, but it depends on how you drive, where you live and what you can realistically afford. If you have off-street parking, then it is totally worth it, as you can save money over time, like from fuel and congestion charges. However, if you rely heavily on public chargers or often do long motorway journeys, it is worth taking a closer look.