What are the environmental benefits of electric cars?

Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and improve local air quality. Some manufacturers are also moving towards net-zero vehicle production, making electric vehicles a more environmentally friendly transport option.

Are electric cars cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars?

Electric vehicles are often cheaper to run due to lower fuel and maintenance costs. Many electricity suppliers offer discounted overnight charging tariffs, helping drivers reduce running costs compared with petrol or diesel vehicles.

Do electric cars require less servicing?

Yes. Electric vehicles have significantly fewer moving parts than combustion engine cars. An electric drivetrain may contain around 20 components compared with up to 2,000 in a traditional engine, meaning less wear and reduced maintenance requirements.

How easy is it to charge an electric car at home or on the road?

Most electric car owners charge at home using a wallbox charger, allowing the vehicle to recharge overnight while parked. For longer journeys, thousands of public charging points are available across the UK, with new locations added regularly.

Do electric cars pay road tax in the UK?

As of 1 April 2025, electric cars in the UK are no longer exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Newly registered electric vehicles pay £10 in the first year, followed by the standard annual rate of £195. Electric cars with a list price over £40,000 are also subject to an additional £425 per year expensive car supplement for five years, in line with current UK government legislation.

Are electric cars better to drive?

Electric cars provide instant torque for quick acceleration, smooth regenerative braking, and improved handling due to a low centre of gravity from battery placement. They are also quieter, creating a more comfortable and refined driving experience.

Do electric cars benefit from Clean Air Zone exemptions?

Electric and low-emission plug-in hybrid vehicles typically benefit from reduced or zero charges in Clean Air Zones introduced in many UK cities, including London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), helping drivers lower travel costs.

What are the benefits of electric cars for company car drivers?

Electric vehicles offer lower Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax rates for company car drivers compared with petrol or diesel vehicles. Drivers are also not charged BiK for electricity used to charge their vehicle at work.

Benefits Of Electric Cars

There are many benefits to owning an electric car. Here are just some of them:

Zero Emissions

All electric cars have zero tailpipe emissions, and some are even being manufactured with net zero emissions.

Cheaper Running Costs

On average, electric cars are more cost-effective to own in comparison to their petrol and diesel equivalents. Because of their low-cost running, electric cars increase annual savings, especially as some electricity suppliers offer low overnight charging costs. And, electric cars typically have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than combustion engines, allowing customers to avoid having to purchase a new vehicle.

Less Frequent Servicing

Compared to combustion engines, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts. Combustion engines have up to 2,000 parts, while the drive train of electric vehicles have 20 parts or less! Because there are less parts, less maintenance is required.

Easy Charging

On average, cars spend 80% of their time parked at home. The easiest way to charge an electric vehicle is through the installation of a wallbox, enabling electric vehicle batteries to charge overnight.

For longer journeys, drivers can find thousands of public charging points across the United Kingdom. And, new charging points are being installed across the country every day.

Road Tax/Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Savings

Fully electric cars are currently exempt from paying VED.

Fully-Electric cars are exempt from paying VED.

Plug-in hybrid vehicle drivers that emit less than 51g of CO2 per kilometre are exempt from paying the first year of VED. In subsequent years, plug-in hybrids pay a reduced VED rate.¹

Better Driving Experience

Due to their low centre of gravity, electric cars have more responsive acceleration, regenerative braking, and improved handling. Their quiet engines provide a peaceful and comfortable driving experience.

Clean Air Zones

Low and zero emissions from electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles produce lower charges in the Clean Air Zones across UK cities and the Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) in London.

Electric benefits for business and company car

Benefits for Business and Company Car Drivers

Company car drivers receive lower Benefit in Kind (BiK) charges on plug-in and electric vehicles. Electric vehicle drivers do not incur a BiK charge for electricity while charging their cars at work.

¹Learn more about vehicle tax rates from the GOV.UK website.

Honda Electric News

The Honda e Ultimate Guide: Everything to Know About This Electric City Car That's Both Practical & Fun

Everything you need to know about the Honda E, an innovative electric car designed for city driving. Explore its unique design, cutting-edge technology, & more