Electric vehicles (EVs) have become an increasingly common sight on UK roads in recent years.
In fact, according to data from Zapmap, there were more than 1.7 million fully electric cars in the UK at the end of September 2025. This means that around 5% of the 34 million cars on UK roads are fully electric, a significant milestone in the country’s shift from fossil fuels.
Yet, while the popularity of EVs continues to rise, they might not necessarily be the right fit for everyone.
Like any major purchase, it’s vital to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you make a decision.
With this in mind, continue reading to discover the benefits and downsides of EVs so you can decide whether they’d suit your current lifestyle.
5 practical benefits of purchasing an electric vehicle
1. They are typically emission-free
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of EVs is that they’re typically emission-free when driven.
Unlike traditional petrol or diesel cars, EVs produce no exhaust emissions, which helps to reduce air pollution in towns and cities.
This cleaner mode of transport could ultimately contribute to improved public health and lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping the UK move towards its net-zero targets.
2. You could save money on fuel
While the upfront costs of EVs tend to be high, you may find that you save money on fuel in the long run.
Indeed, British Gas states that, based on prices in June 2022, fully charging a typical 60kW EV at home would cost £15.10 and give a 200-mile range.
Meanwhile, it would cost around £104 for a full tank of petrol. Of course, fuel and energy costs do fluctuate, but the significant difference shows that EVs tend to be much cheaper than their conventional counterparts.
3. They reduce noise pollution
EVs can also help to reduce noise pollution. Their motors tend to be quieter, and they offer smoother acceleration, which contributes to quieter cities and residential areas.
Granted, this might not seem like a major advantage, but the difference is significant when you’re driving.
It can make a morning commute much more relaxing, especially in traffic.
4. You can charge them from your own home
It can be highly convenient to charge your EV at home, provided you’re willing to cover the initial installation cost of a charging point.
Still, many energy providers now offer tariffs for EV owners to charge their cars overnight at reduced rates.
This means you can start each day with a “full tank” without ever having to visit a petrol station.
5. They require lower maintenance
You may also find that EVs require far less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars.
Indeed, they have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes or new exhaust systems, meaning servicing costs can be lower over time.
5 potential downsides of electric vehicles to consider
1. The range depends on the battery
One of the most pressing concerns for many drivers is the fact that the range of an EV depends on the battery.
Although battery technology has improved rapidly, this fear of running out of charge before you reach your destination could still be a genuine issue.
Cold weather, high-speed driving, and excessive use of heating or air conditioning can all reduce range, meaning your real mileage may vary from the manufacturer’s estimate.
2. Charging infrastructure is still lacking in the UK
It’s also important to note that the charging infrastructure in the UK is still being developed and is lagging behind demand.
This is Money reported that the government promised to have 300,000 EV charging points across the country to meet its pledge to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars from 2030.
Despite this, there are only 85,163 charging points around the UK, with the deadline just five years away.
This means that if you’re low on charge, finding a functional charger could be a challenge, especially in a rural area.
3. It takes longer to charge the car than to refuel
You should also remember that charging tends to take far longer than refuelling a traditional vehicle.
Granted, chargers are getting better as time goes on. Still, it can take around 30 minutes to charge to 80%, and considerably longer at home.
This may require additional planning and patience for longer journeys, which might not suit your routine.
4. Producing them tends to harm the environment
While EVs produce no exhaust emissions, their production can still have a significant negative effect on the environment.
Manufacturing batteries is incredibly energy-intensive and requires the mining of materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
In fact, EDF Energy reports that the emissions created during EV production tend to be higher than those of petrol cars, and that manufacturing lithium-ion batteries releases several greenhouse gases.
5. Battery repairs can be expensive
Finally, maintenance and replacement costs for batteries can be relatively high.
While most manufacturers do offer long-term warranties – typically eight years or more – repairs outside of this period can be costly.
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Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
