Thinking About Going Electric? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re considering switching to an electric vehicle (EV) but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone. With the UK rapidly transitioning to greener transport, many new drivers are curious about the cost of owning an EV, charging at home, and how to choose the right charging cable.
To help make things simpler, we’ve answered 10 of the most frequently asked questions about electric cars — perfect for new or soon-to-be EV owners.
1. How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
Charging costs depend on where and when you charge your EV.
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Home charging is the most affordable and convenient option, especially if you use off-peak tariffs or smart charging schedules.
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Public chargers vary in cost depending on speed — rapid chargers can cost more per kWh than slower AC points.
According to Which? 'While it can cost 7p/kWh to charge at home, public chargers can cost more than 10 times this – 79p/kWh is a typical price for an ultra-rapid public charger.'
Read the full article: How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Use a home charger and charge overnight to get the best rates and reduce costs long-term.
2. Should I Lease or Buy an Electric Vehicle?
Whether you buy or lease depends on your budget and lifestyle:
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Buying new gives you full ownership and access to the latest models, but comes with a higher upfront cost.
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Buying used is now more affordable as the second-hand EV market grows rapidly.
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Leasing offers flexibility — easy upgrades, maintenance packages, and predictable monthly costs.
Just remember to check whether the battery is included in the purchase price if you’re buying used.
3. Home EV Charging vs Public Charge Points
Installing a home wall box is the most cost-effective and convenient way to charge. You can plug in overnight and start every morning with a full battery. Home chargers may even increase property value.
Public charging networks, however, are expanding fast. Many supermarkets, retail parks, and motorway services now have chargers — including rapid options that can top up most EVs to 80% in under an hour.
The UK Government’s £56 million funding initiative is also helping local councils install more on-street and community chargers.
4. Where Can I Find a Public Charging Point?
Finding EV charge points has never been easier:
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Google Maps now includes live charge point data.
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Zap-Map and PlugShare apps let you find chargers, view live availability, and filter by speed or network.
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Many new EVs also include built-in navigation that highlights nearby chargers and route planning tools.
Planning ahead is key — especially on longer journeys or in rural areas.
5. Do I Have to Pay Tax and Insurance for an Electric Car?
Before April, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were exempt from vehicle excise duty (road tax) — but in April 2025 this changed. Now EV owners pay the same standard rate as petrol and diesel cars.
Learn more about the costs in our blog: Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Changes in April 2025 Explained: What EV Owners Need to Know.
As for insurance, it’s still a legal requirement. The average UK EV insurance premium ranges from £400–£1,000 per year, depending on the model, value, and driver profile.
6. Which EV Charging Cable Do I Need?
Most electric cars in the UK use a Type 2 to Type 2 charging cable, the European standard for both home and public AC chargers.
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Type 2 cables have a 7-pin connector and offer charging speeds between 7kW and 22kW, depending on whether you’re using a single-phase or three-phase supply.
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For rapid DC charging, your EV will use a CCS connector — these cables are always tethered to the charge point, so you don’t need to bring one.
7. How Long Does an Electric Vehicle Battery Last?
Modern EV batteries are built to last. Most have a lifespan of 15–20 years, with warranties typically covering 8 years or 100,000 miles.
While performance may gradually decline, today’s batteries maintain excellent efficiency for years of use. Many are also repurposed for home energy storage once they reach the end of their life in a car.
For more insights, see the National Grid’s guide: What happens to old electric car batteries?
8. Does My Electric Car Need an MOT?
Yes — all electric vehicles still require an annual MOT once they’re three years old.
EV MOTs differ slightly from petrol and diesel tests as there’s no emissions check, but they still cover:
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Battery condition and mounting.
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Brakes and tyres.
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Suspension and steering.
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Lights, seatbelts, and windscreen.
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Charging ports and electrical safety.
9. What Are the Most Common EV Issues?
Electric vehicles are generally low-maintenance, but here are a few minor issues drivers occasionally face:
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Reduced range in winter – colder weather can affect battery efficiency.
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Frozen or locked cables – occasionally solved by resetting the car or charger.
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Software glitches – fixed with system restarts or updates.
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Seal wear and tear – check for water ingress around doors and charge ports.
Routine car checks and keeping your charging cable clean and dry can help prevent most problems.
10. Can I Charge My EV Using Solar Panels?
Yes! If your home has solar panels, you can use solar energy to charge your EV for free. Solar-compatible chargers automatically prioritise renewable energy, helping you cut bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Some manufacturers are even developing solar-assisted EVs, capable of generating a small amount of range directly from the sun.
From charging costs to battery life and insurance, understanding the essentials of EV ownership helps make the transition to electric driving simple. With more affordable models, faster chargers, and new incentives launching across the UK, there’s never been a better time to switch to electric.
