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Tired of Petrol Prices? Let’s Talk Electric

With the rising cost of petrol and diesel in the UK, it’s impossible to ignore the impact this has on everyday drivers. Whether you’re commuting, making the school run, or running errands, each journey you take is costing more every day. Electric vehicles can be a solution to this petrol price problem, offering a practical alternative to the increased expense of keeping your car running. Previously, EVs may have seemed impractical with low milage ranges and early battery technology. Nowadays, modern electric cars can comfortably handle daily driving needs, with many models exceeding 200 to 300 miles of range on a single charge.

In this article we have put together some frequently asked questions about making the move to an EV, discussing the advantages of driving electric and why now might be the perfect time to make the switch.

How much could you save with an electric car?

At the most basic level, charging an electric car is generally cheaper per mile than petrol or diesel. On average, electric vehicles cost 65% less per mile to run than petrol cars, meaning drivers can save between £600 to £1,500 per year on fuel alone when charging their car at home. Electric cars also benefit from considerably lower running costs. With fewer moving parts, there is less essential maintenance required, with no need to worry about routine services like oil changes. This means that over time, despite higher upfront costs, you could benefit from 50% lower maintenance expenses annually. These savings are especially significant for those who cover many miles each year. Your savings can also go beyond fuel and maintenance expenses, with EVs often benefitting from lower road tax¹ and congestion charge exemptions².

Compare the average cost of an electric car vs a petrol car in the handy cost comparison table below.

Cost	Electric	Petrol
Running Costs	7p/mile (home charging, standard rate)	19p/mile (current average)
Annual Fuel (10,000 milea)	£630	£1,230
Maintenance	£165/year	£205/year
First Year Rate Road Tax (VED)	£10	£560 (based on average petrol emissions)

How convenient is electric car charging?

In the last fifteen years, UK public charging networks have grown significantly, with government statistics proving the increased availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The latest statistics show that, as of the 1^st January 2026, there was an average of 1.32 EV chargers for every vehicle that requires charging.

If you do need to charge your car on the go, many supermarkets across the nation now have electric charging points in their car parks. Vauxhall have partnered with Tesco to support this infrastructure development to provide 2,700 charging bays across 619 Tesco stores nationwide. Initiatives such as this help EV charging become easy and convenient, making it possible even as you do your weekly food shop.

Home charging technology has massively improved, helping you to charge your car from the comfort of your own home and making the process more convenient than ever before. Being able to charge your car overnight at home can also help to reduce your EV running costs even further. Charging at home during off-peak tariff times can reduce your fuelling cost to between 2p and 3.5p per mile.

New vs Used EVs

If you choose to buy a new EV, you can benefit from the latest technology, meaning you are more likely to be offered a greater range of mileage on a single change. New electric cars also benefit from new car manufacturer warranties, with models such as the Geely EX5 being offered with an 8-year battery warranty in addition to an 8-year base warranty. For those new to electric driving, the reassurance of comprehensive battery warranty protection can give additional peace of mind. However, new electric cars can come at a higher cost, and choosing to switch to electric does not mean you need to buy a brand-new car.

There are many quality refurbished EVs available on the used car market. Recently, the Nissan LEAF was named the UK’s most reliable used electric car, proving its position as a smart choice whether you go for a new or used model. The used electric car market is growing, with EV technology having been in popular circulation for over ten years now. This means that there is a greater number of used electric cars on the market than ever before. Ideal for those first-time electric car buyers looking for a more affordable entry point to electric driving, we are proud to be able to offer a broad range of used EVs here at Greenhous. Browse our current range of used EVs here.

Is now the right time to switch?

Electric technology has advanced massively since it first arrived on the UK car market, and whilst electric still may not be the right option for everyone, now is good opportunity to think about whether the change may be a smart choice to reduce your outgoings.

Whatever you decide, we are sure there will be a car for you from across the Greenhous Group.