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If you’re stuck between electric vs petrol, then we’re exploring everything you need to know about making the switch in this blog post.
There's never been a more exciting time in the automotive industry as there is a growing trend of EV adoption. Also as of 2025, charging an EV on the move has never been easier thanks to the growing infrastructure of publication charging stations with 80,000 public charging points now available - a huge surge in the last 5 years.
According to the SMMT, electric cars (including hybrids) accounted for almost 40% of all new car registrations in the first half of 2024. Within this, fully electric vehicles (BEVs) rose by 21.3%, whilst plug-in hybrids saw the strongest growth, increasing by 31.2%. Hybrid electric vehicles also recorded a healthy rise of 15.2%, showing a continued demand for electrified vehicles.
In this blog we will break down the differences between electric and petrol cars and why now is the ideal time to make the switch.
Below we’re comparing some common costs for EVs vs petrol allowing you to see the cost savings for yourself. As this is a new area for many, it's natural to have questions around cost, but you might be surprised to learn an EV can save you money over the long run.
Although EVs can have a higher purchase price upfront, lower running and maintenance costs, combined with government and workplace incentives, often make them cheaper to own over 3 to 5 years than a comparable petrol car.
According to The Electric Car Scheme, an electric car costs three to five times less per mile over its lifetime, potentially saving drivers £600–£1,500 annually on fuel. Add to that around 50% lower maintenance costs (thanks to fewer moving parts), and drivers can enjoy significant long-term savings and peace of mind.
There are also tax advantages; company car drivers pay Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax on the value of their vehicle, and EVs benefit from much lower rates. Although BiK for EVs will rise from 3% in April 2025 to 9% by 2029, this is still far below the maximum 37% applied to high-emission petrol cars.
To aid with the transition towards EVs, many employers now offer salary sacrifice or workplace EV schemes. This works by allowing you to give up part of your pre-tax salary in exchange for benefits like a leased electric car.
The cost of having an electric car on salary sacrifice depends on a few things, including the type of EV you choose, lease terms, and employer contributions, i.e. car allowance
To check if this is offered by your company, speak to a member of your HR team. Alternatively, if you’re a business owner and you want to offer this scheme to your staff, you can set it up through a salary sacrifice provider such as Tusker or Ovo Energy which you can read more about here.
As EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol engines, it means there’s less that can go wrong. For example thanks to no oil changes, simpler transmissions, and regenerative braking, it all contributes to lower routine maintenance costs and servicing.
Servicing an electric car costs around £165, while a petrol car can be over £200 representing a 24% increase for petrol vehicles.
As servicing needs to be carried out every 1-2 years, over the average lifetime of your car, this can add up to substantial savings for EV owners compared to petrol vehicles.
Charging an EV is generally cheaper than filling up at the petrol station especially if you can charge at home. Doing this during off-peak hours (typically between 10 pm - 7 am) is even more affordable as it reduces the cost per kWh.
According to the government’s advisory fuel rates, charging an electric car at home costs around 8p per mile. In comparison, petrol averages 12p per mile for engines up to 1400cc, 14p for engines up to 2000cc, and 22p for engines over 2000cc.
Combined with reduced maintenance and efficiency advantages, EVs offer lower running costs, making budgeting for your daily commute much simpler.
Switching from petrol to an EV reduces your carbon emissions and local air pollution, which has a real-world impact on climate change.
Over time, choosing an EV can also help avoid future costs, such as congestion charges, low-emission zone fees, or potential carbon taxes, which are likely to affect petrol car owners more.
In Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), drivers of older vehicles must pay a daily charge to help reduce air pollution in busy areas. If your car doesn’t meet ULEZ standards and isn’t exempt, the fee is £12.50 per day. However, EV drivers are exempt under the Cleaner Vehicle Discount until 25th December 2025.
Now is an ideal time to switch to an electric vehicle. Under the new Pulman EV Grant Guarantee, eligible vehicles priced at £37,000 or less can qualify for a grant of up to £3,750 for the most sustainably produced models, or £1,500 for vehicles meeting basic environmental criteria.
Consumers don’t need to apply directly as the discount is applied automatically at the point of sale through dealerships like Pulman Group, and manufacturers must meet verified sustainability standards.
Furthermore, the UK’s charging network continues to grow, with over 84,000 public points across the country, making longer journeys more convenient than ever.
As we head into winter, modern EVs are designed to perform efficiently in colder temperatures. Advances in battery technology now allow for better range retention and faster charging, so you can rely on your EV for daily commutes or longer trips with confidence.
There are lots of misconceptions around electric cars and the ease of having one. However electric vehicle technology has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years, making it more convenient than ever before to own an electric car. Below we’re addressing some top concerns.
Modern EVs come with smart navigation systems that integrate charging stops into your route automatically, making long journeys simple and stress-free. Also with an expanding public charging network (as mentioned above), planning trips is easier than ever.
This means when you pull up at a charging station, there’s a greater chance of being able to plug in straight away. Thanks to the increase of electric charging services across the UK, you can stop and recharge easily before continuing on with your journey.
EV batteries are designed to last for years to come, and most manufacturers offer warranties covering 8-10 years or more than 100,000 miles. Even as a battery ages, it retains most of its capacity, ensuring reliable performance throughout its lifespan.
Most EV owners see only a 10 to 15% drop in range over several years, and when issues arise, individual battery cells are usually replaced rather than the entire battery.
Include video about battery centre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEmEs4ELGdI (Jake checking as this is one of the few in the NE)
Routine maintenance is simpler and less frequent with EVs due to the fact they have less moving parts. As a result, there is often less wear and tear meaning servicing is often quicker, easier, and cheaper.
Learn more about EVs and see how their ownership and maintenance costs compare in our blog on the VW Golf vs VW ID.3.
Below are some EV statistics to give you an insight into the EV market and how it’s continuing to gain popularity.
Below are some common faqs when you’re considering changing from a petrol to an electric car. Hopefully these will answer some of your top questions about making the switch.
Is it cheaper to run an electric car than a petrol car in the UK?
Yes. Under current UK rates, using home charging an EV can cost around £11 to travel 150 miles, compared to £18-£20 for a petrol car doing the same route. Using home-tariffs vs public charging makes a big difference.
How much money can I save annually by switching to an EV?
UK drivers are seeing annual savings of around £600 to £1,500 when switching to electric, thanks to lower fuel, tax, and maintenance costs. Some reports estimate up to £850/year over hybrids or petrols for typical usage.
Do electric cars really last as long as petrol cars?
Yes. Studies of MOT data in the UK show modern EVs average about 18.4 years lifespan, nearly matching petrol cars at 18.7 years, and outperforming diesel vehicles.
What does it cost per mile to run an EV vs a petrol car?
EVs charged at home often cost ~8-10p per mile, whereas petrol equivalents tend to cost 16-20p+ per mile, depending on fuel price and efficiency. Public charging can raise the cost significantly.
Electric vs petrol has been an ongoing debate in the automotive industry but the growth of EV adoption is showing no signs of slowing down.
Thanks to government incentives, lower running costs, and a growing consumer consciousness around the environment, EVs are more popular than ever. Whilst it's natural to have some initial questions around EVs, hopefully this blog has answered some of your important questions.
You can also visit any Pulman showroom and speak to a member of our team who will help you further. As a family-run business based in the North East we help drivers find the right car for their needs, lifestyle, and budget. Enquire here and find your next car today.
