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If you’re curious about the advantages of electric cars; perhaps you’re thinking about switching to electric or just want to know more about them, keep reading.
When compared to an internal combustion engine (ICE) electric cars offer several benefits which is why they’re becoming an increasingly popular choice.
According to research, global electric car sales surpassed 17 million in 2024 - an increase of over 25% from the previous year. Remarkably, the 3.5 million additional units sold in 2024 alone exceed the total number of electric cars sold throughout all of 2020.
From better fuel economy, to money savings, to being better for the environment, there’s lots of reasons why people are making the switch. That said, people often have some questions around EVs which we’re hoping to answer in this guide.
We’ll be taking you through:
This gives you the key info you need to make the best decision for your needs. As a family-run retailer based in the North East, Pulman is all about delivering a fantastic customer experience, and a key part of this is helping you choose the right car.
We’re exploring some advantages of electric cars below, allowing you to see how they compare to ICE engines and what you can expect.
Compared to ICE engines, electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions making them much more environmentally friendly.
According to the International Energy Agency, electric cars produce 50-70% fewer lifecycle emissions than conventional vehicles, even accounting for electricity generation and battery production.
As the UK continues to shift towards renewable energy sources, electric cars become increasingly eco-friendly. The Transport & Environment organisation found that in Europe, electric cars produce three times fewer emissions than diesel equivalents.
For environmentally conscious drivers, choosing electric is a positive move towards a greener planet.
As well as helping the environment, EVs offer significant long-term savings through reduced running costs.
Petrol vehicles cost around 12-15p per mile whereas electricity costs approximately 3-4p per mile. Over a year, this results in savings of £1,000-£1,500 for average drivers covering 10,000 miles annually.
Moving over to maintenance costs, they’re also significantly lower as electric motors have fewer moving parts than ICE alternatives. With no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust system repairs, this means fewer visits to the garage and lower servicing bills overall.
Government grants and reduced Vehicle Excise Duty further improve savings while many employers offer salary sacrifice schemes for electric vehicles, providing additional tax advantages for employees.
EVs deliver instant torque, providing immediate acceleration that often goes beyond traditional ICE engines.
For example, the Volkswagen ID.3 achieves 0-62mph in around 7.3 seconds - proving that even everyday electric models offer quick, responsive performance.
This instant power delivery creates a smooth driving experience without gear changes or engine lag. Electric vehicles are also known for being very quiet, therefore reducing noise pollution and making journeys more comfortable for both drivers and those around them.
In terms of handling, the low center of gravity achieved by positioning batteries in the floor makes the car feel more stable. Due to this, many drivers find electric cars more enjoyable to drive as they’re smoother and quieter improving the overall driving experience.
Many people who drive an electric car for the first time comment on how easy it feels as you’re not having to constantly switch between the accelerator and brake.
Thanks to regenerative braking and the way electric motors work, many EVs offer what's known as “one-pedal driving,” particularly when driving in ‘B’ mode (brake mode). This allows you to speed up and slow down using just the accelerator. It also puts less strain on your brake pads, contributing to lower maintenance costs over time.
Whether you're commuting through city traffic or driving down country roads, one-pedal driving in ‘B’ mode gives you a greater sense of control - something many drivers come to prefer over traditional driving.
Drivers might worry that the infrastructure is not in place to support EVs but in the UK, that is rapidly changing.
With more than 37,000 public charging points as of 2024, it’s easy to plug in along your daily route. Many supermarkets, service stations, and car parks also offer these while you shop, allowing you to charge without waiting around. You can read more about charging stations and the cost of charging in this blog post.
To facilitate the transition to EV, the government has committed £1.3 billion to support electric vehicle adoption, including grants for home chargers and workplace installations.
Rapid charging technology is also improving, with some networks offering 150kW+ charging speeds that can add 200+ miles of range in 20-30 minutes.
As we’ve covered, the electric car market continues to grow. According to a new IEA report, electric vehicles are expected to make up over 40% of global car sales by 2030, driven by growing affordability and wider availability.
That said, it’s important to choose the right electric car for your lifestyle. You’ll want to feel confident and comfortable behind the wheel, so consider the factors below to make sure your choice suits your needs and preferences.
If you’ve still got questions around electric cars, the following FAQs should help.
How far can an EV travel on a single charge?
It all depends on the model, but the global average in 2024 is around 340 km (211 miles) per charge.
Are EVs better for the environment?
Yes, electric cars produce significantly lower carbon emissions compared to petrol or diesel cars. In the UK, EVs emit around 65% less CO₂ over their lifetime than petrol cars, and this gap is increasing as the UK electricity grid becomes increasingly powered by renewables.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
Charging time depends on the car model and the type of charge. Home charging typically takes 6-10 hours for a full charge, public fast charging takes around 60-90 minutes to reach 80%, and ultra-fast charging stations take around 15-30 minutes to reach 80%. This is also influenced by battery size, temperature, and vehicle model.
How much money can I save by switching to an electric car?
Running costs are often lower for EVs. According to research by the RAC, electric cars in the UK cost around 6-8p per mile to run compared to 14-20p per mile for petrol cars. Maintenance is also cheaper due to fewer moving parts. Over five years, the average EV owner could save £3,000 to £4,500 in fuel and servicing.
There are lots of advantages of electric cars, from reduced carbon emissions to an easier driving experience.
It’s normal to have questions around EVs if you’ve only ever driven a petrol or diesel engine, however many people actually prefer the experience. Thanks to “one pedal driving”, it’s smoother and more intuitive, reducing fatigue and making journeys feel more effortless.
The best way to experience the advantages of electric cars is to drive one. At Pulman, we offer a 24 hour test drive on electric cars, allowing you to get a real feel for electric cars. Simply book your test drive here and experience a smooth driving experience for yourself.
