More and more people are seeing the environmental benefits of switching from traditional fuel to electric. But how much might it cost to go green? And is it really worth it?

The cost of buying an electric car can vary depending on the make, model, how old it is and how you buy it. As the market expands, there are more electric car and hybrid options to consider than ever – available to buy outright, on finance, second-hand or by leasing. 

Typically, electric cars cost more than their petrol or diesel equivalents. This is generally because they’re produced in smaller numbers using state-of-the-art technology. 

So, depending on your budget, you may have to wait a bit longer to save up. But when you’re tightening those purse strings, it’s worth considering any long-term benefits of owning an EV. For example, some models may have lower running costs and over time, this could help balance out the extra expense of the initial purchase.

EVs are becoming cheaper each year as new cars push existing models into a growing second-hand market.

To qualify for an OZEV chargepoint grant you either need to be a homeowner living in a flat, or renting a residential property. It’s best to check GOV.UK for the full qualifying criteria for renters or flat owners.

According to Which?, the cost to fill up a large petrol or diesel SUV is around 16p per mile (based on paying 136.9p for petrol and 142.9p for diesel), meanwhile it can cost as little as 2p per mile to charge an EV at home on an off-peak EV rate, 8p per mile at home on a standard rate, and up to 25p per mile with an ultra-rapid charger. So, depending on how you charge your EV, it can be cheaper than refuelling a petrol or diesel car.

You can also find public charging points available for recharging on the go. Some rapid charge stations  can cost approximately £19 for a 30-minute charge for up to 90 miles (on average). If you’re lucky, your workplace may even have one you can use for free.