Electric vehicle expert Alex Thwaites reveals why they’re good for the environment – and your bank balance
Thinking of getting an electric car? Not only are they the best option when it comes to the environment, but you might just save money in the long run too. Electric vehicle expert Alex Thwaites explains: “EVs are cheaper to run than petrol and diesel cars. In fact, EV drivers can save up to 89% in fuel costs compared to petrol cars. By charging at home on a cheaper EV rate like OVO’s Charge Anytime (which costs just 7p per kWh), you can drive 200 miles for just £3.50 versus £34.40 in a petrol car, saving over £30.” If you’re considering switching to an EV, you certainly aren’t alone. And Alex is here to help. Here he breaks down the other benefits of a family EV, as well as things to consider before you buy.
Cut emissions
“Driving an EV means zero exhaust pipe emissions, which helps improve local air quality,” says Alex. “The carbon footprint depends on how the electricity is generated, so EVs are getting greener to run as the grid gets greener. Running an EV avoids 1590kg of carbon (or equivalent greenhouse gases) every year, in comparison to petrol or diesel cars – that’s equivalent to the amount of greenhouse gases a diesel car would emit over 5,780 miles.”
Reduced maintenance needs
“Forget oil changes, exhaust issues, or replacing a fuel pump,” says Alex. “The streamlined engineering of EVs means fewer opportunities for things to go wrong, which means less time and money spent in the garage.”
Performance benefits
“Instant pulling power makes EVs feel quick and smooth,” says Alex. “Whether you’re overtaking a tractor or joining a motorway, that extra punch of acceleration can make driving feel more responsive and enjoyable.”
Recharge while you sleep
“Charge overnight! This is a clever trick that will see you wake up each morning with an EV’s equivalent of a ‘full tank’,” says Alex. “Most modern EVs now have a range upwards of 250 miles, so you can cover a lot of ground on one home charge.”
Benefit from low emission zones
Alex says: “EV drivers often enjoy perks in cities, particularly London where there’s free or discounted parking and exemptions from congestion charges and ULEZ fees that can sting drivers of older petrol and diesel cars. These benefits can save drivers around £330 per month or over £3,900 per year* if they regularly drive into central London for work.”
“Even with electric, zero and low emission cars, vans and motorbikes now being subject to vehicle tax, EVs usually cost less to tax than most petrol or diesel cars, especially if the purchase price of the new vehicle is under £40,000,” says Alex.
Tax benefits and incentives
“Even with electric, zero and low emission cars, vans and motorbikes now being subject to vehicle tax, EVs usually cost less to tax than most petrol or diesel cars, especially if the purchase price of the new vehicle is under £40,000,” says Alex.
A booming second hand market
Alex says: “Used electric car sales in the UK have tripled in just two years, with nearly 22,000 used EVs sold in July 2025 alone. This surge in demand, alongside increasing availability, has made second-hand EVs more attractive and accessible to buyers looking for premium models at a more affordable price. While two-year-old EVs typically see some depreciation, many models hold their value well compared to traditional vehicles.”
More energy efficient
“EVs typically convert around 85-90% of the energy from their batteries into motion, far outperforming petrol and diesel engines, which only convert about 30% while the rest of the energy is lost as heat and friction,” says Alex.
Automatic software updates
Alex says: “Owning an EV can feel a bit like owning a smartphone. Your EV will receive automatic software updates with new features, bug fixes and performance tweaks without having to take a trip to the dealership. It’s like your car just keeps getting better in the background.”
Better tech
“ EVs tend to have more advanced technology built in than combustion vehicles, whether that’s superior software or futuristic interiors or larger, higher resolution screens,” says Alex.
Things to consider…
Research the financials
Alex says: “Through the UK government’s Electric Car Grant, people can save up to £3,750 on eligible new EVs priced under £37,000. Many local councils also provide schemes to help cover installation costs for home chargers. There’s also great leasing and salary sacrifice schemes available. OVO’s teamed up with Love Electric to offer any customers who lease a compatible EV 5,000 miles worth of free charging.”
Think about the average distance of your drives
“Make sure you invest in an EV with the right range to meet your needs,” says Alex. “Most journeys in the UK are generally under 100 miles and most EVs, offer between 150 and 400 miles per charge. Volkswagen’s ID.7 Tourer GTX can cover up to 358 miles on one charge, making it a great option for family road trips.”
Make public charging stress-free
Alex says: “Managing home and public charging can feel a little daunting to begin with. The OVO Charge app is the only app in the UK to cover both home and public charging, making smart charging, route planning, and handling payments so much simpler. If you use public chargers often, a small monthly subscription can even save you up to 15% on each charge with the OVO Charge Anywhere Turbo Boost Package.”
Try before you buy
Alex says: “ EVs feel different to drive, so definitely test out a few different brands to see what you prefer. There’s also a lot of great newcomers to the market and some EV-only brands that are driving innovation and competitive prices.”