Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity, and for good reason! Recent research shows that EVs are 50% cheaper to run than petrol cars, but this significant saving comes with a catch: you need to be able to charge at home, according to This Is Money.
Why Charging at Home Makes a Difference
Charging your EV at home offers several benefits that contribute to these savings. First, home charging is cost-effective. According to Halfords, charging at home typically costs around 5p/kWh, compared to 81p/kWh at public charging stations. This means that even if you occasionally use public chargers, charging at home can still save you a substantial amount of money.
Second, home charging is convenient. You can charge your car overnight, ensuring it’s ready to go in the morning. This eliminates the need to find and wait at a public charging station, saving you time and hassle.
Third, home charging can be environmentally friendly. Many home charging points use off-peak electricity, which is often generated from renewable sources , according to EVBox. This reduces your carbon footprint and helps contribute to a cleaner environment.
The Cost Comparison
A recent study by Andersen EV compared the running costs of a petrol 1.2-litre Vauxhall Corsa and a Vauxhall e-Corsa, both driving 10,000 miles per year. The results were striking. The petrol Corsa cost £1,209 per year to run, while the e-Corsa cost just £115 per year when charged at home on the cheapest tariff, says This Is Money. Even with the average smart home charge tariff of 7.55p/kWh, the cost was only £174 per year.
Long-term Savings
The savings don’t stop at fuel costs. Servicing an EV is also cheaper. The Car Expert estimates that servicing an EV costs £232 per year, compared to £295 for a petrol car. Over five years, the total servicing cost for an EV is £3,857, compared to £5,514 for a petrol car.
Considerations
While EVs offer significant savings, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The upfront cost of an EV is higher than that of a petrol car. For example, a new petrol Corsa costs around £18,995, while the electric version costs £26,107. However, the long-term savings can help balance out this initial expense.
Additionally, insurance costs for EVs are currently higher than for petrol cars. However, these costs are falling, with a recent report from Confused.com showing an 18% annual decrease in EV insurance premiums in 2024.
Switching to an electric vehicle can lead to substantial savings, especially if you can charge at home. With lower fuel, servicing, and road tax costs, EVs are an attractive option for those looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact. As the infrastructure for EV charging continues to improve, the benefits of owning an electric vehicle will only become more pronounced.
