Question 1

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends on where and how you charge. Home charging on a standard tariff typically costs 7-10p per mile, compared to 15-20p per mile for petrol. Public rapid chargers cost more, usually 12-18p per mile. An EV with a 60kWh battery costs roughly £15-20 to fully charge at home.

Question 2

Do electric cars pay road tax?

Accepted Answer

Zero-emission vehicles registered before 1 April 2025 are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty. Vehicles registered from 1 April 2025 onwards pay the standard rate. Check a specific vehicle using our free Tax and ULEZ Checker.

Question 3

How does salary sacrifice work for an electric car?

Accepted Answer

You give up a portion of your gross salary and your employer leases an EV for you. Because EVs have a benefit-in-kind rate of just 4% in 2026/27, the tax you pay on the benefit is much less than the salary you sacrifice, making it a cost-effective way to drive a new electric car.

Question 4

What is the benefit-in-kind rate for electric cars?

Accepted Answer

The BiK rate for fully electric vehicles is 4% for the 2026/27 tax year. It rises to 5% in 2027/28, 7% in 2028/29, and is capped at 9% from 2029/30. Petrol and diesel cars are taxed at 23% to 37%. These rates were confirmed in the 2024 Autumn Budget.

Question 5

How long do electric car batteries last?

Accepted Answer

Most EV manufacturers offer battery warranties of 8 years or 100,000 miles. Real-world data suggests battery degradation is typically around 1-2% per year under normal use, meaning most EV batteries will significantly outlast the warranty period.

Question 6

Is electric car insurance more expensive?

Accepted Answer

EV insurance premiums have historically been higher than equivalent petrol cars, but the gap has narrowed significantly. As repair networks expand and insurers gain more claims data, costs are coming down. Comparing quotes is the most effective way to find competitive cover.

Question 7

What is the Workplace Charging Scheme?

Accepted Answer

The Workplace Charging Scheme is a government grant that covers up to 75% of the cost of installing EV chargepoints at your business premises, capped at £500 per socket. Businesses can install up to 40 sockets. The scheme has been extended for a final year until 31 March 2027.

Question 8

Can a small business set up a salary sacrifice scheme?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is no minimum company size. An employer needs a salary sacrifice scheme provider, a lease arrangement, and a payroll process to handle the deductions. The administrative overhead has reduced significantly as scheme providers now handle most of the setup.

Question 9

What electric van has the longest range?

Accepted Answer

The Mercedes eSprinter offers one of the longest ranges in the large electric van segment. For smaller vans, the Ford E-Transit Custom and Renault Master E-Tech both offer competitive WLTP ranges. Real-world range is typically 70-80% of the manufacturer’s WLTP figure.

Question 10

How much does a workplace EV charger cost to install?

Accepted Answer

A standard 7kW workplace charger typically costs £800-1,500 installed, depending on the electrical work required. The Workplace Charging Scheme grant covers up to 75% of costs, capped at £500 per socket, significantly reducing the net cost.

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