Electric Cars: The Pros and Cons Explained

Electric cars are cheap to run if you can charge at home, quiet and smooth to drive, and have no tailpipe emissions. The downsides are a higher purchase price, slower refuelling on long trips and reduced range in cold weather.

Whether an electric car (EV) suits you depends less on the car and more on how you drive and where you park. Here is a plain look at both sides.

What are the advantages of an electric car?

• Lower running costs with home charging. Charging on a home tariff usually costs much less per mile than petrol or diesel. Public rapid chargers cost more, so the saving depends on where you charge.

• Less routine maintenance. There is no engine oil, no clutch, no cambelt and no exhaust. Brakes often last longer because regenerative braking does much of the slowing down.

• No tailpipe emissions. That helps local air quality and means EVs are not charged in clean air zones.

• Quiet, smooth and quick. Electric motors deliver their pull instantly, which makes EVs relaxing in traffic and easy to drive in town.

• Company car tax. Electric company cars sit in the lowest benefit-in-kind bands, which is a big draw for business drivers.

What are the disadvantages?

• Higher purchase price. New EVs still tend to cost more than equivalent petrol cars, although used EV prices have come down a long way.

• Range drops in winter. Cold batteries and cabin heating can cut range noticeably. Check the real-world range, not just the official figure. Our guide to EV range explains why.

• Charging takes planning. A rapid charger can add a lot of range in the time it takes to have a coffee, but it is still slower than filling a tank, and home charging needs off-street parking.

• Electric cars now pay road tax. Since April 2025, electric cars pay vehicle tax like other cars. See GOV.UK or our guide to EV road tax.

• Battery health matters on a used car. Batteries lose capacity slowly over time. It is worth checking the health report before buying a used EV.

Who does an electric car suit best?

An EV makes most sense if you:

• can charge at home or at work;

• do mostly local driving and commuting, with the occasional longer trip;

• want low running costs and are happy to plan the odd charging stop.

If you cannot charge at home and regularly drive long distances, a hybrid or an efficient petrol car may be the simpler choice. Our guide to petrol, hybrid or electric compares them.

Is a used electric car worth buying?

Used EVs can be good value because much of the early depreciation has already happened. Check the battery health, the charging cable that comes with the car, the remaining battery warranty and the service history. Our guide to checking used EV battery health walks through it.

Common questions

Are electric cars cheaper to run than petrol cars?

Usually, if most of your charging is at home on a good tariff. If you rely on public rapid chargers, the cost per mile can be similar to petrol. Try our running cost calculator.

How long does an EV battery last?

Most batteries are designed to last many years and are covered by a separate manufacturer battery warranty. Capacity fades gradually rather than failing suddenly.

Do electric cars need servicing?

Yes. Brakes, tyres, suspension, coolant, cabin filters and the 12-volt battery all still need checking.

Thinking about an electric car in Barnsley?

anycolourcar.com is based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Visit our EV hub, browse the cars in stock, or call sales on 01226 574410. For servicing, call our service centre on 01226 574321.

Updated October 2026.