Thinking of going electric? Start here.
Straight answers on range, charging and running costs — plus calculators to see what an EV could really cost you. No jargon, no pressure, just the facts to help you decide.
EV questions, answered honestly
The questions our Barnsley showroom team hears most often from drivers thinking about their first electric car.
How far can an electric car actually go on one charge?
Most modern EVs offer somewhere between 150 and 300 miles of real-world range, depending on the model, the weather and how you drive. Official figures (the WLTP range) tend to be optimistic, so as a rough guide it's sensible to expect around 70–85% of the quoted figure in everyday UK conditions. Cold weather and motorway speeds reduce range the most. For most drivers, whose daily mileage is well under 40 miles, even a modest-range EV comfortably covers a typical day without charging.
Is it cheaper to run an EV than a petrol or diesel car?
Generally yes, particularly if you can charge at home overnight on an off-peak electricity tariff. Charging at home is usually far cheaper per mile than filling up with petrol or diesel. EVs also have fewer moving parts, so servicing tends to be simpler and there's no clutch, no exhaust and no oil changes. Public rapid charging costs more than home charging, so your savings depend a lot on how and where you charge. Use the calculators further down this page to get an estimate for your own mileage.
How long does an EV battery last, and what about replacement?
EV batteries are designed to last the life of the car and typically degrade slowly — many lose only a small percentage of capacity over many years and tens of thousands of miles. Most manufacturers provide a separate battery warranty, commonly around 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing the battery stays above a set capacity. When buying a used EV, it's worth checking the remaining battery warranty and asking about state of health. Our team can talk you through this on any electric car we have in stock.
Can I charge an EV if I don't have a driveway?
Yes — though it takes a little more planning. Many drivers without off-street parking rely on a mix of public charging: rapid chargers at supermarkets and service stations for quick top-ups, and slower destination chargers at workplaces, gyms or car parks. On-street charging is also expanding across many UK towns. If you can charge at work or near home regularly, an EV can still work well. We're always happy to help you think through whether an EV suits your parking situation.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
It depends entirely on the charger. A home wallbox typically adds a full charge overnight (roughly 7–8 hours). A rapid public charger can take many EVs from around 10% to 80% in 20–40 minutes — about the length of a coffee stop. A standard three-pin plug is much slower and best treated as an emergency option only. The charger types section below breaks down the speeds in more detail.
Are electric cars more expensive to insure or service?
Servicing an EV is usually simpler and can be cheaper, as there's no engine oil, spark plugs, exhaust or clutch to maintain — though tyres and brakes still need checking. Insurance varies by model; some EVs sit in higher groups due to performance or repair costs, while others are very reasonable. It's always worth getting a quote for the specific car you're considering. Our service centre at Stairfoot Business Park is happy to advise on maintaining an electric vehicle.
What about road tax and other running costs?
Vehicle tax rules for electric cars have changed, so EVs are no longer exempt from road tax — current rates and any applicable expensive-car supplement depend on the vehicle and its list price. Beyond tax, EVs can still offer savings on fuel and servicing. Because tax rules and incentives change over time, we'd always recommend checking the latest position on GOV.UK before you buy, and our team can confirm the current cost for any specific car in our stock.
See what going electric could cost you
Adjust the figures to match your own driving. These tools give a quick estimate to help you compare — they're a guide, not a quote.
EV vs petrol running costs
Compare the annual fuel/energy cost of an electric car against an equivalent petrol car.
Tip: off-peak home tariffs are often the lowest. Public rapid charging can be much higher.
Estimate only. Real costs vary with driving style, weather, tariff and charging mix. Excludes purchase price, insurance, tax, servicing and depreciation. Not financial advice — figures are illustrative.
Home charging cost
Estimate the cost to charge your battery, and the cost per mile.
Estimate only. Assumes charging losses are not included and a steady electricity rate. Actual range added depends on conditions. Use as a guide when comparing tariffs.
Find charging points near you
The UK charging network grows every week. For live availability and pricing we recommend a dedicated map service — and here's a snapshot of charging around our Barnsley home.
Live charging map
For real-time charger availability, speeds and pricing across the UK, use a live map service such as Zapmap.
Open live charging mapCharging around Barnsley
Charger locations and availability change frequently. The summary above is a general guide to charging types around Barnsley rather than a live list — always check a live map for current sites, prices and availability before setting off.
Slow, fast and rapid — what's the difference?
Charging speed is measured in kilowatts (kW). The higher the kW, the faster your battery fills. Here's how the three main types compare.
Slow charging
Standard home charging, including a three-pin plug or a basic wallbox. Best done overnight. Gentle on the battery and the cheapest way to charge.
Fast charging
Found at home wallboxes, workplaces, car parks and supermarkets. A good balance of speed and cost — top up while you go about your day.
Rapid & ultra-rapid
Public chargers at service stations and rapid hubs. Designed for quick top-ups on longer journeys — roughly a coffee-break stop for most cars.
Know your connectors
Type 2
The UK standard for slow and fast AC charging. Used at home wallboxes and the majority of public destination chargers.
CCS
Combined Charging System — the most widespread rapid-charging connector, fitted to most new electric cars sold in the UK.
CHAdeMO
An older rapid-charging standard found on some earlier EVs. Still available at many rapid chargers, though less common on new cars.
We supply and install Easee home chargers in Barnsley & South Yorkshire
Buying an EV from us? We can sort the home charger too. Our local OZEV-approved installers fit Easee — a smart, compact 7.4 kW wallbox designed and built in Europe — at your driveway or garage.
- Full survey & install by a local OZEV-approved electrician — usually within a week.
- Smart scheduling via the Easee app — charge on cheap overnight tariffs automatically.
- Load balancing & solar-ready — works with PV and won't trip your house supply.
- 3-year manufacturer warranty on the charger plus our installer's workmanship guarantee.
Easee One / Easee Charge
Compact, weather-rated wallbox with built-in earth fault protection — no extra earth rod or breaker box usually needed.
Standard install includes up to 10 m of cable, isolator, and commissioning. We'll quote any extra groundworks up front — no surprises.
Get an EV through your salary — save tax and NI
Electric cars are taxed at a fraction of the rate of petrol or diesel company cars. Through a salary sacrifice scheme, you can drive a brand-new EV using your gross (pre-tax) salary — typically saving 30–60% versus a personal lease.
- Pay from gross salary — your monthly cost comes out before income tax and National Insurance are deducted.
- Ultra-low Benefit-in-Kind — just 3% in 2025/26 for fully electric cars, rising slowly to 9% by 2029/30.
- All-in monthly cost usually includes insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover.
- Works for employees & directors — if your employer doesn't have a scheme yet, we can point them to a provider.
Company car tax (BIK) on electric vehicles
HMRC Benefit-in-Kind rates for zero-emission cars vs a typical petrol company car.
| Tax year | Electric | Petrol (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 3% | ~30% |
| 2026/27 | 4% | ~31% |
| 2027/28 | 5% | ~32% |
| 2028/29 | 7% | ~33% |
| 2029/30 | 9% | ~34% |
Example: a £40,000 EV at 3% BIK = £1,200 taxable benefit. A 40% taxpayer pays just £480/year in company car tax. The same-priced petrol car at 30% BIK would cost ~£4,800/year. Rates published by HMRC; check with your employer or accountant for your personal position.
Estimate your company car tax
Enter the EV's P11D list price and select a tax year to see your estimated annual Benefit-in-Kind tax.
Indicative only. Based on HMRC published BIK rates for zero-emission cars. Excludes any optional extras added to P11D value. Confirm your personal position with your employer or accountant.
Common questions about EV salary sacrifice
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often about getting an electric car through work.
Who is eligible for a salary sacrifice electric car scheme?
Most employees on PAYE can join, provided they earn enough to stay above the National Living Wage after the sacrifice deduction. Some employers set a minimum service period (for example, three or six months). Directors of limited companies can usually take part too, as long as they receive a salary through PAYE. If you're self-employed with no salary, or paid only through dividends, a salary sacrifice scheme won't work — but a business lease or personal contract hire might suit you instead. Our team can talk through which route fits your situation. HMRC guidance on salary sacrifice and PAYE.
What is actually included in the monthly cost?
Most salary sacrifice providers bundle everything into one fixed monthly payment: the car lease, comprehensive insurance, road tax (VED), routine servicing, maintenance, tyres and breakdown cover. Some also include early termination protection if you leave your job unexpectedly. Fuel or charging costs are not included, but home-charging an EV is still far cheaper per mile than petrol. The exact package varies by provider, so it's worth checking the specifics before you sign.
How are the tax and NI savings calculated?
The monthly lease cost is deducted from your gross salary before income tax and National Insurance are applied. Because you're being taxed on a lower amount, you pay less tax and NI overall. In addition, the car is taxed as a Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) based on its list price and CO2 emissions. For a fully electric car, the BIK rate is just 3% in 2025/26, rising gradually to 9% by 2029/30. That means a £40,000 EV attracts only £1,200 of taxable benefit — a 40% taxpayer pays just £480/year. A petrol equivalent could cost ten times as much in company car tax. HMRC guidance on salary sacrifice and PAYE.
Can company directors use salary sacrifice for an EV?
Yes — if you take a salary through PAYE, directors can participate in the same way as any other employee. In fact, many directors find it particularly attractive because the combination of corporation tax relief on the employer's side, plus low personal BIK tax, makes an electric company car very efficient. If you're paid mainly through dividends with little or no PAYE salary, the scheme may not be available to you, but a company lease or outright purchase could still offer significant tax advantages. We can put you in touch with a specialist who understands director-specific rules.
Is salary sacrifice better than a personal lease or PCP?
For most employed drivers, yes. A personal lease or PCP is paid from your net (after-tax) income, whereas salary sacrifice comes out of your gross (pre-tax) salary. That difference alone often saves 30–60% on the equivalent monthly cost, depending on your tax bracket. You also avoid the large upfront deposit that many personal finance deals require. The trade-off is that you don't own the car at the end; it's a lease. If ownership is important to you, or you're not employed on PAYE, a personal PCP or HP deal may still be the better fit.
What happens if I leave my job or the scheme ends early?
It depends on the provider and your employer's policy. Some schemes include early termination protection that covers you if you resign, are made redundant, or go on long-term sick leave. Without that protection, you may be liable for the remaining lease payments. The car is tied to your employment, so if you leave you typically hand it back or transfer it to a personal lease. Always read the early termination terms before signing up. If you're unsure, ask us — we can explain the key clauses to look out for.
Ready to find your electric car?
Browse our electric and hybrid stock, or pop into the showroom — our Barnsley team will happily talk you through going electric, with no pressure.