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EV Hub: Electric Car Costs, Charging & Range | anycolourcar.com

EV Hub · anycolourcar.com

Electric cars, made simple

Honest answers on range, charging and running costs — plus free calculators to see what an EV would really cost you. From a family-run dealer in Barnsley, serving Sheffield, Wakefield, Doncaster and Rotherham.

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RAC Approved Repair Centre Official Skywell EV dealer Family-run, no pressure
The anycolourcar.com workshop and showroom in Barnsley, with cars on ramps and on display
EV questionsRange, charging, costs Cost calculatorsSee your savings Charging explainedSpeeds & connectors Salary sacrificeCompany car tax

The basics

Is an electric car right for you?

The questions we get asked most often on the forecourt — answered straight, with no jargon and no sales pitch.

How far can an electric car actually go on one charge?

Most modern EVs offer between 150 and 300 miles of real-world range, depending on the model, the weather and how you drive. Official WLTP figures tend to be optimistic, so expect roughly 70–85% of the quoted range 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, especially if you can charge at home overnight on an off-peak tariff, which is usually far cheaper per mile than petrol or diesel. EVs also have fewer moving parts, so servicing is simpler — no clutch, no exhaust, no oil changes. Public rapid charging costs more than home charging, so your savings depend on how and where you charge. Use the calculators below to estimate the cost 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, often losing 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 used, check the remaining battery warranty and ask about state of health; our team can talk you through this on any EV 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 use 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 expanding across South Yorkshire, including around Barnsley. If you can charge at work or near home regularly, an EV can still work well.

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

It depends 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 about 10% to 80% in 20–40 minutes — about the length of a coffee stop. A standard three-pin plug is much slower and is best treated as an emergency option only.

Are electric cars more expensive to insure or service?

Servicing an EV is usually simpler and can be cheaper — 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, so get a quote for the specific car. Our RAC Approved service centre in Barnsley is happy to advise.

What about road tax and other running costs on an EV?

Vehicle tax rules have changed and EVs are no longer exempt from road tax — current rates and any expensive-car supplement depend on the vehicle and its list price. Beyond tax, EVs can still offer real savings on fuel and servicing. Because the rules change over time, check the latest position on GOV.UK before you buy, and we can confirm the current cost for any car in our stock.

Run the numbers

What would an EV cost you?

Two quick calculators using your own figures. Everything updates as you type — nothing is sent anywhere.

EV vs petrol: running costs

p
p

Estimated yearly saving

£966

vs running a petrol car

Petrol cost / year£1,172
EV cost / year (home)£206
EV cost per mile2.6p

Home charging: cost per charge

p

Cost of a full home charge

£5.40

overnight, off-peak

Cost per mile2.7p
Energy per full charge60 kWh

Estimates only, for guidance. Real costs vary with tariff, driving style, weather and battery condition. Public rapid charging is typically more expensive than charging at home.

Charging explained

Where, how and how fast you'll charge

Three charging speeds, a couple of connector types, and a wallbox at home for the cheapest miles. Here's the short version.

Slow & home (3–7 kW)

A home wallbox or workplace charger. Adds a full charge overnight — the cheapest way to run an EV.

Fast (7–22 kW)

Found in car parks, supermarkets and destinations. Useful for a few hours' top-up while you're out and about.

Rapid (50 kW+)

Service stations and rapid hubs. Many EVs go from 10% to 80% in 20–40 minutes — ideal for longer trips.

Connector types, simply

Nearly all modern EVs use a Type 2 plug for home and fast AC charging, and a CCS plug for rapid DC charging. A few older or Japanese models use CHAdeMO for rapid charging. Your car comes with the cable it needs, and public rapid units have their cables attached.

Find public chargers near you

Zapmap shows live availability of public chargers across Barnsley and the rest of the UK — filter by speed, connector and network before you set off.

Open Zapmap

Getting a home charger fitted

A home wallbox (such as an Easee charger) is the single biggest thing you can do to cut running costs — it lets you charge overnight on a cheap off-peak tariff. Installation is usually straightforward if you have off-street parking and takes a few hours. We can point you toward a trusted installer when you buy an EV from us.

Salary sacrifice & company car tax

Get an EV through your salary — save tax and NI

Electric cars are taxed at a fraction of the rate of a petrol or diesel company car. Through salary sacrifice you pay from 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.
  • Ultra-low Benefit-in-Kind — just 4% in 2026/27 for fully electric cars, rising slowly to 9% by 2029/30.
  • All-in monthly cost usually covers insurance, road tax, servicing, tyres and breakdown cover.
  • Employees & directors — if your employer has no scheme yet, we can point them to a provider.
Talk to our team

Company car tax (BIK) on EVs

HMRC Benefit-in-Kind rates for zero-emission cars vs a typical petrol company car.

Tax yearElectricTypical petrol*
2026/27 Now4%~30%
2027/285%~31%
2028/297%~32%
2029/309%~33%

*Petrol BIK depends on CO₂ and is typically 28–37%; figures shown are illustrative. Rates per HMRC.

Estimate your company car tax

Enter the EV's P11D list price and pick a tax year.

£
2026/27 · 4%
2027/28 · 5%
2028/29 · 7%
2029/30 · 9%
Basic · 20%
Higher · 40%
Additional · 45%

Estimated annual company car tax

£640

£53/month · taxable benefit £1,600

BIK rate4%
Tax band40%

Indicative only, based on HMRC published BIK rates for zero-emission cars. Confirm your personal position with your employer or accountant.

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 deduction. Some employers set a minimum service period. Directors of limited companies can usually take part too, as long as they take a salary through PAYE. If you're self-employed with no salary, or paid only through dividends, salary sacrifice won't work — but a business lease or personal contract hire might suit you instead.

What is included in the monthly cost?

Most providers bundle everything into one fixed monthly payment: the car lease, comprehensive insurance, road tax, routine servicing, maintenance, tyres and breakdown cover. Some also include early-termination protection. Fuel or charging isn't included, but home-charging an EV is still far cheaper per mile than petrol. The exact package varies by provider, so check the specifics before you sign.

How are the tax and NI savings calculated?

The lease cost is taken from your gross salary before income tax and National Insurance, so you pay less of both. The car is then taxed as a Benefit-in-Kind on its list price. For a fully electric car the BIK rate is just 4% in 2026/27, rising gradually to 9% by 2029/30 — so a £40,000 EV attracts only £1,600 of taxable benefit, meaning a 40% taxpayer pays about £640 a year. A petrol equivalent could cost many times more.

Can company directors use salary sacrifice for an EV?

Yes — if you take a salary through PAYE, directors can participate like any other employee. Many directors find it especially attractive because corporation tax relief on the employer's side, plus low personal BIK, makes an electric company car very efficient. If you're paid mainly through dividends with little PAYE salary, the scheme may not be available, but a company lease or outright purchase could still offer significant tax advantages.

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 from your gross (pre-tax) salary — that alone often saves 30–60% on the equivalent monthly cost, and you avoid the large upfront deposit many personal deals need. The trade-off is you don't own the car at the end. If ownership matters, or you're not on PAYE, a personal PCP or HP deal may fit better.

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 covering resignation, redundancy or long-term sick leave. Without it, you may be liable for the remaining 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.

Why anycolourcar.com

A family-run EV specialist in Barnsley

We're a local, family-run dealer and RAC Approved service centre serving Barnsley, Sheffield, Wakefield, Doncaster and Rotherham — and the official Skywell EV dealer for South Yorkshire. No pressure, just honest advice.

RAC Approved Repair Centre Official Skywell EV dealer — South Yorkshire Shell Oils partner

Showroom

anycolourcar.com

The Old Garage, Genn Lane, Worsbrough

Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 6TF

01226 574410

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Service centre · RAC Approved

anycolourcar.com Service Centre

Stairfoot Business Park, Bleachcroft Way

Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 3PA

01226 574410

EV & vehicle servicing →

Thinking about going electric?

Come and see our electric cars, ask us anything, or book a no-obligation chat. We'll give you the honest version.

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anycolourcar Limited is registered in England and Wales under company number: 12573459. Genn Lane, Barnsley, S70 6TF. anycolourcar Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, under FCA number: 946186. We act as a credit broker not a lender. We work with a number of carefully selected credit providers who may be able to offer you finance for your purchase. (Written Quotation available upon request). Whichever lender we introduce you to, we will typically receive commission from them (either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage of the amount you borrow) and this may or may not affect the total amount repayable. The lender will disclose this information before you enter into an agreement which only occurs with your express consent. The lenders we work with could pay commission at different rates and you will be notified of the amount we are paid before completion. All finance is subject to status and income. Terms and conditions apply. Applicants must be 18 years or over. We are only able to offer finance products from these providers. As we are a credit broker and have a commercial relationship with the lender, the introduction we make is not impartial, but we will make introductions in line with your needs, subject to your circumstances. anycolourcar Limited are registered with the Information Commissioners Office under registration number: ZA863807

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Showroom: The Old Garage, Genn Lane, Worsbrough, Barnsley, S70 6TF.

Service Centre: Stairfoot Business Park, Bleachcroft Way, S70 3PA

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Customer Care 01226 574321

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