Top 15 Benefits of Electric Cars

What are the benefits of electric cars?

Compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, the running costs associated with EVs are significantly lower. For motorists who find themselves baulking at soaring petrol costs, this is one of the top electric car benefits.

From slashing your carbon footprint to eliminating trips to the forecourt, here are some of the top electric car benefits:

Lower your carbon footprint

EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions and release no harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. This helps to improve air quality and combat climate change.

Lower running costs

Compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, the running costs associated with EVs are significantly lower. For motorists who find themselves baulking at soaring petrol costs, this is one of the top electric car benefits.

Lower maintenance costs

EVs aren’t just cheaper to run. They also have fewer moving parts than vehicles with ICEs, which results in lower maintenance and repair costs. When you lease an EV you’ll enjoy even more savings and sidestep maintenance costs completely. Want to know more about the process of leasing an EV and the different types of makes and models available? Don’t miss our comprehensive electric car guide.

These three electric car considerations just scratch the surface. Now, let's take a closer look at the top 15 benefits in more detail:

1. Lower running costs

Petrol and diesel vehicles run on fossil fuels while EVs are powered by electric engines. This means electric cars are significantly cheaper to run compared to ICE vehicles. Find out more in our petrol vs electric car guide.

2. Better for the environment

Electric cars have zero tailpipe emissions, which helps to reduce air pollution, slash greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. When you get behind the wheel of an EV you contribute to a cleaner and greener planet. Find out more in our guide to are electric cars better for the environment.

3. Improved health benefits

EVs aren't just kind to the environment. They also offer meaningful public health benefits. Reduced air pollution promotes better air quality, which can help minimise cases of respiratory and cardiovascular conditions in the local community.

4. Convenient charging at home

Charging an electric car at home is fast, easy and convenient. While there is the option to use a standard electrical outlet it’s best to install a purpose-built EV charger. This accelerates charge times and eliminates the safety risks associated with standard sockets.

5. Lower maintenance costs

EVs have fewer moving parts than ICE vehicles, which translates to lower maintenance and repair costs.

6. Packed with the latest technology

EVs like the Tesla Model 3 come equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced infotainment systems, driver assistance features and connectivity. Many EV manufacturers like Tesla are industry leaders when it comes to technology and set a new standard not just for EVs but for the automotive industry in general.

7. Improved performance

Electric motors deliver instant torque, which translates to smooth and responsive acceleration. Despite being powered by batteries, EVs often outperform cars with internal combustion engines.

8. Less noise pollution

EVs are whisper-quiet compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts. This eliminates noise pollution in both urban environments and residential neighbourhoods.

9. Low road tax

All electric cars are exempt from road tax, a benefit that can significantly reduce the cost of owning or leasing an EV.

10. Benefit in Kind (BIK) savings

Electric cars are excellent candidates for Benefit in Kind (BIK) schemes. Offered by employers, employees can use these non-cash benefits to get behind the wheel of EVs and enjoy significant tax rate reductions.

11. Free and dedicated parking

Many cities offer free or dedicated parking spaces for electric cars. This electric car benefit can save you both time and money when parking in busy cities like London and Birmingham.

12. Government incentives

From grants to help cover the cost of installing at-home chargers to rebates and tax credits, the British government offers a variety of incentives designed to encourage EV adoption. Use them to offset the upfront costs of purchasing or leasing an electric vehicle.

13. Avoid ULEZ & congestion charges

The UK is taking drastic measures to combat air pollution, including the introduction of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ) in major cities. EV drivers can sidestep the charges associated with entering these zones.

14. Fun & easy to drive

As all electric cars are automatic, they offer instant torque and smooth acceleration making driving EVs a joy. They’re not just for cities. Models like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV combine impressive range and luxury styling with genuine off-road capabilities.

15. Perfect for commuting

Even the most compact electric cars offer more than enough range for daily commuting. This makes them an ideal choice for motorists who primarily use their car for short trips. Workplace charging stations are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, which makes EVs even more appealing to commuters.

Considerations of electric cars

EVs offer a myriad of benefits for modern motorists. When researching electric car considerations, it’s important to look at both the pros and cons. For example, consider factors like:

Cost

EVs typically come with a higher RRP, compared to petrol and diesel-powered cars. That said, affordable models like the MG4 EV are continually being launched, making EV ownership a reality for an increasing number of Brits. Leasing also helps cut the costs with lower upfront and monthly payments.

Insurance

Electric cars typically have higher RRPs than their ICE counterparts which can result in inflated insurance costs. However, premiums are coming down as the popularity of EVs increases. Shop around for quotes to find the most competitive insurance rates.

Range anxiety

This is one of the biggest barriers to EV ownership. While range anxiety is valid, continually improving battery technology and the expansion of public charging infrastructure help to ease concerns. For example, new models like the Mercedes EQS offer a huge 452 miles of range on a single charge.

Why lease an electric car?

The latest data reveals lenders approved almost £41 billion in car finance in 2022. This represents a £4 billion increase compared to the previous year. With sales of new petrol and diesel-powered cars set to be phased out by 2035, EVs are becoming increasingly popular with British motorists. Leasing is a great way to secure the keys to a new EV and enjoy all the benefits of auto finance.

Here are a few reasons to lease an electric car in the UK:

Cost-effective: Leasing slashes the upfront costs associated with EV ownership. Instead of purchasing a new electric car outright, leasing allows you to split the cost into bite-sized monthly payments. This can make EVs more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

Try before you buy: Car lease options like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreements allow you to test an electric car without committing to ownership. This can help you decide if a certain model fits your lifestyle and driving habits.

Enjoy the latest technologies: Car lease agreements allow you to enjoy up-to-the-minute technologies, without committing to a particular make or model.

Hassle-free: Most leasing agreements include maintenance packages, which take the headache out of car ownership. You don't have to worry about unexpected costs associated with vehicle upkeep. Instead, these are simply written into the lease.

No depreciation worries: No need to stress about depreciation when you’re handed the keys to a new EV. With options like PCH, you’ll return the vehicle at the end of the lease term, which eliminates the financial risks associated with purchasing a new car.

Embrace the EV revolution with Leasing Options

If you want to experience electric car benefits without the long-term commitment and financial responsibilities of ownership, leasing can be a smart move. For most motorists, the benefits of electric cars extend far beyond low running costs. They offer a chance to improve public health and contribute towards building a greener and more sustainable future.

Ready to make the switch to electric? Whether you’ve got your heart set on a zippy Volkswagen ID.3 or a luxury Jaguar I-Pace, auto finance can be a flexible and cost-effective way to embrace the EV revolution.

Get in touch with Leasing Options today to find out more about how auto finance can help you get into the driver’s seat of an EV.