The Real Cost of Driving Electric in the UK: What Business Owners Need to Know

You’ve probably heard it said that electric vehicles (EVs) are expensive to buy and complicated to charge. But according to the most comprehensive EV cost analysis ever conducted in the UK, the real story is quite different.

The Cost of Driving Electric 2025 report by Electric Vehicles UK and New AutoMotive unpacks the true financial picture, and the results are eye-opening for business owners considering switching their fleets or installing EV charge points.

Here’s what stood out to us at EVC Solutions:

1. The majority of EV owners are saving money

More than 80% of EV buyers in 2025 are expected to save money over the life of their vehicle compared to an equivalent petrol or diesel car. The average saving? A whopping £5,850 over the full ownership term​.

• Used EVs: Save around £3,440 over five years
• New EVs (via PCP or salary sacrifice): Save £7,785 over four years - over £2,000 a year!

2. Charging at home? The savings are even bigger

EV drivers with home charging access are winning. In 90% of scenarios studied, these drivers saved money. And even those relying on public charging could still come out ahead, especially when using lower-cost community charging networks like Co Charger​.

3. Used EVs are now cheaper to buy than petrol cars

A standout revelation: 80% of used EV models analysed are cheaper to buy upfront than their petrol or diesel equivalents. Some are even £5,000–£10,000 cheaper​.

This is big news for SMEs, local fleets, and businesses who are looking at EVs for staff or pool vehicles. The used EV market is maturing, and the cost of entry is falling.

4. But public charging costs are holding people back

For drivers without off-street parking, the cost of public charging can erode savings. This is now seen as the biggest barrier to adoption, and a clear opportunity for businesses with premises and car parks to install EV chargers and serve this growing market​.

5. The opportunity: install charge points and serve a growing market

There are two ways business owners can benefit from the EV transition:

• Switch your fleet and cut costs over time, especially if you can charge on-site.
• Install EV charge points at your premises, car park, or depot to serve employees, customers, or tenants who don’t have access to home charging.

With 500,000 new EVs and 250,000 used EVs expected to be sold in the UK this year, demand for smart, accessible charging is only going one way​.

See What’s Possible with EVC Solutions

Whether you're a business with a car park, a landlord with tenants, or a company looking to electrify your fleet, there's never been a better time to act. The savings are real. The demand is growing.

Let’s explore how EV charging could work for you.
See what’s possible. 

Contact EVC Solutions today to see what’s possible for your business and make the switch to a cleaner, greener future.