Evs vehicles are driven by electric motors that convert electrical energy from an on-board battery into power for the wheels. The result is a car that produces zero emissions and can drive for much longer on a single charge than many conventional cars. The range of available models is rapidly expanding – from city car sized EVs like the Fiat 500e to mid-size family cars and even SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y.

While a shorter driving range than a gas-powered car can be an issue, it’s becoming less of a problem as manufacturers continue to improve battery technology. In addition, charging times are falling. A full charge at home or at public charging stations can take just a few hours.

A big draw for some drivers is the instant torque that an EV delivers from standstill. This is caused by the fact that an electric motor doesn’t need to wait for fuel to combust and turn the crankshaft, which means it can accelerate from a dead stop much faster than a petrol car.

Vs Vehicle: Understanding the Market and Options

There’s now a good chance that an EV will cost you less than your current car to run, with the average new model currently costing £2,800 less to own than a comparable internal combustion model. However, it’s important to consider up-front costs, regional electricity rates, charging habits and maintenance expenses over the course of a typical car ownership period (about seven years) to get a true picture.