Electric Cars Cut Running Costs in Half Compared to Petrol Vehicles
New research has revealed that running an electric car costs nearly 50% less than a petrol vehicle. The study from home charger company Andersen found that EV owners typically spend around £1,154 per year on energy, insurance, servicing, and taxes, whereas petrol car owners shell out over £2,300.
The study compared a Vauxhall Corsa Electric with its 1.2-litre petrol version. While EV insurance remains pricier, savings in other areas more than make up for it. The biggest difference is in charging versus refuelling, with charging costing on average just 15% of what petrol drivers pay.
For those driving 10,000 miles a year, petrol expenses can reach £1,209. Meanwhile, EV owners who charge exclusively at home using an EV-specific tariff might spend as little as £174 annually.
Renault Prepares for 2026 Launch of New Electric Vans
Renault has introduced three new electric vans—the Trafic E-Tech, Goelette E-Tech, and Estafette E-Tech—as part of its commitment to more sustainable commercial transport. Developed under the Flexis project with Volvo Group and CMA CGM Group, these vans are tailored for urban logistics and cargo delivery.
Tipped for release in 2026, the vans will be built at Renault’s Sandouville plant in northern France.
UK Startup Expands EV Battery Production
British startup Ionetic has begun operations at a new £5 million pilot plant in Northamptonshire, ramping up production of battery packs for niche electric vehicle manufacturers.
CEO James Eaton shared that Ionetic is working with multiple automakers from the UK and the US to supply battery solutions for a range of vehicles, from commercial transport to sports cars, off-road vehicles, and buses. The company’s growth signals the UK’s expanding role in EV battery development and sustainable energy solutions.
Used Electric Vehicle Sales Hit Record High as Prices Drop
The UK saw a surge in used electric vehicle sales last year, driven by lower prices and a wider selection of models. According to the SMMT, used car sales rose 5.5% in 2024, with 7.6 million vehicles changing hands.
Demand for second hand EVs skyrocketed, with 188,382 units sold—a 57.4% jump from the previous year. EVs now make up 2.5% of the total used car market. Popular models such as the Tesla Model 3 and Kia e-Niro have seen significant price drops, bringing them closer in cost to petrol cars and making electric ownership more affordable than ever.
The move toward EVs continues to accelerate, with lower costs and new innovations driving adoption in the automotive industry.
