There are many different factors that determine whether an electric car will last as long as or longer than a petrol or diesel equivalent. Many manufacturers offer warranties on the battery, as they can otherwise be expensive to replace.

Over time, the battery in an electric car becomes less effective with use. However, an EV battery is expected to last around 10-20 years, so it is likely that some other part of the EV would need repair before then (according to EDF).

It’s important to remember that the battery is not the only part of an electric car that might need replacing, and an electric car needs to be serviced just as often as any other car.

The main factors that affect the range include the make and model of the car you buy, how you drive it, and the conditions in which it is driven. Using the heating and air conditioning also drains the battery, reducing the range you can drive.

Octopus Energy found that, for 2009-2019 registered EVs, a range of around 100 miles was achievable. But with the latest technology, a brand-new electric car often boasts a range of over 400 miles.

It depends on the size of the car’s battery, the speed of the charger, the ambient temperature, and how much charge is left in the battery.

Charging an electric car can take anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. For a typical EV with a 60kWh battery, it takes around 8 hours to charge from empty to full at a 7kW charging point. This is according to research by Pod Point.

You can either charge your car at home or use a public charging station. To charge your car at home safely and legally, you can have a charging station fitted. Public charging stations can be found at supermarkets and motorway services.

If you’re not sure, try Zap Map to find nearby charging points.

There may be grants available to help with the cost of home charger installation. For the latest information, check GOV.UK.

According to Admiral, electric cars are, on average, 5% more expensive to insure than the UK average for all car types. This could be because certain parts, like the battery, can be expensive to replace if damaged. Also, repairs may be pricier as only technicians trained in electric vehicles can work on them.

Maintaining and servicing an electric vehicle can be cheaper because they have fewer moving parts that can break. However, one of the biggest potential costs with an EV is the battery, although many manufacturers offer warranties for them.

There are many electric cars that cost less than £15 to fully charge at home. However, the cost of charging depends on how much charge your battery has left, the condition of your battery, whether you’re using a public or home charger, and the cost of electricity.

Our study on EV charging costs found some of the cheapest car brands and models to charge at home. These include the Fiat 500e, Mini Electric, Mazda MX-30, Volkswagen e-Up!, Nissan Leaf, and Hyundai Kona Electric (39 kWh model).

A brand-new, zero-emission vehicle, such as an electric car, qualifies for the 100% first-year allowance. This means you may be able to deduct the cost of your new EV from your self-employed or business profits before you pay tax. This is according to GOV.UK.

If you choose to buy an EV on finance, the car finance payments may be tax-deductible, depending on your circumstances.

For further information, you should consult HMRC or a qualified tax professional.

There are several grants available to help with the cost of buying an electric car in the UK. These include the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (for renters or flat owners) and the Plug-In Car Grant.

Used electric cars tend to be cheaper than brand-new models. Buying a used EV means that while you won’t get the latest technology, you’ll still benefit from driving with zero emissions and no charges for entering Clean Air Zones.

The main downside to buying a used EV is the anxiety around battery life. Although it might feel uncertain buying a used EV because you don’t know if the car and the battery have been kept in good condition, know that the vast majority of batteries will outlast the life of the vehicle and never need to be replaced. This is according to a study by Geotab on over 6,000 EVs spanning many car brands and models.