{"id":10539,"date":"2025-11-14T14:47:31","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T14:47:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/?p=10539"},"modified":"2026-05-21T10:56:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T09:56:27","slug":"should-you-buy-an-electric-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/should-you-buy-an-electric-car\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Buy an Electric Car in the UK in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is the biggest question in the modern motoring world, where EVs are now everywhere on UK roads. You may be wondering whether should you buy an electric car in 2026. One minute, you hear they&#8217;re a &#8220;game-changer&#8221; for saving money and the planet. Next, you hear about high prices, &#8220;range anxiety&#8221;, and the confusing charging network.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This guide will find you all your answers and will walk you through the real-world <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/benefits-of-an-electric-car\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pros and cons of an EV<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for drivers in the UK.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways: Should You Buy an EV in 2026<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric cars can save you money long term, especially if you can charge at home on an off-peak tariff.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upfront prices are still higher than petrol or diesel cars, but used EVs are becoming much more affordable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running costs are far lower, with electricity costing less per mile and fewer parts to service.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From April 2025, EVs will pay road tax, but they still avoid ULEZ and Clean Air Zone charges.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home charging makes EV ownership simple. Without off-street parking, you\u2019ll rely on costlier and less convenient public <a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/electric-vehicle-home-chargers\/\">chargers<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UK charging network is improving fast, though reliability and busy peak times can still be an issue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EVs suit short daily trips well. Long motorway journeys are fine too, but need more planning and often a higher-range model.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><div class=\"row saq-cta_div\">\n      <div class=\"col-xl-12\">\n        <div class=\"bg-yellow exchange-deal-content\" style=\"padding: 5rem 3rem;\">\n          <div class=\"title\">\n            <h3 class=\"big mb-4\">\n              Thinking to Switch to Electric Car\n            <\/h3>\n            <p class=\"h6 mb-0 fw-normal\">\n              If your thinking to make a switch to an electric car, sell your current car with Exchange My Car. Get mutlitple instant offers, free collection and secure payment\n            <\/p>\n\t\t\t\n          <\/div>\n         \t <form class=\"row g-4 g-sm-5 gy-5 get-quote-form\" style=\"margin-top:20px;\" action=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/my-details\" method=\"post\" id=\"reg_form\" name=\"reg_form\">\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n      <div class=\"position-relative\">\n        <div class=\"gb-icon-wrap small\">\n          <img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/ssaq\/assets\/images\/icons\/gb.svg\" alt=\"GB\">\n        <\/div>\n        <input type=\"text\" name=\"reg_num\" required=\"\" class=\"form-control gb-icon saq-reg_field_color saq-milage-field\" placeholder=\"ENTER REG \" title=\"Please enter registration number\" maxlength=\"7\" value=\"\">\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-6\">\n          <input type=\"number\" class=\"form-control js-milage_commo saq-milage-field  saq-mileage_field_color\" name=\"mileage\" placeholder=\"MILEAGE\">\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col-12\">\n      <button type=\"submit\" name=\"homesearch\" class=\"btn btn-big  saq-button-field btn-blue w-100\">Sell My Car<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/form>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do Electric Cars Really Save You Money Compared to Petrol\/Diesel?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are electric cars worth it? The simple answer is yes, but not for everyone. Because it depends on several factors, like comparing to upfront cost, how much you drive and where you live. Let&#8217;s break down the real-world figures you need to know in 2026.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upfront purchase costs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric cars are a bit expensive than petrol and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/should-i-buy-a-diesel-car\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diesel cars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> due to their battery. It is the single most costly part of the car. If you compare a new electric Vauxhall Corsa-e to its petrol <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/ford-fiesta-vs-vauxhall-corsa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vauxhall Corsa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cousin, you could be looking at a difference of over \u00a310,000 for the sticker price.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if the petrol version costs roughly \u00a31,500 a year in fuel and maintenance costs, you\u2019d need to drive the petrol version for about 8 years to offset that extra upfront cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the biggest hurdle for most buyers to consider buying an EV or not. That said, the used EV market is getting better, and then it will save you more money by buying a used one than a brand new one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running costs in the UK<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the biggest advantages of EVs is lower running costs. The electricity is generally cheaper than petrol and diesel, which could save more. Maintenance is also simpler because of fewer moving parts mean fewer services.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cost Per Mile Comparison (UK, 2026)<\/span><\/h4>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Charging \/ Fuel Type<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Cost per Mile Estimate<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Notes &amp; Sources<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home Charging (Off\u2011Peak)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7p \u2011 9p<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical range based on a dedicated EV tariff.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cCan be as low as 2p\u20115p\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With very cheap off\u2011peak EV tariffs.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical Petrol Car<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15p \u2011 17p<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Average petrol cost per mile around 13p\u201118p; many petrol cars fall in 15p\u201117p.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public Rapid Charging<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14p \u2011 15p (as given)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Note: many sources show public rapid charging often cost <\/span><b>15p\u201120p or more<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> per mile.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tax, incentives &amp; ULEZ\/CAZ impact<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fexchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2FULEZ-sign-board-is-euro-5-ulez-compliant.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"ULEZ sing borad - Should you buy an electric car\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For years, EVs had two huge financial perks: no road tax and free entry into clean air zones. This is changing fast. The free road tax (VED) party ends on 1st April 2025 and the new EV will pay \u00a310 in the first year, then the standard rate (currently \u00a3195\/year) from year two.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The existing EVs, for example, registered between 2017 and 31st March 2025, will also start paying the \u00a3195\/year standard rate. And the expensive ones, \u00a340,000+ &#8220;expensive car supplement&#8221;, will pay an extra \u00a3425\/year for 5 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the electric cars are still exempt from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/how-much-is-the-ulez-fine-is-it-the-same-as-ulez-charge\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">charges in ULEZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and CAZ zones. This can save you \u00a312.50 per day in London.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Servicing &amp; Maintenance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electric cars are simpler than petrol or diesel ones. They have far fewer moving parts, which means less to go wrong.\u00a0 For electric cars, you don\u2019t need to service them often, and annual servicing is 20-30% cheaper. You will still need to replace consumables like tyres and brake pads.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance Costs<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/types-of-car-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insurance<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for electric cars is a bit costly compared to petrol\/diesel cars. Insurance for electric cars tends to be higher due to three main factors. Their initial purchase price is greater, battery replacement costs are significant, and repairs often require specialised knowledge.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will an EV Fit Your Life?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No doubt, EVs are getting common and would save you money, but is it more practical than other cars? It could save you a fortune, but it creates a new source of daily frustration. Let\u2019s understand it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do You Have Off-Street Parking?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img src=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/assets\/empty.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/timthumb.php?src=https%3A%2F%2Fexchangemycar.co.uk%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F10%2FAre-electric-cars-worth-purchasing-in-2021-1.jpg&w=777&h=485\" class=\"img-fluid img-inherit img-cover lazy\" alt=\"EV charging station\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If yes, you have off-street parking, like a garage or driveway, then EV ownership is more convenient than petrol. You get home, plug in, and wake up every single morning to a &#8220;full tank&#8221;. You&#8217;ll rarely use the public charging network, which is a bit costly. This is the dream scenario.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have no off-street parking and park your car on the street, you should reconsider your decision. Because you will depend on public charging stations, which can be more expensive and less convenient.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Good is the UK Charging Network?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, you should know how convenient and good the charging network is in the UK. According to the Zapmap report that there are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">86,798 electric vehicle charging points across the UK.\u00a0 And the network is growing so fast, especially on motorways and supermarkets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you have to use multiple apps to spot charging points, and this also drains your wallet. Some chargers are busy at peak times, and reliability can be hit-and-miss.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is your &#8220;real&#8221; driving nature?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is what you should analyse about your driving nature. One of the biggest fears of electric cars is range anxiety. The average UK daily journey is less than 25 miles. The cheapest new EV you can buy today has a real-world range of at least 150-200 miles. It is best for short commutes and school runs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, for long journeys, you have to go for a bit expensive one, like the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/sell-my-car\/makes\/tesla\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tesla<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Model 3, which gives 436 miles.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Should You Buy an Electric Car Now or Wait?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now it is a practical question that everyone asks whether you should buy an electric car now or wait for a better one. Here&#8217;s the honest breakdown to help you decide.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reasons to BUY NOW<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a strong case to switch to an electric car if the money and lifestyle section already favour you.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will start saving money immediately if you charge an EV at home and save hundreds of pounds by not spending 15p+ per mile on petrol or diesel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EV will give a genuine driving experience, like the instant power, the silent, smooth ride, and the gear-free drive, which are genuinely a better way to travel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Used electric cars have become far more affordable, and new models are regularly discounted. You can get more range and features for less money than a few years ago.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will get incentives like Benefit-in-Kind (BiK), less road tax and no ULEZ and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/clean-air-zones\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CAZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> zone charges.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reasons to WAIT<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, being cautious, completely logical. The technology is still evolving and here are some reasons to wait:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The prices are still high, and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/cheapest-electric-cars-uk\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cheapest electric cars<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> still cost you thousands of pounds more than conventional cars. Though you can wait for the used EV market boom to get a better car at reasonable prices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Technology is improving, and with time, newer batteries offer better range, faster charging, and longer lifespans.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The charging network is still growing. It is good but not perfect, and in 2-3 years, it will be bigger and more reliable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, Should You Buy an EV in 2026?<\/span><\/h3>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>YOU SHOULD BUY NOW IF&#8230;<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>YOU SHOULD WAIT IF&#8230;<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; You have <\/span><b>off-street parking<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and can install a home charger.<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; You <\/span><b>park on the street<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and rely completely on public charging.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; Your annual mileage is <\/span><b>above average<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (the savings compound faster).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; You use your car for very long, <\/span><b>high-speed motorway<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> trips most days.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; You are a <\/span><b>company car driver<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (the tax savings are too massive to ignore).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; Your budget is <\/span><b>tight<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and you need a cheaper initial purchase price.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; You regularly drive into <\/span><b>ULEZ\/CAZ<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> zones (you save \u00a312.50 per day).<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; You need to tow heavy loads (the range penalty is still too severe).<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros &amp; Cons of Buying an Electric Car in the UK<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why should you buy an electric car<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; <\/span><b>Ultra-Low Running Costs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you can charge at home on an off-peak tariff, your &#8220;fuel&#8221; costs can be cut in half (or more).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; <\/span><b>A Better Driving Experience:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> They are just nicer to drive. They&#8217;re quiet, smooth, and impressively quick off the line.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; <\/span><b>Free City Entry:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You&#8217;ll pay \u00a30 to enter any of the UK&#8217;s Clean Air Zones (CAZ), including London&#8217;s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.exchangemycar.co.uk\/ulez-checker\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ULEZ<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x2705; <\/span><b>Great for the Environment:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Zero tailpipe emissions is a huge win for air quality in towns and cities.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why you should not buy an electric car<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; <\/span><b>High Purchase Price:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This is the biggest single barrier. They cost significantly more to buy than the petrol equivalent.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; <\/span><b>Home Charging is (Almost) Essential:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you can&#8217;t charge at home, the cost savings disappear and the &#8220;faff&#8221; factor of using public chargers is high.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; <\/span><b>Long Journeys Need Planning:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You can&#8217;t just jump in the car and drive 400 miles. You <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">will<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> have to stop for a 20-30 minute charging break.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#x274c; <\/span><b>Higher Insurance Costs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Premiums are currently higher for most EVs due to the specialist parts (like the battery) and repair costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it worth buying an electric car?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the right person, 100% yes. It\u2019s totally worth it if you can charge at home and if your daily drive is well within the car\u2019s range. It <a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-hypermiling\/\">saves you fuel<\/a> money.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it\u2019s probably not worth it if you live in a flat with no charger or if you regularly drive 300+ miles a day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the 2035 ban on new petrol\/diesel cars definitely happening?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. As of right now, the UK government has confirmed its plan to ban the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars, including hybrids, from 2035. This does not mean you&#8217;ll be forced to scrap your car. The ban is only for the sale of new models.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long do electric car batteries last?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most manufacturers expect a battery to last for 10 to 20 years, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">with a lifespan of 100,000 to 200,000 miles<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This guarantees that the battery will keep a certain amount of its health (usually 70%) in that time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are electric cars really better for the environment?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/are-electric-cars-better-for-the-environment\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EVs are better for the environment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s true that manufacturing an EV (especially the battery) creates more CO2 than making a petrol car. However, that &#8220;carbon debt&#8221; is paid off very quickly within 2-3 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if I run out of charge?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Running out of charge is like running out of petrol. It&#8217;s rare, but here&#8217;s what happens. First, the car won&#8217;t just die. It will give you lots of warnings and enter a &#8220;limp mode&#8221; to save power, giving you a chance to pull over safely. You cannot be towed with a rope like a normal car, as this can damage the electric motors. You must call a breakdown service.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Verdict: should you buy an electric car<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An electric car can be a smart move in the UK, but it depends on how you drive, where you live and what you can realistically afford. If you have off-street parking, then it is totally worth it, as you can save money over time, like from fuel and congestion charges. However, if you rely heavily on public chargers or often do long motorway journeys, it is worth taking a closer look.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It is the biggest question in the modern motoring world, where EVs are now everywhere on UK roads. You may be wondering whether should you buy an electric car in 2026. One minute, you hear they&#8217;re a &#8220;game-changer&#8221; for saving money and the planet. Next, you hear about high prices, &#8220;range anxiety&#8221;, and the confusing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":10541,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0},"categories":[1],"tags":[1794,1791,1793,1792],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10539"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10539"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10539\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11997,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10539\/revisions\/11997"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/exchangemycar.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}