With the cost of living increasing dramatically, we’ve had plenty of inquiries about whether second-hand electric vehicles are still more affordable to own and run than their fuel-powered siblings. Previously, it’s been obvious that electric vehicles are cheaper to run as they don’t require petrol or diesel. Now both fuel and electricity prices have increased, which is cheaper?
How much have energy prices increased?
Before we get into the fact, let’s start with a bit of history. In 2019, the UK Government introduced the energy price cap. This stopped UK households from being overcharged for their gas and electricity. However, this cap has just increased due to the wholesale cost of fossil fuels.
This means households could see a 54% increase in the cost of energy, which could add up to £700 per year. But what about those who own or drive second-hand electric vehicles?
Carwow predicts EV owners could see an increase from 0.21p to 0.28p per kWh from April 2022, depending on your provider. Just like anything else, the more you use and charge your electric vehicle, the more it will cost to run it.
If we use the 40kWh battery Nissan Leaf as an example, drivers could see a charge cost £11.20 compared to £8.40 prior to the increase in prices. Depending on how many miles you drive, this could increase your charging costs by £16 per month, or £200 per year.
How much have fuel prices increased?
So what about fuel prices? Well, they’re looking even worse. Unfortunately, conventional fuel prices began to rise when Russia decided to invade Ukraine and they haven’t gone down yet. Fuel prices across the UK fluctuate daily and can vary depending on where you live.
The RAC’s Fuel Watch tracks the cost of fuel up and down the country to create a national average. According to its latest data, petrol costs an average of 162.08p per litre. Whereas, the cost of diesel is sitting at around 176.32p per litre.
Thanks to the Covid-19 lockdowns, fuel prices were considerably low throughout 2020. However, since the beginning of 2021 fuel prices have been constantly climbing. In February 2022, prices were up to 148p per litre for petrol and 151p per litre for diesel. Since then, they’ve been rising on what feels like a daily basis.
These increased prices mean it could cost a UK family £21 more to fill up a 55-litre petrol tank than it would have 12 months ago. Likewise, drivers of diesel vehicles could see fuel increases of £27 per month.
Fuel vs electric – what’s more economical?
Even with the increase in both energy and fuel prices, it’s clear that it would still cost you significantly less to charge second-hand electric vehicles than it would to fill up a petrol alternative. Plus, you’ve got plenty of other financial benefits to driving an electric vehicle!
Data from Compare the Market shows that second-hand electric vehicles are £579 cheaper than petrol cars when looking at fuel costs, insurance and road tax! You can even use their EV Cost Saving Calculator to work out how much you could save by driving an electric vehicle.
When using their tool, we can see that just by switching to the Vauxhall Corsa-e, instead of the petrol Corsa, drivers could save up to £500 per year! Likewise, if you swapped your hefty Land Rover Discovery for the luxury Jaguar I-Pace SUV, you could save an average of £2,245 per year!
With those kinds of figures, why wouldn’t you want to drive electric?
Second-hand electric vehicles at EV Sales!
If you’re ready to make the switch to eco-friendly, more affordable driving, we have some fantastic second-hand electric vehicles available.
The first model we have available is the Renault Zoe, which makes for a great first time EV! Thanks to their size, tech and range, the Zoe is one of the best-selling electric vehicles across the globe. Our 2018 Zoes have a range of around 120 miles on a full charge and are packed with up to date technology. They all have less that 30,000 miles on the clock too!
To check out our range of Renault Zoes please click here, or give us a call on 01634 914 063.
Up next is the Tesla Model S! At the moment, we have two Model S vehicles available, one being the 85 and the other being the P85. These are both 2014 plate models that have a range of approximately 220 miles!
Tesla is known for its fantastic technology and these cars are no different! You can check them out here.
Another Tesla model that we have in at the moment is a 2019 Tesla Model 3! This is possibly our favourite of the Tesla brand and makes for a perfect family EV. There’s brilliant on-board entertainment for the kids plus 270 miles of range. For a great price, this Tesla Model 3 comes with only 32,000 miles on the clock.
New electric vans!
Here at EV Sales we also have a couple of brand new electric vans available, including the Vauxhall Vivaro-e and Renault Kangoo.
Starting with the Vivaro-e, which offers up to 200 miles of range with the larger 75kWh battery and is compatible with rapid charging. When you’re on the road, you can recharge the Vivaro-e from zero – 80% in just 30 minutes.
There’s three seats in the front and a payload of 1,004kg, making it perfect for any business. The Vauxhall Vivaro-e is currently one of the only electric vans on the market that doesn’t compromise. A great range, decent level of technology and more than enough room for cargo. Check out our Vauxhall Vivaro-e range here!
Up next is the fantastic all-electric Renault Kangoo van which is not only brilliant for transporting materials and heavy loads! The Kangoo comes with customisable seating so you can choose between 2 or 5 seats. Just fold down the rear seats to create more room for storing goods.
It’s 33kWh battery gives the Kangoo around 120 miles on a single charge, which is perfect for any local business. View the Renault Kangoo here, or drop us an email via mail@evisionsales.co.uk to arrange a viewing.
* All information correct as of 27/04/2022.
