When it comes to buying a used hybrid or electric vehicle, there’s a lot to consider. From finding out which cars fit your criteria to carrying out vehicle checks and getting the best deal – the process can be long, and at times, complicated too. Our expert guides cover everything you need to know about buying the used EV of your dreams.
Uncover the costs of running an electric car, the differences between an EV, PHEV and a hybrid, the environmental impacts of EVs – and so much more in our easy-to-digest guides. Don’t forget to check out our helpful FAQ section at the bottom of this page – it holds the answers to all your burning questions surrounding electric vehicles. Or, why not put your knowledge to the ultimate test and take our Electric Vehicle Myth Buster Quiz?
The average purchase price of a new electric car in the UK in 2021 was around £44,000. These prices go down if you are looking to buy a used electric car.
On Motors.co.uk the average price of a used electric car is £35,521 and £28,458 for a used hybrid vehicle. With plenty of older models on sale, that guarantees anyone will be able to find the right used electric or hybrid vehicle.
Like any other electric batteries, electric vehicle batteries can degrade and become less effective over time. The lithium-ion batteries that most EVs use are expected to last up to 10 years or 100,000 miles of use, although in some cases this can double. Find out more with our car charging and car batteries guides.
Long story short, electric cars power their engines by taking electricity from the grid via charge points. The energy is stored in rechargeable batteries that then power the electric motor that turns the wheels. Check out our guide on how electric cars work for more information.
Electric Cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning driving one doesn’t have an environmental impact. However, according to the European Environment Agency (EEA), producing the car batteries that power electric vehicles release higher emissions than those from petrol and diesel cars. For more of a breakdown, take a look at our Electric Car Buying guide.
As of February 2022, fully electric cars are exempt from London’s congestion charge. That is because they qualify under The Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which offers a 100% discount. However, from 25 December 2025 the rules will change as the cleaner vehicle discount will be removed entirely. Meaning that everyone will pay the congestion charge, even electric vehicle drivers. If you want more information, read our guide on avoiding congestion charge.
In short, a hybrid car is a type of vehicle that gets powered by combining a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor. Hybrid vehicles consume less fuel and emit less CO2 than comparable petrol or diesel cars.
Fully electric vehicles don’t pay road tax. More information on our Electric Car Tax Guide.