Q Are electric cars more efficient?

A

Combustion cars are about 30% efficient with 70% of the energy in the fuel turning into heat or noise whereas electric cars are about 90% efficient.

Based on a cost-per-mile basis, an electric car is much cheaper than a petrol or diesel alternative. Depending on which cars you compare and cost of energy, an electric car’s running cost is between 10% and 20% that of the cost of running a combustion engine car.

There are also significant tax advantages such as low or zero vehicle tax (most comonly known as road tax) and the government grant to help you on your way such as up to £1500 off the RRP of the car which applies to the level 1 and 2 MINI Electric.

If you own your own business you should speak to your accountant about write down allowances, low company car tax (BIK) and company National Insurance contributions compared to when using a combustion car.