By Esme Stallard<\/strong> There are nearly half a million electric cars in the UK, and rising fuel prices have prompted more people to consider making the switch. <\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The government is banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, a decade earlier than originally planned. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Public charging costs vary but this hybrid approach could cost about \u00a348, still significantly cheaper than conventional fuel. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n But for now, a typical new electric car remains more expensive than an equivalent petrol or diesel model – ranging from \u00a323,000 to \u00a343,000. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n However, cheaper second-hand EVs are increasingly available.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The BBC found a number of used five-seater electric hatchbacks for between \u00a38,000 and \u00a321,000.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Leasing offers another option. According to Leasing.com, the demand for EVs in 2021 was greater than for diesel or petrol cars.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It says the current average monthly payment for a five-seater hatchback is less than for the diesel equivalent:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Depending on the model and age of your EV, you may be entitled to a reduction in vehicle tax or be exempt<\/a>. Some councils waive residents’ parking fees for EVs. Electric cars also don’t have to pay the London congestion charge. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Electric cars typically require less ongoing maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, but EVs do need to have annual MOTs<\/a> after three years.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This depends on the model and the speed of the charger. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
BBC News<\/span><\/p>\n<\/header>\n![\"Side](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/27B1\/production\/_124216101_gettyimages-687775067.jpg\")
<\/span>Image source, <\/span>Getty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhat does it cost to charge an EV?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How much do electric cars cost to buy?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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What about other costs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How long does it take to charge EVs?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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![\"Bar](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/800\/cpsprodpb\/3F4C\/production\/_124240261_evcharginglocations.png\")
![\"Type](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/9CFD\/production\/_125398104_type2electricvehicleplug.png\")