Electric car finance
Compare finance options from trusted UK lenders for electric and hybrid vehicles, with flexible monthly payments to suit your budget.
Quick decision HP and PCP options No broker fees
Quick decision Electric and hybrid cars No broker feesCar Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. Rates from 10.9% APR. Representative 21.6% APR (fixed).
Representative Example (Hire Purchase): Borrow £6,000 with £0 deposit over 60 months with a representative 21.6% APR (fixed). 60 monthly payments of £157.92. Final Option to Purchase Fee: £10. Total cost of credit: £3,485.20. Total amount payable: £9,485.20. Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. This is an example only; all finance is subject to status. Lender fees may apply.
Buying a Used Electric Car
The used electric car market has never offered more choice. Whether you're looking for lower running costs, quieter driving or an environmentally friendly alternative to petrol or diesel, buying a used EV can be an excellent long-term investment.
With prices becoming more affordable and the UK's charging network continuing to expand, more drivers than ever are making the switch to electric. This guide explains everything you need to know before buying a used electric car, from charging and running costs to choosing the right manufacturer and finance option.
Why Buy a Used Electric Car?
Used electric cars are becoming an increasingly popular choice for UK motorists. As more new EVs enter the market, the used car sector has grown rapidly, giving buyers access to better technology, longer driving ranges and excellent value for money.
For many households, buying a used electric car can provide significant savings over the lifetime of ownership, especially if most journeys are local or involve regular commuting.
Lower day-to-day running costs.
Fewer servicing requirements.
Reduced maintenance due to fewer moving engine parts.
A quieter and smoother driving experience.
Lower environmental impact through zero tailpipe emissions.
Electric Cars vs Petrol & Diesel Cars
While electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, petrol and diesel cars still suit some driving styles. The comparison below highlights the main differences.
If you're still deciding which type of vehicle best suits your needs, our Electric vs Petrol Cars guide explains the advantages and disadvantages of each in more detail.
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Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. Rates from 10.9% APR. Representative 21.6% APR (fixed).
Representative Example (Hire Purchase): Borrow £6,000 with £0 deposit over 60 months with a representative 21.6% APR (fixed). 60 monthly payments of £157.92. Final Option to Purchase Fee: £10. Total cost of credit: £3,485.20. Total amount payable: £9,485.20. Car Loans UK is a credit broker, not a lender. This is an example only; all finance is subject to status. Lender fees may apply.
Charging a Used Electric Car
One of the biggest questions buyers ask is how easy it is to charge an electric car. Fortunately, charging has become much more convenient in recent years.
The UK now has more than 80,000 public EV charge points, with thousands more being installed every year across supermarkets, retail parks, motorway service stations, leisure centres and public car parks. Ultra-rapid chargers capable of adding hundreds of miles of range in under 30 minutes are also becoming increasingly common.
Government investment continues through initiatives such as the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, which is providing almost £400 million to help local authorities install additional on-street charging for drivers without private parking.
For many motorists, charging while shopping, working or visiting leisure facilities has become part of their normal routine.
Electric Car Charging Options
You can own an electric car with or without a home charger. It simply depends on your parking, routine and access to nearby charging points.
Without Home Charging
Yes. Although charging at home is often the cheapest and most convenient option, it's certainly not essential.
Many electric vehicle owners rely entirely on public charging networks or workplace charging. If your employer offers EV charging or you regularly visit locations with charging facilities, owning an electric car without a driveway is becoming increasingly practical.
Before purchasing an EV, it's worth checking what charging options are available close to your home, workplace and regular journeys.
Installing a Home Charger
If you do have off-road parking, installing a dedicated home charger is usually worthwhile.
A professionally installed 7kW charger typically costs between £800 and £1,500, depending on the charger selected and the complexity of the installation.
Most homes are suitable for an EV charger. Before installation, a qualified electrician will inspect your consumer unit (fuse box) and electrical supply. Older properties may occasionally require an upgraded consumer unit before installation, but this is a common process and simply ensures the charger meets current electrical safety standards.
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GET MY QUOTE →How Much Does It Cost to Run an Electric Car?
Although electricity prices vary depending on your tariff, charging an EV at home is usually considerably cheaper than filling a petrol or diesel vehicle with fuel.
Lower Charging Costs
Charging at home can often work out cheaper than traditional fuel, especially when using an EV-friendly electricity tariff.
Less Maintenance
Electric cars tend to cost less to maintain because they have fewer components, no engine oil, fewer filters and reduced brake wear thanks to regenerative braking.
Long-Term Value
When considering the total cost of ownership, including servicing, maintenance and fuel, many drivers find a used electric car offers excellent long-term value.
Best Used Electric Cars by Budget
Whatever your budget, there are now plenty of high-quality used electric cars available.
Before buying any used electric car, it's worth checking the vehicle's service history, battery health and any remaining manufacturer battery warranty. Many manufacturers provide battery warranties of up to eight years or around 100,000 miles, giving buyers additional peace of mind.
Is Now the Right Time to Buy a Used Electric Car?
For many drivers, the answer is yes.
Used EV prices have become significantly more competitive over recent years, making electric vehicles accessible to more buyers than ever before. Combined with lower running costs, improving battery technology and a rapidly expanding charging network, there's never been a better time to consider switching to electric.
Motoring journalist and EV advocate Quentin Willson has consistently highlighted that drivers who can regularly charge at home often enjoy the greatest financial savings through reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
Similarly, Ginny Buckley, founder of Electrifying.com, has pointed to falling used EV prices as one of the biggest reasons more motorists are now considering electric cars.
Whether you're looking for your first electric vehicle or replacing an existing car, a used EV could provide an affordable, reliable and cost-effective way to future-proof your driving.
If you're ready to make the switch, explore our range of used electric cars and discover flexible electric vehicle finance options designed to help you get behind the wheel sooner.
CAR LOANS UK: HOW DOES IT WORK?
A step by step guide:
Our aim at Car Loans UK is to find you the perfect vehicle and finance plan. Our experienced consultants do the hard work,
saving you the time and effort. We will actively source you the ideal used car and finance package from our panel of lenders.
STEP 01 ⸺
FILL IN
DETAILS
Fill in your details using the form above or click here to begin the process.
STEP 02 ⸺
WE FIND YOUR
PERFECT CAR
We find you the perfect used car. Whether you have a specific make or model in mind, or just want a 5-door family car with air conditioning, our team will find the right car for your needs.
STEP 03 ⸺
SOURCE
FINANCE
We work with a panel of UK lenders to try and find you a finance agreement and payment plan that suits your budget. We carry out the relevant checks and keep you informed every step of the way.
So, let Car Loans UK take the strain of searching for a new car and finance plan away, and begin your journey today.
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