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Is an electric vehicle right for me?

Electric cars, vans, taxis, eBikes, eCargo bikes… 

No matter how you get around, going electric could make sense for you.  

Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) can be good for your wallet as well as the environment. 

There’s plenty of advice online to help you decide whether to go for it. 

Reasons to choose an electric vehicle

Two electric vehicles charging

Cut your fuel costs

Going electric can be much cheaper than petrol or diesel. Work out typical journey costs compared to your current car with this calculator.

Tool set for electric vehicles

Cheaper maintenance

Electric cars have fewer parts to fix and get less wear and tear on the brakes. They cost less to service and maintain. And they’re more reliable than petrol and diesel, especially if you make a lot of short journeys.

Electric taxi at a charging point

Get a plug-in grant

Some electric vehicles – including wheelchair accessible vehicles, vans, trucks, motorcycles and taxis – are eligible for a government grant, so you can buy them more cheaply.

Woman charging white car in business car park

Company car savings

If you’re a company car driver, switching to an electric car could save you money in tax. Reduced tax also applies to businesses with salary sacrifice schemes, so it’s worth checking if your organisation has one.

Chargers everywhere

Charging up an EV is easier than ever. Whether you’re at home or on the move, there are plenty of options to get you charged up.

Close up image of an electric charger

Getting started on the road to electric

Ready to go for it? Need help choosing a vehicle, or help installing a charging point? We’ve got you covered. 

What kind of EV?

Want to know the difference between a battery-electric, a plug-in hybrid or an extended-range electric vehicle?

Finding your EV

The cost of electric vehicles is coming down and the second-hand market is growing fast. Meaning there are some great choices out there.

Help installing a charging point

The government has a range of grants to help towards the cost of installing EV charge points at home and at businesses.

Taking charge

If you need more information before you make the decision to go electric there’s plenty of help and advice online. We recommend you check out: 

Energy Saving Trust  

Get the right electricity tariff  

Office for Zero Emission Vehicles  

Electric Vehicles: costs, charging and infrastructure

Travelling differently

You might need to drive for work or other journeys. But it’s worth considering other options where you can.  

Walking, cycling or wheeling for short journeys is good for your wallet, the environment and can even save time looking for parking.  

And through the Bee Network, we’re joining up zero emission electric buses, trams and trains with park and ride, and safe cycling and walking routes.  

So it’s easy and affordable to leave the car at home where you can. 

Find out more about travel choices in Greater Manchester below.  

Getting started with electric bikes

eBikes are a popular way to get around, perfect for a longer commute or a short trip the shops. An eBike can give you the boost you need to get active.  

Two people riding starling bank bikes

More than one way to go green

It's not just money you could be saving by choosing an electric car...

Road transport accounts for about a third of carbon dioxide emissions in Greater Manchester.  

Ditching driving for public transport, cycling or walking makes the biggest difference to our travel carbon footprint.  

But, if you need a car, going electric is the next best thing when it comes to tackling climate change. 

Road based air pollution is our region's biggest environmental health problem, even leading to early deaths. So choosing an EV means you're helping clean up the air we all breathe, too.