Motorists are being urged to consider switching to electric vehicles when buying their next car, as a new government campaign highlights the potential for significant cost savings.
The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched its ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign, which is rolling out across television, radio and digital platforms. The initiative promotes the financial and practical benefits of electric vehicle (EV) ownership, including savings of up to £3,750 on a new electric car through the government’s Electric Car Grant.
Drivers could also save as much as £1,400 a year on fuel and maintenance costs, while benefiting from access to more than 87,000 public charging points nationwide.
The campaign forms part of wider efforts to support UK industry during the transition to electric vehicles by increasing consumer demand. Ministers say this approach will give manufacturers and supply chains the confidence to invest, protect skilled jobs and help drive economic growth.
Charging infrastructure is set to expand further, with plans for an additional 100,000 local public charge points over the coming years. The government is also providing funding and updating planning rules to make it easier and cheaper for people without off-street parking to install home chargers, allowing some drivers to charge their vehicles for as little as 2p per mile.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:
“Over 50,000 drivers have made savings of up to £3,750 off a new EV and £1,400 a year on running costs. Our campaign is here to show millions of Brits the benefits of making the switch, which could save their family budget thousands.
“With over 87,000 public chargers across the UK and thousands more on the way, our message is clear – going electric has never been easier and under this government, you can save thousands when you do.”
The campaign draws on the experiences of existing EV owners, using real-life testimonials to show how electric vehicles can fit into everyday routines, from local trips to longer journeys.
According to the government, more than 50,000 drivers have already benefited from the Electric Car Grant, helping to drive record levels of electric vehicle sales. Recent figures show that electric cars now account for one in four new vehicle purchases.
Campaign messaging will be delivered through a wide range of channels, including video-on-demand, connected television, radio, podcasts, digital advertising and social media. It will also appear in physical locations such as petrol stations, shopping centres, motorway service areas and roadside digital displays, alongside influencer partnerships.
Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer, said:
“With almost two-thirds of buyers now considering electric vehicles, according to our latest research, reinforcement of the benefits of electric car ownership is key to ensure consideration translates into buying.
“Electric cars are a great option for many drivers and with 9 in 10 people who have already made the switch saying they won’t go back, now is a great time to find out more.”
Support for the campaign has also come from environmental and business groups, who say misconceptions are slowing wider adoption.
Dominic Phinn, Head of Transport at Climate Group, said:
“The UK has positioned itself as a frontrunner in a fiercely competitive global race towards clean road transport. But myths and misinformation are holding the nation back from taking the next leap.
“Major UK businesses, like members of our EV100 network, have been leading on fleet electrification, but are warning that a much bigger perception shift in the population is now needed for them to keep driving the transition.
“The government’s new EV marketing campaign is a very welcome step towards galvanising the public around smarter, cheaper and cleaner road transport that benefits all.”
Motability Operations has also welcomed the initiative, highlighting its impact on accessibility.
Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations, said:
“Through the Motability Scheme, we’re helping thousands of disabled people make the switch to electric vehicles – unlocking greater freedom and independence. And once people switch, they stay.
“Our EV Transition Tracker found that nearly 9 in 10 would choose an EV again. This campaign brings that to life, showing how EVs can make journeys easier, cleaner and cheaper.”
