Thinking of Going Electric? My Honest EV Journey

I’m Samantha Poole, and three months ago I took the plunge and traded in my petrol car to go fully electric. Like many drivers, I was nervous about making the switch, would it be practical, affordable, and reliable for my lifestyle? 

 

After plenty of conversations and advice from fellow business owners, I decided to take the leap. Here’s my journey so far and what I’ve learned about driving an electric vehicle (EV). 

 

Why I Chose to Go Electric: Networking each week with Chris from the Yellow Car Shop and Michelle, a local accountant, opened my eyes to the benefits of going electric for business owners. Chris always had new EV offers to tempt us with, and after much consideration, I finally chose the Ford Puma Gen E. 

 

Getting My Home EV Charger Ready: Luckily, my new home came with an EV charger already installed. To make sure it was safe and working correctly, I asked Jack from McWilliam Electrical to check it over. There was a small hiccup with the registration process, but a few calls soon had it all sorted. 

 

I also contacted E.ON to confirm which tariffs were available. Choosing an EV-friendly tariff can save drivers hundreds of pounds per year compared to a standard energy tariff. Exactly how much depends on your car, your mileage, and how much energy you can shift to off-peak times. If you’re thinking of switching, check with your energy supplier bebause the savings can be significant. 

 

The Cost Savings So Far: Since driving electric around Milton Keynes, I’ve saved around £200 per month in fuel. Charging overnight while I sleep makes it even more convenient, and cheaper than stopping at the petrol station. 

 

 

I was worried about making it to the coast, but I arrived with 47% charge left. The next day, I used the Octopus Electroverse app to find the nearest charger and topped up to 100% for just £14. My old Fiesta used to cost £30 for half a tank, so this was a huge win. When visiting my dad, he was really impressed with the reversing camera and the clever marker lines that appear on the display to guide you when parking. It’s a small feature, but it makes the car feel modern, safe, and fun to drive. 

 

For this longer journey, I topped up halfway at Telford Services which had super fast chargers (25 mins for 40%) and then at Penrhos Park, which had a Pod Point charger on site, a few days later. Charging back to 95% from 40% cost around £13. Although most EV drivers recommend charging only to 80%, I like to go to 100% for peace of mind on longer trips. 

 

The Driving Experience: The Ford Puma Gen E has been a dream to drive. It’s packed with safety features, has heated seats, a spacious boot, and something I didn’t realise before — all electric cars are automatic! The smooth, quiet drive has made every journey a pleasure. 

 

The Business Benefits of Going Electric: If you’re a UK limited company, there are some powerful tax incentives and financial benefits for choosing an electric vehicle: 

 

1. Lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) Tax 

2. 100% First-Year Allowance 

3. Reduced National Insurance Contributions 

4. Salary Sacrifice Schemes 

5. Cheaper Running Costs 

6. Green Business Credentials 

 

I couldn’t have made the switch to electric without support from local experts, many of whom I connected with through TFI Networking and Ask GoTo:  

 

 

Chris (Yellow Car Shop) – leasing the Puma 

 

Jack (McWilliam Electrical) – testing and checking the EV point at my home 

 

Michelle (Volarti Business Services) – advising on the benefits of putting the car through my business 

 

Dave (Howden Insurance) - I wanted to make sure that I had the best car Insurance for my new lease car so I called Howden and they arranged everything. 

 

Roger (Essendon Accounts and Tax) - My Accountant 

 

 

For me, the answer is a clear yes. In just three months I’ve: 

 

Switching to an electric car has been a learning curve, but it’s one I’d recommend to other business owners and drivers who want to save money and future-proof their travel. One of the unexpected joys of going electric has been how much my son loves it too. The school run has become something he looks forward to — he’s proud to arrive in what he calls “a much cooler car.” It’s those little moments that make the switch even more worthwhile.