This article was published on 08 December 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

As the UK Government moves toward phasing out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, we thought now was the perfect time to provide you with a refreshed guide to electric vehicles (EVs).

What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology official description is:

Electric Vehicles use electric motors to drive their wheels. They derive some or all of their power from large, rechargeable batteries. The distance an EV can drive between recharges is known as its range.

Let’s have a look at the different types and some of the names you might have heard of:

• All-electric EVs – where the battery is the only power source. The range (distance they can travel) will vary, according to driving style, terrain and the use of auxiliary equipment such as heating/air conditioning.
• Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) -can switch between running on electricity, petrol or diesel. They typically have a smaller battery, and therefore a lower battery powered range of between 10-40 miles. However, their maximum range is equivalent to a petrol or diesel car. Both Plug-in Hybrid and all-electric EVs are recharged by plugging them in to the electricity grid.
• Hybrids (HEVs) – which do not plug in, such as the Toyota Prius, have a much smaller battery which is recharged while driving. HEVs can drive in electric mode for a few miles and then revert to using petrol or diesel.
• Fuel Cell Vehicles -generate their own electricity on-board from a fuel such as hydrogen, and do not need to plug in to the electricity grid to recharge. Re-fuelling is similar to a petrol or diesel car.

Which type of EV is best for me?

This is a personal choice and will be dependent on several factors including, affordability, the type and distance of journeys you make and charging infrastructure where you live.

According to a UK Government report, 99% of car journeys in England are under 100 miles, so most could be made by an EV without needing to recharge.

How much do EVs cost?

Currently EVs cost more to buy than a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle. While they have fewer mechanical parts than conventional vehicles, battery prices are a substantial cost. Many modern EVs use lithium-ion batteries and it takes a lot of time and effort to turn raw lithium into something that can be used. Some manufacturers offer incentives and lease plans for the battery, so include this is your car purchase research.

Can I get any help with buying an EV from the Government?

Yes. The Government’s new Electric Car Grant launched in July 2025 and offers up to £3,750 off the cost of a new electric car, helping more drivers make the switch. The initiative also supports sustainable manufacturing across the automotive sector. The grant is only available for vehicles that have been approved as eligible and the list of cars/vehicles eligible for the grant can be found here: Eligible Grant Vehicles. It’s worth noting that the list is regularly updated and you don’t need to apply for it – your car dealer or manufacturer will handle this for you.

Will I have to pay road tax (VED)?

Yes. Since 1 April 2025, EV’s have no longer been exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) and have to pay an amount dependent on when the car was first registered and the list price, when it was new.

It is also worth noting that in the recent 2025 Budget, the Government announced that they will start to charge EV and PHEV owners, a “pay-per-mile” charge, from 1 April 2028. The consultation on this change has only just started, so look out for further information on this.

Vehicle range

While vehicle range isn’t an issue with hybrids, as they will run on petrol and diesel, in addition to electric, vehicle range has always been a concern for drivers. It’s therefore encouraging to hear that according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the average range of a new electric car on sale in the UK today is almost 300 miles. That’s up from 235 miles in 2024. Of course, some of this will be reflective of the driving conditions, roads and the way you drive, plus use of air conditioning and technology within the vehicle.

Charging points

The term “range anxiety” describes a very real fear of running out of battery and knowing where to charge it up.

While you can have a charger fitted at home, clearly there will be times when you need to recharge when out and about.

The good news is that the number of charging points is increasing. According to Zap Map the number of charging points grows by the day and at the end of October 2025, there were 86,798 electric charging points across 44,142 charging locations (UK only). Since October 2024 the public network has grown by 22%.

In October 2025, 777 new charging devices were added to the Zap-Map database. You can view local ones to you or your journey at zap map live – you might not have even known they were there!

What about insuring your EVs

Do I need specialist insurance?

The simple answer is no. Whilst you can buy specialist insurance for your EV, most major insurers now cover electric cars.

Does it cost more to insure an EV?

This can depend on the EV you choose, but according to wepoweryourcar.com, on average, insurance is more expensive than petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK.

This could be linked to expensive parts, higher repair costs and the availability of garages with qualified mechanics. While electric cars have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel vehicles, some components like the lithium-ion batteries are very expensive to repair if damaged.

Car Insurance from Forces Mutual

Forces Mutual Car Insurance offers policies for a range of EVs. You don’t need to buy a special EV policy and you can get a quote in the usual way.

You can either call us on 0151 363 5290 or go online at forcesmutual.org/car

Forces Mutual Car Insurance is provided by ERS.

PMGI Limited, trading as Forces Mutual, is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 114942. Registered in England & Wales No. 1073408. Registered office: Brookfield Court, Selby Road, Leeds, LS25 1NB

 For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.

This article was published on 24 November 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

Winter driving can test even the most experienced drivers — with darker mornings, icy roads, and unpredictable weather. As part of the Armed Forces community, you already understand the importance of being prepared and aware. These reminders are perfect for helping your family stay safe behind the wheel this winter.

Winter Car Essentials

A little forward planning can make all the difference during the colder months. Before setting out, take a few moments to make sure your car is ready for winter conditions:

1. Check fluids and battery

Inspect your oil, coolant, and screen wash regularly. You should also check your lights as well – cold weather can also drain battery power faster, so ensure yours is fully charged and consider a professional battery test if it’s more than a few years old.

2. Prepare for frost and ice

Keep de-icer and an ice scraper in the car — and a spare set in the boot. Avoid using hot/boiling water on windscreens as it can crack the glass.

3. Inspect your tyres

Good tyre grip is vital for safe winter driving. Use the 20p coin test: insert the coin into your tyre’s tread grooves — if you can see the coin’s outer band, it’s time for new tyres. When in doubt, get them checked by a professional.

4. Maintain wipers and screen wash

Replace worn wipers and use a winter-grade screen wash with anti-freeze protection. You’ll rely on it more frequently during winter, so top it up often.

5. Pack a winter emergency kit

Be ready for the unexpected — especially if you’re travelling long distances or to remote areas. A good winter kit should include:

• A small shovel
• High-visibility vest and warning triangle
• Torch and spare batteries
• Blanket and warm clothing
• Jump leads
• First aid kit
• Don’t forget some snacks or chocolate!

Many garages offer winter car checks, so don’t hesitate to book one for peace of mind.

Before you set off

Preparation is key when driving in winter:

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions before leaving.
• Allow extra travel time for delays or poor visibility.
• Avoid driving when fatigued – plan breaks or share the driving.
• Keep valuables and gifts out of sight, especially during the festive season.

Check your breakdown cover

Breakdowns are more frequent in winter due to cold weather and battery issues. Review your breakdown policy to ensure you have the right level of assistance -particularly if you drive long distances or live in rural areas.

Car Insurance and Breakdown Cover for the Military Community

At Forces Mutual, we offer both car insurance and breakdown cover exclusively for serving, retired and veteran members of the Armed Forces, Staff and their families.

You won’t find us on comparison sites – our services are designed specifically for the military community, with flexible cover and dedicated support.

Find out more: Visit our website or call 0151 363 5290 for further details.

Car Insurance is provided by ERS.

Breakdown Cover (Forces Mutual Rescue) is provided by ERS.

This article was published on 03 November 2025. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us.

Whether you’re commuting, driving between bases, or heading home on leave, a vehicle breakdown can happen at any time – day or night, weekday or weekend. While there’s never a good time for your car to stop working, understanding the most common reasons can help you prepare, prevent issues, and get back on the road faster.

This guide highlights the top causes of breakdowns in the UK and simple steps to reduce the risks – useful for anyone in the Armed Forces community who relies on their car.

1. Flat or Faulty Batteries

One of the leading causes of car breakdowns in the UK is a flat or failing battery.

Causes:

• Ageing batteries (typically after 3-5 years)
• Short, infrequent journeys that don’t fully recharge the battery – common for drivers using their car mainly for base-to-home trips

Prevention Tips:

• Recharge your battery overnight every few weeks if your journeys are short
• Replace the battery every 3-5 years, depending on usage

2. Alternator Failures

The alternator recharges your battery and powers essential electrical systems.

Warning Signs:

• Flickering battery light
• Dim headlights
• Slower-than-normal windscreen wipers

 Alternators can’t be maintained, but spotting problems early can save you from being stranded.

3. Starter Motor Problems

The starter motor draws power from the battery to start your car.

Prevention:

While there’s little you can do to avoid starter motor wear, regular servicing helps catch issues before they worsen – especially before long journeys or deployments.

4. Tyre and Wheel Damage

Punctures, blowouts, or other tyre damage are common on UK roads.

Prevention Tips:

• Check tyre pressure and tread depth regularly (especially before long journeys)
• Carry a spare wheel or puncture repair kit
• Ensure tyres always meet MOT standards

5. Misfuelling

Thousands of UK drivers each year put the wrong fuel in their car – most often petrol into diesel, as the nozzle fits easily into a diesel filler neck.

If you misfuel:

• Do not start the car
• Don’t turn the ignition (this primes the fuel pump)
• Call your breakdown provider or garage for specialist help

6. Electrical System Faults

Modern cars have increasingly complex electrics – faults can affect everything from headlights to infotainment.

Tip: Other than replacing bulbs, leave electrical issues to a qualified mechanic who can run diagnostics safely.

7. Low Oil Levels

Running with low oil can cause severe engine damage, even complete failure.

Prevention Tips:

• Don’t rely solely on the oil warning light
• Check oil levels regularly with the dipstick

8. Lost or Locked-In Keys

Lost keys or being locked out is a frequent issue. Many modern keys contain chips, making them secure but harder to replace.

Prevention Tip:

• Keep a spare key at home or with a trusted family member while you’re away on duty. Alternatively, if stranded call your breakdown provider or special locksmith.

Breakdown cover that keeps you moving from £61.60 per year.

Provided by ERS, Forces Mutual Rescue unlike the AA or RAC, doesn’t have a fleet of branded vans, but utilises UK wide recovery specialists to rescue you 24/7 when your car breaks down.

UK cover comes with:

• Misfuelling cover
• Lost keys and lock assistance
• Home assistance
• Onward travel provision should your car not be repairable

Terms & Conditions apply.

For full policy cover details including any exclusions, please call 0151 363 5290 or visit our website

Forces Mutual Rescue (Breakdown Cover) is provided by ERS (Syndicate 218 at Lloyds).

For your security, all telephone calls are recorded and may be monitored.