ZEV Mandate 2025: What UK Used Car Buyers Must Know Now

Introduction

The automotive landscape in the UK is experiencing its most dramatic shift in over a century. As of January 2025, the UK government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate requires that 28% of all new cars sold must be fully electric—a 6 percentage point jump from 2024's already ambitious 22% target.

This isn't just news for new car buyers. The ZEV Mandate is creating seismic shifts in the used car market that every buyer—whether shopping for petrol, diesel, or electric—needs to understand right now.

What's at stake?

• Petrol and diesel car values are already declining faster than historical norms
• Electric vehicles (EVs) dominate manufacturer incentives, flooding the market with cheap lease returns
• New regulations mean tighter emissions standards for older vehicles
• The 2030 ban on new petrol/diesel sales (recently reinstated) is accelerating market changes

This comprehensive guide explains exactly what the ZEV Mandate means for used car buyers in 2025, how it affects vehicle values, what to check before buying any car in this transitional period, and how to make smart purchasing decisions that won't leave you with a depreciating asset.

Bottom line: Understanding these changes could save you £3,000-£8,000 in avoided depreciation or help you spot incredible EV bargains as manufacturers dump excess electric inventory.

What is the ZEV Mandate?

The Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2023, commonly called the ZEV Mandate, is UK legislation that came into force on January 1, 2024, fundamentally changing how car manufacturers operate in Britain.

How the ZEV Mandate Works:

Annual Sales Quotas:

• Manufacturers must ensure a specific percentage of their UK car sales are "zero emission" (fully electric)
• The percentage increases each year until reaching 100% by 2035
• Applies to both cars and vans (with separate targets)

2024-2035 ZEV Targets:

• 2024: 22% of new cars (actually achieved 24.3%)
• 2025: 28% of new cars ← WE ARE HERE
• 2026: 33% of new cars
• 2027: 38% of new cars
• 2028: 52% of new cars
• 2029: 66% of new cars
• 2030: 80% of new cars
• 2035: 100% of new cars (complete petrol/diesel ban)

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

£15,000 fine per non-compliant vehicle

If a manufacturer sells 100,000 cars in 2025 but only 25,000 are electric (25% instead of required 28%), they're short by 3,000 EVs. The fine? £45 million (3,000 × £15,000).

These eye-watering penalties explain why manufacturers are currently:

• Offering massive discounts on EVs (up to £8,000 off)
• Restricting petrol/diesel supply to control sales mix
• Pushing dealers to prioritize EV sales over traditional vehicles

How Manufacturers Are Responding:

Strategy 1: Massive EV Incentives

• Industry gave approximately £4 billion in EV discounts in 2024
• Finance deals with 0-2.9% APR on EVs vs 8-12% on petrol/diesel
• Free home chargers, free charging credits, free insurance

Strategy 2: Restricting Petrol/Diesel Supply

• Longer wait times for popular petrol models
• Some models discontinued entirely (focus on EV replacements)
• Higher prices on remaining petrol/diesel inventory

Strategy 3: Trading Credits

• Manufacturers exceeding targets (Tesla, MG, BYD) can sell credits
• Traditional brands (Stellantis, Ford, Nissan) buying credits to avoid fines
• Creates hidden costs passed to consumers

December 2024 Consultation:

On December 24, 2024, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander launched a consultation to potentially:

• Restore the original 2030 ban on new petrol/diesel cars (was delayed to 2035)
• Adjust ZEV mandate flexibility mechanisms
• Consider industry feedback on compliance challenges

What This Means: The timeline may accelerate further, putting even more pressure on traditional vehicle sales.

November 2024: Electric Vehicle Sales Break Records

November 2024 marked a watershed moment: 1 in 4 new cars sold was electric—the highest proportion ever recorded in the UK.

The Numbers:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in 2024:

• 381,980 BEVs registered in 2024 (total)
• 19.6% market share overall
• 25% market share in November (record month)
• 58% increase vs November 2023

December 2024 Acceleration:

• 43,656 BEVs sold in December
• 56.8% growth year-over-year
• Manufacturers pushed hard to hit annual targets

What Drove This Surge?

Manufacturer Desperation:

• With the 22% target looming, car makers slashed EV prices in Q4 2024
• Discounts of £5,000-£12,000 common on premium EVs
• Interest-free finance on models like VW ID.4, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5

Consumer Response:

• Lower prices made EVs competitive with equivalent petrol cars
• Company car tax benefits (1-2% vs 25-37% for petrol/diesel)
• Rising fuel costs made EV running costs attractive

ULEZ and Clean Air Zones:

• London ULEZ expansion drove EV adoption (8% increase in affected areas)
• 96% of London vehicles now compliant
• Other cities planning similar schemes

Market Share by Fuel Type (2024):

• Petrol: 45.8% (declining)
• Battery Electric: 19.6% (rising rapidly)
• Hybrid: 14.2%
• Plug-in Hybrid: 6.8%
• Diesel: 6.3% (collapsing)
• Mild Hybrid: 7.3%

Key Insight: Diesel has fallen from 50% market share in 2015 to just 6.3% in 2024—a near-total collapse.

How the ZEV Mandate Affects Used Car Values

The ZEV Mandate isn't just changing new car sales—it's creating dramatic shifts in used car values that buyers need to understand.

Petrol/Diesel Depreciation Acceleration:

Historical Depreciation (Pre-2024):

• Year 1: 25-35% value loss
• Year 3: 45-55% value loss
• Year 5: 60-70% value loss

New Reality (Post-ZEV Mandate):

• Year 1: 30-40% value loss (5-10% worse)
• Year 3: 50-65% value loss (10-15% worse)
• Year 5: 70-80%+ value loss (significant acceleration)

Why This Matters:

If you buy a £25,000 petrol car in 2025 that historically would be worth £12,500 after 3 years, under accelerated depreciation it could be worth just £9,000-£10,000—a £2,500-£3,500 additional loss.

Which Vehicles Are Hardest Hit?

Diesel Cars (Worst Depreciation):

• Already stigmatized by ULEZ, emissions scandals, and Clean Air Zones
• Minimal demand from younger buyers
• 2020 diesel worth 20-30% less than 2020 equivalent petrol
• Advice: Avoid diesel unless you drive 20,000+ miles/year and plan to keep 5+ years

Large Petrol SUVs (High Depreciation):

• Poor fuel economy makes them unattractive as fuel costs rise
• High VED (road tax) due to emissions
• Examples: Range Rover Sport Petrol, BMW X5 M50i, Audi Q7 45 TFSI
• Advice: Negotiate heavily—sellers desperate to offload before values crater further

High-Mileage Fleet Diesels (Severe Depreciation):

• BMW 320d, Mercedes C220d, Audi A4 TDI
• Former company cars with 80k-120k miles
• Buyers increasingly wary of DPF failures, emission system costs
• Advice: Only buy if priced 30-40% below historical market value

Which Vehicles Hold Value Better?

Small Efficient Petrol Cars (Stable Depreciation):

• Low running costs appeal during transition
• First-time buyers not ready for EVs
• Examples: Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz, Mazda 2, Suzuki Swift
• Advice: Safe choice for 3-5 year ownership

Petrol Hybrids (Best Traditional Vehicle Investment):

• Fuel efficiency rivals diesel without emissions concerns
• ULEZ compliant
• Lower depreciation than pure petrol
• Examples: Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Lexus UX
• Advice: Excellent compromise during EV transition

Performance/Classic Petrol (Niche Stability):

• Enthusiast demand remains strong
• Porsche 911, BMW M cars, hot hatches
• May become appreciating classics post-2035
• Advice: If you're buying for enjoyment, less affected by ZEV mandate

Electric Vehicle Used Market: Opportunities and Risks

The flood of EVs into the market creates both incredible opportunities and significant risks for used buyers.

The Good: Incredible EV Deals

Why EVs Are Cheap Right Now:

1. Manufacturer Oversupply

• Companies overproduced EVs to meet 2024 targets
• Excess inventory being dumped via:
  • Pre-registered cars (0-100 miles, sold as "used")
  • Ex-demo vehicles (heavy discounts)
  • Short-term lease returns (6-12 month old, low miles)

2. Three-Year Lease Returns Flooding Market

• 2021-2022 saw massive EV leasing boom (government grants, low rates)
• These vehicles now returning to market
• 20,000-30,000 miles, well-maintained, cheap prices

3. Early EV Depreciation

• First-generation EVs (2019-2021) hit hard by:
  • Shorter range (180-220 miles) vs new models (300-400 miles)
  • Slower charging (50kW) vs new models (150-350kW)
  • Perception of battery degradation

Examples of EV Bargains (January 2025 Market):

Nissan Leaf (2020, 40kWh):

• New Price: £29,000
• Current Used Price: £10,000-£12,000 (3-4 years old, 30k miles)
• Depreciation: 62-66% (£17,000-£19,000 loss)
• Verdict: Excellent budget EV if you accept 150-mile range

VW ID.3 (2021, 58kWh):

• New Price: £35,000
• Current Used Price: £16,000-£19,000 (3 years old, 25k miles)
• Depreciation: 46-54% (£16,000-£19,000 loss)
• Verdict: Great value, 260-mile range, good tech

Hyundai Kona Electric (2020, 64kWh):

• New Price: £34,000
• Current Used Price: £15,000-£18,000 (4 years old, 30k miles)
• Depreciation: 47-56%
• Verdict: Reliable, practical, 280-mile range

Tesla Model 3 (2020, Long Range):

• New Price: £48,000
• Current Used Price: £22,000-£26,000 (4 years old, 40k miles)
• Depreciation: 46-54%
• Verdict: Best charging network, performance, but check battery health

The Bad: EV Risks to Avoid

Risk 1: Battery Degradation

• Batteries lose capacity over time (5-10% in first 5 years typical)
• Fast charging accelerates degradation
• Check: Request battery health report (most EVs can generate this)
• Walk Away If: Battery health below 85% (unless heavily discounted)

Risk 2: Expensive Out-of-Warranty Repairs

• Battery warranty typically 8 years/100,000 miles
• Post-warranty battery replacement: £5,000-£15,000
• Other EV-specific issues costly (inverter, electric motor)
• Check: Warranty status, transferability, consider extended warranty

Risk 3: Rapid Technology Obsolescence

• 2019-2021 EVs have 50-150kW charging
• 2023+ EVs have 150-350kW charging (3x faster)
• Older EVs may feel slow/inconvenient vs newer alternatives
• Check: Research charging speed—avoid early Nissan Leafs (50kW max)

Risk 4: Infrastructure Concerns

• Can you charge at home? (Essential for EV ownership)
• Workplace charging available?
• Relying on public charging expensive (50p-85p/kWh vs 7p-30p at home)
• Check: If no home charging, EVs may not be economical for you

Risk 5: Finance/Outstanding Issues

• EVs sometimes have complex finance arrangements
• Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) with balloon payments
• Lease agreements needing transfer
• Check: Always run Carhealth check for outstanding finance

What to Check Before Buying Any Car in 2025

The ZEV Mandate transition creates additional risks. Here's your comprehensive checklist:

For Petrol/Diesel Cars:

1. Realistic Depreciation Planning

• Assume 10-15% worse depreciation than historical norms
• Only buy if you plan to keep 5+ years (ride out depreciation)
• Consider total cost of ownership including accelerated value loss

2. Emissions Compliance

• Check Euro emissions standard (Euro 6d minimum for longevity)
• ULEZ compliant? (Petrol post-2005, Diesel post-2015 generally)
• Future Clean Air Zones may restrict older vehicles

3. Fuel Economy Reality

• With petrol £1.45-£1.60/liter, running costs matter
• Calculate annual fuel cost: (Annual miles ÷ MPG × 4.54 ÷ Fuel price per liter)
• Example: 12,000 miles, 35 MPG, £1.50/liter = £1,870/year

4. Maintenance History Critical

• ZEV transition makes buyers warier—only pristine examples sell
• Full service history essential
• Any missed services = significant value impact

5. Market Demand Check

• Is this a vehicle type in decline? (Large diesel SUVs, diesel saloons)
• Will you find a buyer in 3-5 years?
• Check current used listings—how long are similar cars sitting unsold?

For Electric Vehicles:

1. Battery Health Report (ESSENTIAL)

• Request battery state of health (SoH) percentage
• 90-100% = Excellent
• 85-90% = Acceptable (price accordingly)
• Below 85% = Negotiate heavily or walk away
• How to Check: Many EVs show this in settings, or dealer diagnostic tool

2. Charging Speed Research

• Check vehicle's maximum DC charging rate
• Minimum acceptable: 100kW (2022+ vehicles)
• Avoid: Early Nissan Leafs (50kW max, CHAdeMO connector)
• Ideal: 150kW+ (charges to 80% in 20-40 minutes)

3. Real-World Range

• Ignore WLTP (official) range—optimistic
• Research real-world range (forums, YouTube, owner reviews)
• Expect 70-80% of WLTP in mixed driving
• Winter range drops 20-30% (heating uses battery)

4. Home Charging Capability

• Do you have off-street parking?
• Can you install home wallbox? (£800-£1,200)
• Check your electricity tariff—EV-specific tariffs offer 7p-9p/kWh overnight
• If no home charging: EV may not be economical

5. Warranty Transferability

• Is battery warranty transferable to second owner?
• How many years/miles remaining?
• Manufacturer reputation (Hyundai/Kia have excellent 7-year warranties)

6. Comprehensive Vehicle Check (CRITICAL FOR EVs)

• Outstanding finance extremely common on EVs
• Many sold via PCP—check settlement done properly
• Early EV adopters sometimes in negative equity—may have dodgy history
• Use Carhealth (£3.99): Finance, stolen, mileage, write-off checks essential

For All Vehicles (2025 Essentials):

1. Full Carhealth Check (£3.99)

• Outstanding finance (repossession risk)
• Stolen status (lose the car)
• Insurance write-offs (Cat S, Cat N)
• Mileage verification (clocking epidemic—1 in 16 cars clocked)
• Number plate changes (hidden history)
• Previous keepers (high turnover = problems)

2. MOT History Analysis

• Free at check-mot.service.gov.uk
• Check mileage consistency (UK average 7,500 miles/year)
• Sudden drops = clocking
• Recurring advisories = deferred maintenance
• Structural corrosion = walk away

3. Test Drive Essentials

• Minimum 30 minutes (including motorway if possible)
• For EVs: test charging (if possible)—does it charge at advertised rate?
• Listen for unusual noises (EVs should be silent)
• Check all features work (especially tech-heavy EVs)

4. Independent Inspection

• AA, RAC, or independent garage inspection (£150-£250)
• Especially important for vehicles over £10,000
• For EVs: specialist EV inspection services available
• Checks battery health, underside damage, crash damage

Smart Buying Strategies for 2025

Navigate the ZEV transition with these proven strategies:

Strategy 1: Buy 1-2 Year Old Nearly-New

Why This Works:

• Someone else takes massive first-year depreciation hit
• Vehicle still has manufacturer warranty
• Modern features/technology
• Applies to both petrol and EV

Best Candidates:

• Pre-registered EVs (0-500 miles, massive discounts)
• Ex-demo vehicles (2,000-5,000 miles, 15-25% off new)
• Short-term lease returns (12-18 months old)

Example:

• New VW ID.4: £42,000
• 1-Year-Old ID.4 (8,000 miles, ex-lease): £28,000
• Savings: £14,000 (33% depreciation taken by first owner)

Strategy 2: Target Unpopular Colors/Specs

Market Reality:

• Buyers want black/grey/white EVs
• Bright colors (blue, red, orange) sell slower
• Lower-spec models (no panoramic roof, basic interior) less desirable

Your Opportunity:

• 10-15% extra discount on unusual colors
• Car is mechanically identical
• You drive a unique vehicle, not another grey SUV

Example:

• Black Tesla Model 3: £26,000 (high demand, priced firm)
• Blue Tesla Model 3 (identical spec): £23,500 (sitting unsold 8 weeks)
• Savings: £2,500 for color choice you may actually prefer

Strategy 3: Negotiate Using Depreciation Data

Script for Petrol/Diesel: "I know ZEV mandate is accelerating diesel depreciation. This car will lose an extra £2,000 in the next 3 years vs historical norms. I can offer [asking price minus £1,500] to account for my increased risk."

Script for EVs: "There are 15 similar EVs within 50 miles at £16,000-£18,000 because of the lease return flood. The battery health report shows 87%, which is acceptable but not excellent. I can offer £15,000."

Strategy 4: Time Your Purchase Strategically

Best Times to Buy in 2025:

March 2025 (Plate Change):

• Dealers desperate to hit quarterly targets
• New '25' plate makes '24/'74 plates less desirable
• Expect 5-10% discounts on December registered cars

September 2025 (Plate Change):

• Same effect—new '75' plate devalues earlier registrations
• Manufacturers offering H2 incentives to hit ZEV targets
• Best time for EV deals

December 2025 (End of Year):

• Manufacturers desperate to hit annual 28% target
• Expect massive EV discounting (repeat of December 2024)
• Dealers clearing forecourts for new model year

Worst Time to Buy: January-February (Post-Holiday Low Inventory)

Strategy 5: Consider Petrol Hybrid as Compromise

Why Hybrids Make Sense in 2025:

• Fuel economy rivals diesel (55-65 MPG)
• No range anxiety or charging concerns
• ULEZ compliant, low emissions
• Depreciation slower than pure petrol
• Proven reliability (especially Toyota/Lexus)

Best Hybrid Choices (Used Market):

• Toyota Corolla Hybrid (2019-2023): £14,000-£22,000
• Honda CR-V Hybrid (2019-2023): £20,000-£28,000
• Lexus UX 250h (2019-2023): £22,000-£30,000
• Kia Niro Hybrid (2019-2023): £14,000-£20,000

Why These? Proven reliability, excellent MPG (55-65), retain value better than alternatives.

Future-Proofing Your Purchase

Think beyond today—will your car still make sense in 3-5 years?

Scenarios to Consider:

Scenario 1: 2030 Ban Reinstated

• December 2024 consultation suggests 2030 petrol/diesel ban may return
• If you buy a 2023 petrol car in 2025, it will be:
  • 7 years old in 2030 (end of new sales)
  • 12 years old in 2035 (potential restrictions on older vehicles)
• Question: Will there be demand for aging petrol cars in the 2030s?

Scenario 2: Expanded Clean Air Zones

• More cities planning ULEZ-style zones (Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol)
• Restrictions on older petrol (pre-2006) and diesel (pre-2015) likely
• Check: Is your car compliant? Will it be in 5 years?

Scenario 3: Fuel Cost Increases

• As petrol demand drops, fuel stations close (already happening rurally)
• Remaining stations may raise prices (lower volume)
• Plan: Can you afford £2+/liter by 2030?

Scenario 4: EV Infrastructure Improves

• 2025-2030 will see massive charging network expansion
• Range anxiety decreasing as EVs hit 400+ miles range
• Consider: Will your petrol car seem obsolete in 5 years?

Future-Proof Decision Framework:

Buy Petrol/Diesel If:

• You drive high mileage (20k+ miles/year) and need proven reliability
• You have no home charging capability
• You keep cars 10+ years (ride out depreciation to near-zero value)
• You're buying budget car under £5,000 (minimal depreciation risk)
• You need towing capability (EV towing still limited)

Buy Hybrid If:

• You want best of both worlds during transition
• You do mix of city and motorway driving
• You prioritize reliability and fuel economy
• You plan to keep 5-7 years

Buy EV If:

• You have home charging
• Annual mileage under 15,000 miles (range sufficient)
• You buy nearly-new (avoiding worst depreciation)
• You prioritize low running costs (7p/kWh home charging)
• Company car (1-2% BiK tax vs 25-37% petrol/diesel)

Real-World Example: Three Buyers, Three Strategies

Let's look at three real buyers navigating 2025's market:

Buyer 1: Sarah (City Commuter, Home Charging)

Profile:

• 8,000 miles/year (city commute + occasional trips)
• Has driveway, can install home charger
• Keeps cars 4-5 years
• Budget: £15,000

Decision: 2021 Nissan Leaf (40kWh) - £11,500

Why This Works:

• 150-mile range perfect for daily use
• Home charging costs £3-4 for full charge vs £60/month petrol previously
• Saves £700/year on fuel
• Saves £180/year on VED (road tax)
• Near-zero maintenance (no oil changes, brakes last longer)
• Total 5-year savings: £4,500+
• Depreciation less painful (already lost 60% of value)

Outcome: Excellent choice—running costs slashed, suits usage pattern perfectly.

Buyer 2: James (High Mileage, Motorway Driver)

Profile:

• 25,000 miles/year (field sales job)
• Mix of motorway and urban
• No home charging (apartment)
• Keeps cars 5-6 years
• Budget: £18,000

Decision: 2021 Toyota Corolla Hybrid - £16,500

Why This Works:

• 60+ MPG in real-world driving
• £1,562/year fuel costs (vs £2,500+ for petrol equivalent)
• No charging anxiety
• Toyota reliability (minimal maintenance costs)
• Hybrid depreciation slower than petrol/diesel
• ULEZ compliant (protected from future restrictions)

Outcome: Perfect compromise—efficiency without infrastructure concerns.

Buyer 3: Michael (Enthusiast, Weekend Driver)

Profile:

• 6,000 miles/year (weekend fun, occasional long trips)
• Values driving experience
• Keeps cars 7-10+ years
• Budget: £25,000

Decision: 2019 BMW M240i (Petrol) - £22,000

Why This Works:

• Depreciation already happened (£41,000 new → £22,000 now)
• Low mileage means modest fuel costs (£750/year)
• Driving enjoyment priority over efficiency
• Long ownership means depreciation to near-zero regardless
• May become appreciating classic post-2035 as ICE banned
• Not affected by ZEV mandate (buying for enjoyment, not economy)

Outcome: Rational choice for enthusiast—bought his depreciation curve bottom.

Conclusion

The UK's ZEV Mandate represents the most significant shift in automotive history since the invention of the internal combustion engine. The 2025 target of 28% electric sales is accelerating changes that every used car buyer must understand:

Key Takeaways:

1. Petrol/diesel depreciation is accelerating—expect 10-15% worse value retention than historical norms
2. Electric vehicles are incredibly cheap right now—lease returns and manufacturer oversupply create bargains
3. Not all EVs are equal—battery health, charging speed, and warranty matter enormously
4. Hybrids are the safe middle ground—fuel efficiency without infrastructure concerns
5. Timing matters—buy at plate changes (March/September) or December for best deals
6. Always do comprehensive checks—Carhealth reports essential (outstanding finance epidemic)
7. Future-proof your choice—think 5 years ahead: 2030 ban, Clean Air Zones, fuel availability

Your Action Plan:

Before Viewing Any Car:

1. Run free MOT check (check-mot.service.gov.uk) for mileage fraud detection
2. Get comprehensive Carhealth report (£3.99) for finance/stolen/write-off checks
3. Research real-world depreciation for that model
4. Calculate total cost of ownership (fuel, VED, insurance, depreciation)

During Viewing:

1. Check battery health (EVs) or service history (petrol/diesel)
2. Verify VIN matches documents
3. Test drive minimum 30 minutes
4. Check charging capability (EVs)

Before Buying:

1. Independent inspection (£150-250)
2. Negotiate using market data and depreciation trends
3. Secure financing pre-approved (don't rely on dealer finance)
4. Confirm warranty status and transferability

The ZEV transition creates winners and losers. Be a winner by understanding the market, checking thoroughly, and buying strategically.

A £3.99 Carhealth check and 2 hours of research could save you £5,000+ in avoided depreciation or uncover an EV bargain that cuts your motoring costs in half.

The market has changed. Your buying strategy must change too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I avoid buying a petrol or diesel car in 2025? A: Not necessarily. If you drive high mileage (20k+ miles/year), have no home charging, or keep cars 10+ years, petrol/diesel can still make sense—but expect accelerated depreciation. Buy with eyes open to faster value loss and ensure you're compensated with a lower purchase price.

Q: How much is a used EV's depreciation compared to petrol cars now? A: Early EVs (2019-2021) have depreciated 55-70% vs 45-60% for equivalent petrol cars. However, this creates buying opportunities—you can now buy a 3-4 year old EV for 40-50% of its original price.

Q: What's the best time to buy a used car in 2025? A: March (new '25' plate), September (new '75' plate), or December (manufacturer year-end targets). These periods see maximum dealer desperation and manufacturer incentives, especially for EVs.

Q: How can I check an EV's battery health? A: Most EVs show battery state of health (SoH) in settings menu. Tesla: touchscreen > Service > Battery Health. Nissan Leaf: Leaf Spy app via OBD-II. Others: request dealer diagnostic report. Look for 85%+ SoH.

Q: Will petrol cars be banned from the roads in 2030? A: No. The 2030 date refers to banning NEW petrol/diesel car SALES. Existing petrol/diesel cars can still be driven, sold second-hand, and maintained. However, expanding Clean Air Zones may restrict where you can drive them.

Q: Are EVs really cheaper to run? A: Yes, if you can charge at home. Home charging costs 7-30p/kWh (£3-10 for 200 miles) vs £25-35 in petrol for same distance. Public rapid charging is expensive (50-85p/kWh), eating into savings. Home charging is essential for EV economy.

Q: What if I buy a petrol car and need to sell in 3 years? A: Expect 50-65% depreciation (vs historical 45-55%). Factor this into your purchase decision. Only buy if the lower initial price compensates for faster value loss, or if you plan to keep the car long-term.

Q: Should I worry about outstanding finance on used cars? A: YES. Outstanding finance is extremely common, especially on EVs bought via PCP. If finance isn't settled, the finance company can repossess the car from you (even though you paid the seller). Always run Carhealth check (£3.99) before buying—it's essential protection.

Q: How do I know if an older diesel will be banned from city centres? A: Check if it's ULEZ compliant (usually Euro 6 diesel, registered after September 2015). Pre-2015 diesels increasingly restricted. Verify at tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle for London, or your local council website for other Clean Air Zones.

Q: Are hybrids a good compromise in 2025? A: Yes, excellent choice during the EV transition. Hybrids (especially Toyota/Lexus) offer 55-65 MPG real-world, proven reliability, ULEZ compliance, and slower depreciation than pure petrol or diesel. No charging infrastructure needed.