Put simply, i’m absolutely loving it!
One of the best investments I’ve made for personal finances that delivers real impact both in psychological form and financial. I shall explain;
- Financial Benefit 1#: Knowing that it only costs ?1.48 to drive 75 miles puts a smile on my face every time.
- Financial Benefit 2#: Electric cars very rarely go wrong – MOT / Services are considerably cheaper (bar from breaks / tyres etc).
- Financial Benefit 3#: There’s a whole bunch of FREE charging points dotted around the local area. From Gym’s to Shopping Centres. Free travel! (The picture above is at a Shopping Centre charging for free!)

Casually charging up at a fast charge (50kwh) point. Total cost was around ?1.80!
Financially, so far since I’ve owned the van, I’ve saved from anywhere between ?80 – ?100 in fuel costs. Realistically, we’re looking at around ?200 p/m of fuel cost savings using the van (even taking into account the electricity cost). It doesn’t end there though, psychologically I’ve also felt an uplift;
- Psychological Benefit 1#: It feels like you’re ahead of the game. Knowing of the financial benefit puts you in a good mood.
- Psychological Benefit 2#: It teaches you to appreciate economical driving. It’s also got me hooked on trying to maximise range per charge.
- Psychological Benefit 3#: This point can be argued about the whole ‘battery creation’ process, but it is more environmentally friendly. (Better if they could improve the battery waste).
So far, I really cannot fault the van. It does between 70 – 80 miles per charge. It’s extremely quiet. It’s very comfortable with heated steering wheels / heated seats. I love driving it – it’s perfect for me 40 mile round trip to work and back every day. It’s great to go see friends / family for free (and most of the time charge the van up at their house cheekily!).
Any questions about it please shout!
I’m sure you already considered it- but did you think about getting solar panels installed? I just wrote something about it here:
https://southwalesfi.co.uk/index.php/2020/02/21/how-to-get-solar-panels-installed/
& how it can help with the fire lifestyle.
It’s really interesting to hear that electric is even getting to vans now too!
Cheers SouthWalesFI – Have been looking quite a lot at how to get solar panels installed. We’re thinking of going down the route of the ‘solar tiles’ side of things. Do you have any experience with solar tiles? (We’ve read that they’re a little less energy efficient, but fits in with aesthetic buildings).
Good to read that you are enjoying your electric van, Jase and the savings you’re getting is phenomenal!
Wondered if you’d seen this post from this blogger where he’s conducting a ‘solar house experiment’, ie solar panels, electric car, solar battery etc. Thought you might find it interesting: https://igniting-fire.com/2020/01/07/the-solar-house-experiment-an-overview/
Thanks for sharing Weenie! I’ve been looking into the solar battery / solar tiles for our house for a few months now. Just waiting for those funds to build up 😉
Nice new vehicle. Looks great. Annual depreciation, probably biggest cost, but Playing devils advocate and I’m a little jealous 🙂
Ahh thanks Adam! Hope all is well?
Which van is it?
Hey Jenn,
It is Nissan ENV-200. 24kWH battery – does around 70 miles on a charge driving efficiently.
Cheers