⚡ Switching from Petrol to Electric: Alison’s EV Journey

To help people thinking about switching to an electric car, we asked Sustainable Overton’s own Ali about her Electric Vehicle (EV) experience.

Three years ago, Alison swapped her petrol car for a 2020 Nissan Leaf—and she hasn’t looked back. With a home charge point and an overnight EV tariff of just 9p per kWh, she can get a full 170‑mile charge for around £2.

“I thought I’d miss driving a gear car,” she admits. “But my Leaf is quick, quiet, and an absolute pleasure to drive.”

Charging on the go turned out easier than expected too. Using the Zapmap app, Alison found lots of options for fast chargers on a trip to Norfolk—30 minutes plugged in while she grabbed a coffee. Even a recent full charge off a London lamp post overnight cost just £7.40.

Range anxiety? Occasionally. But driving in eco mode and keeping to 60–65mph on motorways helps. And most of the time, she simply charges at home overnight—cheap, easy, and stress‑free.

Maintenance is another win: fewer moving parts mean lower servicing costs compared to petrol or diesel cars. And while some worry EVs are too expensive, Alison points out the growing second‑hand market and the long‑term savings on fuel and upkeep.

Infrastructure concerns? “Most EV drivers charge at home,” she says. “And with nearly 90,000 chargepoints across the UK—including 47 in Basingstoke—it’s improving all the time.”

For Alison, the benefits are clear: lower travel costs, no more petrol stations, and the satisfaction of cutting carbon emissions. “I love knowing I’m doing my bit for the planet,” she says “also the running costs are so low, it’s a no-brainer for me”

Thinking of making the switch? Alison’s story shows it’s not just possible—it’s practical, affordable, and surprisingly fun.

Alison is happy to talk to any other locals who are considering making the change to EVs, just send a message via the Contact Us page.