FAQs
How much are electric cars?
Prices for electric cars vary, depending on make and model, whether they are new or used, and the type of engine (hybrid or fully electric). Currently, the average price to buy an electric car in the UK is around £44,000, with luxury brands charging an average price of £80,000, while non-luxury EVs can cost around £27,000 on average.[1]
[1] Source: Average Cost of an Electric Car UK 2022 | NimbleFins
How long does an electric car battery last?
It is currently predicted that an electric car battery will have an average lifespan of 10-20 years[2] before a replacement is needed. This gives you plenty of peace of mind that your battery will keep running with no real need to replace it.
[2] Source: Electric Car Battery Life, Cost of Replacement, Recycling & Leasing | EDF (edfenergy.com)
Are all electric cars automatic?
Most electric cars are automatic as they use a single gear, making them simplified automatic. Due to the nature of its transmission, electric vehicles do not require multiple gears to hold the car within set bands of speed as with traditional combustion engines.
The same gear will also work for reverse unlike traditional gearboxes, with the driver simply selecting forward, reverse, or neutral/park.
How do electric cars work?
Electric cars work unlike traditional combustion engines which generate energy from burning petrol or diesel fuel.
Electric vehicles are powered by electric motors, which are themselves powered by a traction battery pack.
A controller managers speed and the amount of power sent to the motor, which in turn powers the wheels, controlling speed as you use the accelerator.
The battery is recharged by plugging in, or through energy generated whilst driving, depending on whether the vehicle is fully electric or hybrid.
Read more about how electric car batteries work in our helpful blog.
How long do electric cars take to recharge?
Ultimately, the time taken to recharge an electric vehicle depends on the capacity of the charger. Many electric cars can be charged from a standard home socket, however this can be slow.
It's often recommended to use a specific EV charging point for a faster charge. For home charging a 7kW charger is a good option, as it can charge a 30kw battery in around 3-5 hours.
On the road, there are many EV charging points which many drivers use to top up their battery charge on-the-go.
These include:
Rapid chargers (>50kw) - offering around 80% charge in up to 30 mins for compatible electric vehicles. The charging cable is tethered to the charger, and these can be found in many service stations including on motorways.
Fast chargers (7kw to 22kw) - these will charge compatible electric vehicles in around 1-5 hours, depending on the battery size and charger. Also known as 'destination chargers', they are often found in car parks, shopping centres, and at tourist attractions, ideal for charging your car during a long visit somewhere.
Slow chargers (2.4kw to 6kw) - Used in many homes and workplaces, these will take much longer to charge your vehicle, from 12 hours or more.
What is the best electric car?
There are a wide variety of high-performing electric vehicles on the market today, with more and more manufacturers joining the move towards greener motoring. Look at our new electric cars for sale, to see which is best for you.
Are electric vehicles better for the environment?
Unlike the harmful emissions from petrol and diesel engines, electric vehicles are much less damaging to the environment. Since there is no burning of fuel, there are next to zero emissions produced by electric vehicles, making them a friendlier vehicle for the environment.
How far can an electric vehicle go?
Again, it depends- largely on the size of your battery. The larger the battery, the greater the distance you will be able to travel, though most EVs in today's market have an average range of between 200-300 miles, with more expensive models offering over a 400-mile range. Read more about electric vehicle journeys in our helpful beginner's guide.
Are electric car charging stations free?
As with a power or diesel engine for refuelling, there are usually costs incurred for charging your electric vehicle. Charging costs will vary depending on where you are charging your vehicle from - at home, work or a public charging station. Leading EV charging provider Pod Point estimates the following:
Home charging: About £15.10 for a full charge.
Work charging: Many employers offering charging stations will provide free access during the day, so there may be no cost for charging your vehicle during work!
Public charging: Many supermarkets and car parks offering EV charging facilities allow free charging during your visit.
Rapid charging: Normally found at motorway service stations, these usually charge £6.50 for a 30-minute, 90-mile charge.
Are electric cars exempt from road tax?
Also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), road tax is calculated based on the amount of CO2 emissions from vehicles registered since March 2001. Battery electric vehicles (BEVS) are exempt from road tax as they are classed as zero emissions vehicles.
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) however will pay a small VED, as well as any plug-in hybrids costing £40,000 or more, which will pay an annual supplement for 5 years (starting after the second tax registration).
Remember, you still have to apply and renew your road tax with the DVLA, even though you are exempt. If you don't you could risk a large fine.
Can you charge an electric car at home?
According to the RAC, about 80% of electric car charging takes place at home. It also recommends that home charging is the cheapest, most convenient and safest way to charge an EV making it a popular choice for customers.
This can be done using either a standard three-pin socket or a dedicated EV charging point. Smart home chargers are available to help customers benefit from cheaper energy tariffs, charging the vehicle when demand is lower.
Charging points tend to be much quicker than using a domestic socket. A 7kw home charger will charge your vehicle three times faster than a domestic socket, capable of delivering up to 30 miles of electricity range per hour.
Can I get a grant to buy an electric car?
The Government's plug-in car grant has now ended, as of 14th June 2022, after the scheme successfully raised EV car sales in the UK from 1,000 in 2011, to almost 100,000 by July 2022.
Funding will now be refocused towards helping to increase the sales of electric taxis, vans, motorcycles and wheelchair accessible vehicles, as well as improving the UK's public charging network with more access to charging points.
All existing applications will be honoured, and those who have purchased an EV but are yet to apply for the grant will still be eligible.
However, you can still get a Government grant for the installation of an EV charging point if you live in a flat, or rent a residential property. The grant offers funding of up to 75% towards the cost of installing a domestic EV charging point (maximum £350).[3]
[3] Source: Grant schemes for electric vehicle charging infrastructure - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
