Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining popularity.
As the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales fast approaches, many people still have questions. Mainly, is an electric car right for me?
What are the different types of electric vehicle?
There’s a lot of terminology in the world of electric vehicles - and it can be difficult to get your head around it all. The main types of electric vehicle are:
Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) - These are entirely powered by electricity that is stored in a battery. They need charging by connecting to an external electric power source.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) - These vehicles combine an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. They are charged by plugging into an external power source. Their engine provides additional power when the battery is depleted. PHEVs can run on pure electric power for short periods, switching to the engine when the battery is exhausted.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) - These use an electric motor alongside an internal combustion engine. They do not require external charging. Their batteries are recharged through regenerative braking and power from the engine.
Benefits of electric vehicles
Owning an EV comes with many benefits compared to a traditionally fuelled car.
Lower running costs - Charging an EV is generally more cost-effective than fuelling a car with petrol or diesel. Additionally, EVs are exempt from some congestion zone charges, and discounted in others.
Fewer maintenance costs - Electric vehicles have fewer components under the bonnet compared to petrol and diesel cars. Generally, this results in fewer associated maintenance costs. You won't need to think about oil changes, for instance.
Reduced emissions - Electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions. This contributes to enhanced air quality, especially in urban environments.
Enhanced driving experience - Electric vehicles provide a refined driving experience. Enjoy instantaneous acceleration, seamless gear changes, and no loud engine noises.
The affordability of electric cars
One of the main barriers preventing individuals from making the switch to an EV is the higher upfront cost compared to petrol and diesel cars. This is due to higher manufacturing costs associated with electric vehicles. It is worth remembering that although the upfront costs may be higher, the overall running costs are likely to be lower.
Over time, electric vehicles have become more affordable. Some examples of entry-level models include the Citroen e-C3, Dacia Spring, or BYD Dolphin Surf.
In terms of mid-range EVs, some great options are the Peugeot 208, Volvo EX30, or Ford Puma.
If you're looking for a top-end electric vehicle, you'll find the Audi e-tron GT, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and BMW i7 are all fab choices.
Visit your local Vertu to browse our electric models and take a test drive.
What is the typical range of an electric vehicle?
When the very first EVs came onto the scene, range anxiety was common. This is the fear that a vehicle won't have enough range on a full charge to get you to where you need to go.
As battery technology has developed over the years, the range of electric vehicles has increased. Currently, you can expect a range of between 100-300 miles for a mainstream, fully charged EV. The range does depend on a number of factors, including the make and model, battery capacity, driving conditions, and driving habits. However, with the average length of a car trip in the UK being 8.4 miles, you can expect a modern EV to comfortably meet your needs.
Some premium electric vehicles have ranges that exceed 300 miles, such as:
Audi Q4 e-tron (range up to 322 miles, WLTP)
BMW iX (range up to 380 miles, WLTP)
Mercedes-Benz EQS (range up to 453 miles, WLTP)
Toyota bZ4X (range up to 318 miles, WLTP)
Volkswagen ID.3 (range up to 336 miles, WLTP)
What are the charging options for electric vehicles?
You can charge your electric vehicle in three main places: at home, at work, or at a public charge point.
Home charging
If you have access to off-street parking, this is probably the easiest option. It s also the most common method, with an estimated 80% of EV charging taking place at home.
You can get a specialist EV charger fitted to your driveway or in your garage. Many people with home chargers choose to charge their cars overnight for convenience, waking up to a fully charged car. Additionally, most energy tariffs run cheaper rates during the night, so it's more economical to charge your car this way too.
You can also charge your car at home via a standard three-pin socket. However, this is a lot slower than doing so through a dedicated EV charger, and it isn t recommended for regular use.
Workplace charging
Some workplaces offer electric vehicle charging on-site. This is ideal for people who commute and work some distance from home.
Public charging
There are thousands of public charge points located across the UK. You'll find them in places like service stations, supermarkets, and shopping centres. Many of these offer rapid charging, which is especially handy if you re on the go.
There are various charge point networks operating in the UK. Most can be accessed via contactless on a pay-as-you-go basis. Some require verification through a smartphone app, so it's always best to check in advance. When you buy your EV, you should receive some information regarding the best charging networks for your vehicle.
What is it like to drive an electric vehicle?
Driving an electric vehicle offers a remarkably smooth and enjoyable experience. Without the need to worry about gears, cruising feels seamless. EVs boast instant acceleration, allowing them to pull away and accelerate exceptionally quickly.
Another notable aspect is the absence of loud engine noises. This makes driving an EV more relaxing with near-silent operation. Typically, the only sounds you hear are those from the wind outside. However, some vehicles come equipped with simulated engine noise for the safety of pedestrians.
In many electric cars, when you lift your foot off the accelerator, the regenerative braking system engages. This causes your vehicle to begin decelerating, allowing for a gradual halt instead of a sudden stop. Many people appreciate this smoother transition, particularly in slow-moving traffic.
Is an electric car right for me?
So, you’ve learned a lot about electric vehicles, but the question remains: is an electric car right for me?
This depends on several factors. It's important to consider your budget and lifestyle requirements when making the decision.
If you drive an average amount per day and have access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV could be an ideal option. Even if you will have to rely on public chargers, an EV could still be practical, but you'll need to factor this into your decision. Public charging infrastructure is constantly improving due to government investment. You can expect to see more chargers pop up across the UK over time.
If you'd like to discuss your suitability for an EV further, please get in touch with our expert team. We'll be happy to chat through your options with you.
What electric vehicles are available at Vertu?
Explore our extensive selection of electric and hybrid vehicles. From city cars to large SUVs, and everything in between. With such a diverse array of options, there’s something for everyone.
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