Thinking of buying an electric car?
Here are some of the key things to think about:
Driving habits
Electric cars typically have a shorter range than petrol or diesel cars, so it’s important to think about how far you typically drive each day and whether an electric car would be suitable for your needs. If you regularly take long trips, you’ll need to plan your routes carefully to ensure that you have access to charging points along the way.
Charging infrastructure
While the UK has thousands of public charging points, it’s important to think about whether there are enough charging points in your local area to meet your needs. Additionally, you’ll need to consider whether you have access to a home charging point, which can make charging your electric car more convenient.
Upfront costs
While electric cars are becoming more affordable over time, they can still be more expensive than petrol or diesel cars. However, the UK government offers several incentives and schemes to help reduce the upfront cost of purchasing an electric car, including grants for electric vehicles and home charging infrastructure.
Maintenance and repair costs
Electric cars have lower maintenance costs than petrol or diesel cars, as they have fewer moving parts and require less frequent servicing. However, it’s important to think about the cost of replacing the battery, which can be a significant expense.
Insurance costs
Insurance costs for electric cars can vary depending on the make and model, but they are comparable to those of petrol or diesel cars. However, some insurance providers may offer discounts for electric car owners, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.
Environmental benefits
Electric cars produce zero emissions while driving, which can help to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. If you are concerned about the environment, an electric car may be a good choice for you.
Are all electric cars automatic?
Yes, all electric cars in the UK are automatic, as they do not have a traditional gearbox or clutch system. Instead, they use a single-speed transmission that delivers power directly to the wheels, which is controlled by an electronic controller unit. This means that most electric cars do not require the driver to shift gears manually, as is required in a traditional manual transmission car.
Electric cars also typically have regenerative braking systems, which can help to recharge the car’s battery while driving. These systems use the car’s electric motor to slow down the vehicle when the driver applies the brakes, converting some of the kinetic energy of the car’s motion into electrical energy that is stored in the battery.
Overall, the lack of a traditional gearbox or clutch system in electric cars makes them simpler to operate and maintain than traditional manual or automatic transmission cars. Additionally, the smooth and quiet acceleration and regenerative braking systems in electric cars can provide a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
How can I find the nearest charging point?
Here are some options:
Zap-Map
This is a popular online map that shows the locations of electric charging points across the UK. You can search for charging points near your location, filter by connector type and network, and see information about the charging point’s speed, availability, and cost.
PlugShare
This is another online map that shows the locations of electric charging points across the UK, as well as in other countries around the world. You can search for charging points near your location, filter by connector type and network, and see information about the charging point’s speed, availability, and cost.
EV charging apps
There are several smartphone apps that can help you find electric charging points near your location. Some popular options include Zap-Map, PlugShare, and the ChargePoint app. These apps typically allow you to search for charging points, see information about their availability and cost, and even start a charging session remotely.
Your electric car manufacturer’s app
Some electric car manufacturers have their own apps that can help you find charging points near your location. For example, the Tesla app includes a Supercharger map that shows the locations of Tesla charging stations around the UK and other countries.
Sat-nav systems
Many modern sat-nav systems include electric charging points in their maps and points of interest databases. If you have a built-in sat-nav system in your electric car, it may be able to help you find the nearest charging point.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
The time it takes to charge an electric car in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charging station, the capacity of the car’s battery, and the rate of charge. Here’s a general breakdown of the charging times for different types of electric car chargers in the UK:
Rapid chargers
Rapid chargers are the fastest type of charging station and can typically charge an electric car to 80% capacity in around 30 minutes. These chargers are usually found at motorway service stations and other high traffic areas and can provide a fast and convenient way to top up your car’s battery while on a long journey.
Fast chargers
Fast chargers are the next fastest type of charging station, and can typically charge an electric car to 80% capacity in around 1-2 hours. These chargers are often found at public charging stations in cities and towns, and can provide a convenient way to charge your car while shopping or running errands.
Slow chargers
Slow chargers are the slowest type of charging station and can take several hours or more to fully charge an electric car. These chargers are often found at home or workplace charging stations and are designed to provide a convenient way to charge your car overnight or during the workday.
It’s worth noting that the time it takes to charge an electric car can also depend on the capacity of the car’s battery, as well as the rate of charge provided by the charging station. Additionally, some electric cars are equipped with faster charging capabilities than others, which can affect the overall charging time.
Overall, the time it takes to charge an electric car in the UK can vary depending on several factors, but rapid chargers can typically provide the fastest charging times of around 30 minutes to 80% capacity.
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How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost of charging an electric car in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the rate of charge, the capacity of the car’s battery, and the cost of electricity in your area. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs of charging an electric car in the UK:
Home charging
If you charge your electric car at home, the cost of electricity will depend on the rate you pay for your electricity supply. The average cost of electricity in the UK is around 14p per kilowatt hour (kWh), but this can vary depending on your energy supplier and tariff. To calculate the cost of charging your electric car at home, you can multiply the capacity of your car’s battery (in kWh) by the cost of electricity per kWh. For example, if you have a car with a 60-kWh battery and your electricity rate is 14p per kWh, it would cost around £8.40 to fully charge your car at home.
Public charging
If you use a public charging station, the cost of charging your electric car will depend on the rate of charge and the pricing structure of the charging station operator. Some charging stations charge a flat fee for a charging session, while others charge per kilowatt hour of electricity used. The cost per kWh can vary depending on the operator but is typically around 20-30p per kWh for fast chargers and 30-40p per kWh for rapid chargers. To calculate the cost of charging your electric car at a public charging station, you can multiply the capacity of your car’s battery (in kWh) by the cost per kWh charged by the operator.
Workplace charging
If you have access to workplace charging, the cost of charging your electric car will depend on the pricing structure set by your employer. Some employers may provide free charging to their employees, while others may charge a flat fee or per kilowatt hour of electricity used.
It’s worth noting that some electric car manufacturers offer free or discounted charging to their customers as part of their ownership packages. Additionally, the UK government provides grants to support the installation of home and workplace charging stations, which can help to reduce the overall cost of charging your electric car.
Should I charge my electric car every day/night?
It is recommended to charge your electric vehicle (EV) regularly, ideally daily, to ensure that you have a sufficient amount of charge for your daily driving needs. In fact, many EV owners choose to charge their vehicles at home overnight, taking advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates.
Most EVs in the UK have a range of around 100-200 miles on a single charge, depending on the make and model. By charging your EV on a daily basis, you can ensure that you have enough range to cover your daily commute and any additional driving you may need to do.
Additionally, charging your EV regularly can help to prolong the life of your battery. Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in most EVs, degrade over time and through use. However, regular charging can help to slow down this degradation and keep your battery in good condition.
In terms of how often to charge your EV, it’s worth noting that you don’t need to wait until your battery is completely empty before charging it. In fact, it’s recommended to avoid fully discharging your battery on a regular basis, as this can put additional strain on the battery and reduce its lifespan.
Instead, aim to keep your battery level between around 20-80% charge, and top it up as needed. Many EVs also have built-in features that can help you optimize your charging schedule, such as scheduled charging, which allows you to set a time for your vehicle to start charging automatically, or charging to a specific percentage, which helps you avoid overcharging your battery.
How much does it cost to tax an electric car?
Electric cars are subject to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), more commonly known as road tax. The amount of road tax you pay for an electric car depends on the car’s list price when it was new and the year it was registered.
However, the good news is that electric cars are exempt from paying any VED in the UK. This is because they produce zero emissions and have a much lower environmental impact than petrol and diesel cars.
This exemption applies to all fully electric cars, as well as some plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) that meet certain emissions and electric range criteria. For example, PHEVs with CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and a minimum electric range of 40 miles are also exempt from paying road tax.
It’s worth noting that the exemption from road tax for electric cars is subject to change, and the government may revise its policies on vehicle taxation in the future. However, as of 2023, electric cars remain exempt from paying VED in the UK.
Are electric cars cheaper to insure?
The cost of insuring an electric can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the driver’s age and driving history, and the level of coverage selected.
However, in general, electric cars can be cheaper to insure in the UK than petrol or diesel cars. This is because electric cars tend to have fewer moving parts than combustion engine vehicles, which can reduce the risk of mechanical failure and accident damage. Additionally, electric cars tend to be more expensive to purchase than their petrol or diesel car counterparts, which can incentivize drivers to take extra care when driving and maintaining their vehicle.
Another factor that can influence the cost of insurance for electric and hybrid cars, is the cost of repairs. As electric cars become more common in the UK, the availability of replacement parts and repair services is likely to increase, which could help to reduce the cost of insurance for these vehicles over time.
In addition, some insurance providers in the UK offer special discounts and incentives for drivers of electric cars. For example, some providers offer discounts for drivers who use a charging network operated by a specific provider, while others offer lower rates for cars with certain safety features or advanced driver assistance systems.
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Is the EV Car Scheme worth it?
The decision to switch to an electric vehicle (EV) can depend on several factors, including your driving habits, your budget, and your environmental values. However, for many drivers, the EV scheme can be a worthwhile investment.
One of the main advantages of owning an electric vehicle in the UK is the cost savings over time. Compared to petrol and diesel cars, EVs can be cheaper to run due to their lower fuel costs and reduced maintenance requirements. In addition, the UK government offers several incentives and schemes to help reduce the upfront cost of purchasing an EV, including grants for electric vehicles and home charging infrastructure.
Another advantage of owning an EV is the environmental benefits. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions while driving, which can help to reduce air pollution and combat climate change. Additionally, as the UK continues to transition to renewable energy sources, EVs can become even more environmentally friendly over time.
However, there are also some challenges to consider when owning an electric vehicle. One of the main challenges is the availability of charging infrastructure. While there are currently thousands of public charging points across the UK, it can still be a challenge to find a charging station in some areas. Additionally, EVs can have a shorter driving range than petrol or diesel cars, which can be a concern for some drivers.
Overall, the decision to switch to an electric vehicle in the UK can depend on several factors, including your driving habits, your budget, and your environmental values. However, for many drivers, the cost savings, and environmental benefits of owning an EV can make the switch well worth it.
What about electric car financing?
Electric car financing options in the UK can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the dealership or lender offering the financing. Here are some of the main financing options to consider:
Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)
PCP is a popular financing option for electric cars in the UK. With PCP, you pay a deposit and then make fixed monthly payments for a set period (typically 2-4 years). At the end of the agreement, you can choose to either return the car, pay a final balloon payment to own the car outright, or use any equity in the car to put towards a deposit on a new vehicle.
Hire Purchase (HP)
HP is another common financing option for electric cars. With HP, you pay a deposit and then make fixed monthly payments for a set period (typically 2-5 years). Once you have made all the payments, you own the car outright.
Personal Loan
If you prefer to finance your electric car with a loan, you can apply for a personal loan from a bank or other lender. Personal loans typically have fixed interest rates and repayment terms and can be a good option if you have a good credit score and want to own the car outright from the start.
Leasing
Electric cars can also be leased through a dealership or leasing company. With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly fee for a set period (typically 2-4 years) and return the car at the end of the agreement. Leasing can be a good option if you want to drive a new car every few years and don’t want to worry about maintenance costs.
It’s worth noting that some financing options, such as PCP and HP, may require a deposit and a good credit score. Additionally, the interest rates and repayment terms can vary depending on the lender and your individual circumstances. Before choosing a financing option, it’s important to compare rates and terms from multiple lenders to find the best deal for your needs.
Let us help you
Contact us today on 0330 174 8540 and learn about the best car financing options to help you drive away in your next dream car. Take the first step towards getting approved for car finance now.
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