Buying an electric car can be a big decision. Many car buyers think they want one, but they have a lot of questions before they buy. Below we have answered the most commonly asked questions.
What is the range of the vehicle?
As an EV user, you want to be sure that you are able to have a safe journey without the added stress of running out of battery charge and being forced to pull over. This is better known in the market as ‘range anxiety’. The average range of EVs is currently 181 miles, meaning the electric vehicle’s on the market today are more than capable of covering normal daily distances. However, there are external and internal aspects that can negatively affect the EV range. Factors such as aggressive driving, continual high speeds, driving in strong headwinds and added weight (E.G more passengers), can all be detrimental.
How long does it take to charge?
There are several factors to take into consideration. Charge length can vary depending on the make and model of the car, what power source is being used and how much power your car can withstand.
There are three levels of charger type for Ev’s: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The rate of charging increases as you go up each level. Using the standard Level 1 charger with a normal three-prong plug usually found in your home provides around 5 miles per hour or charging. Level 2 uses a plug typically used for electric dryers, and can achieve about 35 miles more per hour of charging. Level 3, or DC fast charging, will charge an EV the fastest. This level of charging can only be found commercially and in public charging stations.
How much does it cost to charge
The cost of charging your electric car at a public charge point depends on the point’s network and the location of the charge points. The most typical offering is a pay-per-session option. Occasionally they can be free to use if you have access to a network subscription, E.G ‘ESB Energy’, ‘bp pulse’ and ‘Charge Your Car’. Public charge point costs also vary depending on the power rating and whether it’s a slow, fast or rapid charge point.
Rapid charge points are typically found at motorway service stations and can also be free for certain drivers but are generally seen as one of the more expensive options. In essence, because they offer a faster charge (drivers can typically charge an electric car to 80% in 20-40 mins) and greater convenience, they tend to come at a premium. ‘Pod Point’ rapid chargers cost 23p/kWh at Lidl and 24p/kWh at Tesco, which is about £6-7 for 30 minutes of charging (about 100 miles of range).
Is it cheaper to run than my current petrol/diesel car?
Typically lease costs are higher for full electric vehicles, although this is beginning to change as EVs become more mainstream.
Does it cost the same to service an electric car compared to a conventional car with an engine?
Electric drive trains have far fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines (ICE), meaning that electric cars have much-reduced maintenance costs when compared to ICE vehicles. Despite that, they do still require some maintenance that incurs a cost, such as Tyres and brakes. Most if not all EV manufacturers offer extensive warranties on battery life, therefore removing the worry of paying for battery replacement. For example, Nissan and Renault offer 8 years battery life warranty.
Where would I charge an electric vehicle?
Naturally, the easiest and most convenient option would be to install a home charging point. But when you’re out on the road, there are a few options to take into consideration based on your needs. The charge points differ by power rating and charge time; slow (lamppost charging), fast (car parks), or rapid (motorway service stations). The easiest way to locate your nearest charging point would be to download an app to your smartphone. For example, ‘Zap-Map’ has access to more than 20,000 points across the UK.
How does an EV affect my (company car/BIK) tax?
Electric vehicles were not subject to Benefit-in-Kind tax in FY 2020/21, but for the In 2021/22 financial year they attract a BiK rate of one percent and in 2022/23 just two percent. This means company car drivers who choose an EV will save thousands compared with the driver of a comparable diesel.
Start your EV journey today. Call us on 01653 604300 to speak to one of our team.
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