Frequently Asked Questions

Most new EVs have a real-world range of somewhere between 80-250 miles, depending on the model. Smaller cars sit at the lower end, with many family models easily able to cover 110-180 miles on a single charge. Some higher-end models can cover 200-250 miles. Premium models can cover 250-300+ miles on a full charge.

Typically, PHEVs are able to drive 15-40 miles in electric only mode, depending on the model. When the petrol or diesel engine is used, PHEVs have a range that can easily exceed 500 miles when using both fuels.

Yes - EVs are subject to the same crash testing and safety regulations that all cars and van go through. Many of the UK’s best-selling EVs have been awarded five stars by EuroNCAP.

Yes – when purchasing most new EVs you will have an option to buy a home wall point charger; some may even be included in the price and fitted as standard – such like our electric Vauxhall range.

100% electric models are not currently charged Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), and plug-in hybrid models get a £10 discount. PHEVs are likely to cost between £0 and £105 for year one (depending on CO2 emissions) and then rises to £145 a year. An EV costing £40,000 is subject to an additional premium rate of £335 for 5 years (starting from the second time the vehicle is taxed).

There are tens-of-thousands of charging points in the UK. You can search through these easily on designated charging applications, or using a general Google search; there are plenty of websites and platforms that can help locate your nearest charging point by simply using your location.

There are a three main types of EV charge point (slow, fast and rapid) as well as a number of different charging connectors.

Rapid chargers are the fastest and can take between 30 and 80 minutes to charge your car to 80%. Rapid devices supply high power direct or alternating current – DC or AC – to recharge a car as fast as possible. Power outputs include: 50 kW DC charging on one of two connector types, 43 kW AC charging on one connector type, and 100+ kW DC ultra-rapid charging on one of two connector types. Fast chargers are available at most public stations and usually take between 3 and 4 hours. They have an output of between 7 and 22kW and have Type 1 or Type 2 sockets. Slow chargers have a three-pin plug. This is similar to home chargers and can take up to 10 hours to fully recharge EVs at one of these locations.

Yes - but there is still a little bit of learning to do regarding long EV trips. The best way to go about long journeys is to forward-plan: sign up for/download charging apps, know that your range may be less than your actual range – factors like the cold weather, air con, heating, uphill climbs, driving with a heavy foot, using electric cabin accessories like phone charging etc. can have a slight effect on your charge. It is always a good idea remind yourself of what charger your car takes, map put charging points/stations in advance, and choose the fastest chargers where possible.

It really depends on your budget! Used electric cars still provide reliable and cheap green motoring. With the cheapest used electric cars costing only £5,000, compared to £17,000 on average for new, buying a second-hand electric car could save you a fortune.

The majority of the time, battery’s in used electric vehicles are absolutely fine.

View the car when it’s fully charged and check what the info screen says about battery health. At the least, count how many of the bars are full and check this against the warranty conditions. You can always get the dealer to check this for you. Even if the battery’s still got life in it, you can restore or even upgrade the battery pack.

Batteries are often guaranteed to have around 70% of their original capacity after seven years. If you’re buying a used electric vehicle from a garage, get clear reassurance on whether the battery is covered by any warranty. If you’re buying privately, check the car’s ownership history carefully and if in doubt, call the manufacturer. It is better to be safe than sorry!

Pros of leasing

When leasing, you have access to a wider range of vehicles to choose from, so a short-term lease gives you the flexibility to upgrade after your lease period.

As EV technology and manufacturing is increasing, it is likely that EVs will drop in value, even more so than petrol or diesel cars. For example, EVs are being developed with better battery ranges, so it is likely that you’ll want to upgrade when this becomes available.

Battery health is another concern. A 2020 report found that you can expect an EV with a range of 188 miles to drop to 173 miles on average after six years. If you travel 188 miles a week, that’s a loss of 780 miles a year for example. Typically, you would trade in your EV after 2/3 years, so this wouldn’t be an issue.

Service and maintenance packages are included by some providers, and the cost is usually spread across the length of the contract, which are scheduled maintenance such as MOT, servicing and tyre replacement. Breakdown and roadside assistance can also be included and you should also find that breakdown cover is included as part of the manufacturer’s warranty.

Cons of leasing

On your contract there will be a set number of miles that you’re allowed to travel per year, if you exceed this there will be mileage penalties and a subsequent cost per mile that you exceed. The number of miles in your contract also reflect your monthly rental payment, so the more travelling you do, the higher your monthly payment is likely to be.

Even though you don’t own the car, you are expected to look after the car as if you do. If you don’t add on a maintenance package, it will be your responsibility to ensure the vehicle is fully maintained yearly, as well as repair any damage caused beyond reasonable wear and tear. Any damage or failure to service the vehicle will result in end of contract charges.

In rare cases, you may have to rent the battery – but most new models have batteries included as standard. But it’s worth a check!

However, an EV is NOT maintenance free. Manufacturers advise that owners must follow a series of periodic checks and services in order to keep the vehicle’s warranty in effect. If you don’t follow the recommended schedule, your car may not be covered. Although, you can check the tyre air pressure, topping up the washer fluid, and perhaps changing the wiper blades, much of the EV maintenance comes down to various mechanical inspections which should be performed by a technician.

Insurance prices vary depending on the car, your driving history and experience, and your circumstances, but, as a rule, electric cars are typically a little more expensive to insure than a petrol-powered equivalent.

However, as more electric and hybrid vehicles have become available and with the government’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the cost of insurance has begun to reduce and is expected to become cheaper than conventional cars. EV repairs have become more commonplace, and there’s the advantage that they’re less of a target for theft.

Much like a petrol or diesel engine, you would simply come to a stop. But with our 8 years roadside assistance included across our EV range, we’d get you back on the road in no time.

8 Years battery warranty - Enjoy peace of mind with our eight years/100,000-mile battery warranty for electric vehicle. Even better, the warranty is transferable and guarantees at least 70% charging capacity throughout the warranty period.

Whilst the shifter is the same and there are only 2 pedals, it is actually a single speed transmission, so in fact there is only really one gear.

No – just like any other EV - it is linked to the central locking system so locks into the car, and whilst the vehicle is receiving any charge it is not possible to take the cable out.

Taking a 14p per kW average energy tariff, you are looking at around a £7 cost to fully charge your vehicle. Out and about on the road, prices are similar to fuel prices, in the sense that if you’re close to a motorway, you’re like to pay more at around £15-18 for a full charge, whilst in rural locations it will be around £10-13 on average.

Charging your phone, using heated seats or the electronic climate control will have a slight effect on range, but the regenerative braking system usually makes up the difference. Other factors such as the weather and road conditions (i.e. steep inclines, etc) will also have a slight effect on range. 

Even though there’s no engine noise or vibration on start up like petrol or diesel cars, there is a green icon in the bottom left corner of the driver’s information display which signifies you’re ready to go.

With a 100kW charger you can achieve up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. At home using a Home Wall Box charger, you can achieve a full charge in just 7.5 hours.

• De-icer and an ice scraper
• Warm clothing
• Torch and batteries
• Shovel and a bag of sand or salt
• A Sat Nav or road atlas/map
• Extra food and drink
• Mobile phone charger
• First aid kit
• Empty fuel can

• Always use your headlights and fog lights.
• Be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly.
• Use your windscreen wipers and de-misters.
• Beware of other drivers who may not be using headlights.
• Some drivers may be following behind you closely - don’t accelerate to get away just proceed with caution slowly and safely.
• Check your mirrors before you slow down or apply your brakes.
• Stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic.
• When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so confidently and do not hesitate as this may put you or others in a compromised position.

• Heavy rain reduces visibility and doubles your stopping distance so keep well back from the vehicle in front.
• Be aware of puddles of water sat on the road. You can’t often tell how deep the water is, and driving through these puddles can also shift your steering Drive with caution and slow down.
• If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road – known as Aquaplaning. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Be prepared for the unexpected and anticipate what other drivers might do.

• Slow down! One of the most important actions to take when driving in snow or icy conditions is to reduce speed.
• Drive as smooth as possible. Braking, accelerating or turning harshly can unsettle the vehicle and cause you to lose control.
• In snow and ice, stopping distances can increase by as much as 10 times compared to good conditions so brake in good time and allow yourself a larger braking area.
• It is always a good idea to plan alternative routes. Have a back-up plan to your destination in case access to blocked or too dangerous.
• In freezing conditions, black ice can form without warning and is usually hard to spot. Be prepared and always drive with caution and care.