Electric Vehicles Frequently Asked Questions

The government has made it clear that by 2030, there will be a ban on the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars, paving the way for electric vehicles (EVs) to dominate UK roads.

The cost of living crisis and the huge increase in fuel prices over the past 12 months or so has accelerated many into buying an EV now, rather than waiting until it is mandatory when buying a new one.

Car brands from around the world have stepped up the manufacturing of new EVs as the globe looks to move away from traditional fuel to more sustainable energy supplies.

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While there are plenty of people now making the switch to EVs, there are others that are still sceptical about the benefits and ease of owning one. From afar, it does look like it could be a lot of hassle.

However, in this article, we take a look at the most frequently asked questions on EVs to help you get a better understanding of what to expect and ultimately why you should consider getting one sooner than later.

Cost of charging

Many people who are making the switch to EVs are doing so because the cost of fuel and general cost of living is becoming too much, and switching to electric will hopefully save them some money.

Now more than ever, it's so important to have a monthly budget to ensure that you are able to afford and make the payments you need each month; it's scary seeing fuel and energy prices increasing month on month.

With an EV, you have to charge the battery to operate it as opposed to filling it up with fuel, so inevitably, the main question people considering an EV want to know is how much will that cost.

Well, the answer does vary depending on how much the electricity costs at the location you are charging, and how big the car is. But you should expect to spend anything between £700-£1200 per year on electricity.

Time of charging

This is another piece of important information that needs to be known before committing to an EV. To fill your car with fuel you just turn up, put the nozzle in and you're good to drive off with a full tank a couple of minutes later.

With an EV, you have to charge the battery and the time it takes very much depends on how big the battery is. For a standard-sized car, you should expect it to take eight hours on average from empty to full.

But the advice given to EV drivers is to keep the charge topped up regularly rather than waiting for it to go down to empty, and this can be done in bursts of 30 minutes.

There are now many public places with charging ports, such as supermarkets and car parks, so it's a good opportunity to charge your car there while you're occupied with other things.

Range of battery

This is one of the biggest concerns for those thinking about switching to EV as you could be left stranded in the middle of nowhere if your battery decides to cut out partway through a journey.

As you would with a normal car, you would need to understand the range of the vehicle so that you know just how far you can go in it. A typical EV should get you 150 miles before running on empty.

In terms of lifetime, the average battery should last 10+ years, giving you plenty of options when it comes to deciding whether to keep or change your car after a few years.

Charging at home

The prospect of home charging is both a positive and a cause for concern for people when they are deciding whether or not to get an EV.

Having a charging port at home is great for convenience as you can fill it up while it's sat dormant on your driveway. But on the flip side, the rising costs of gas and electricity in your home will make you want to analyse your budget to see how much more you should expect to pay each year.

However, a full charge should generally cost you around £15, which in comparison to filling up with fuel, is a massive saving. 

Having the option to charge from home including the convenience and price is enough to make you want to invest in an EV and get a port installed at your home.

EV stock market

As previously mentioned above, the EV market is rapidly increasing which has led to many more car brands developing and manufacturing EVs for now and for future sales.

If you were looking to invest in stocks, the EV market is an excellent option as it'll only get bigger and better as the years progress.

Hybrids

Not only has there been a rapid increase in fully electric vehicles appearing on our roads, but also hybrid options and many people are unsure what the distinction is or what is better to buy.

Hybrid cars run on both electricity and fuel, making them a popular middle-ground for those, not 100% sold on making the full switch from fuel to electric.

You still fill up with fuel, but it costs a little bit less than a standard petrol or diesel car due to its self-charging when you're not pushing down on the accelerator. It's fairly minimal, but when the battery powers the car, you don't use any fuel and therefore gives you a bit longer without the need to fill up.