We answer the most common questions when buying an electric car
If you're curious about the world of EVs and have questions, this is just the place for you
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More Brits than ever are considering making the switch to an electric car, with more than 690,000 electric vehicles (EVs) already in our towns, cities and countryside.
If you’re looking to start out on your own electric journey, you’re bound to have questions as you step into the unknown.
And with futuristic designs as well as features that will make your day-to-day life easier, EVs bring a lot to the party.
Here, we will answer some of the most common questions asked by people who are looking to go electric for the first time.
How do you charge an electric car?
While petrol and diesel cars rely on fuel, electric vehicles need electricity to keep their wheels spinning.
Just like a smartphone or laptop, EVs must be plugged in to charge up. This can be done at work, home, supermarkets and other public charge points – even some lamp posts!
When charging your EV at home, the charger should be attached to a wall close to your regular parking space, either in your garage or driveway.
All you need to do is just plug the connecting cable into your car socket and let it work its magic.
As for charging your EV on the go, you can usually find them at service stations, supermarkets and public car parks.
As of April 2023, there were in the region of 39,000 public charging points across the UK, with the figure rising all the time.
There are handy public charging apps available, such as cinchCharge.
It has a live map showing the location of available chargers and allows drivers to access more than 20,000 chargepoint connectors with just the one payment method.
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How long is the range for electric cars?
Another pressing question is how far you can drive on a single charge.
The range you get from a single charge depends on which model you choose and your driving habits – the more careful you are, the more miles you'll be able to squeeze out of your vehicle.
For example, a Jaguar I-Pace has an approximate range of 292 miles (470km), while a Honda E lasts about 125 miles (201km).
On average, though, you can expect an EV battery to have a range of 217 miles (349km).
How long do EV batteries last?
When it comes to the lifespan of an EV battery, there's no exact answer.
But if well-maintained and kept in moderate climates, today’s batteries can keep going for 12-15 years and should cover up to 200,000 miles.
Do electric cars have engines?
Electric cars do not have engines. Instead, they have electric motors that are fuelled by rechargeable batteries.
The main difference between an electric motor and an internal combustion engine (ICE) is that the former transforms power into energy, whereas the latter converts fuel into energy.
Electric motors are made up of two parts: the stator and the rotor. Receiving energy from the battery, the stator creates a magnetic field that activates the rotor, which turns the wheels of the car.
The fact that there are fewer moving parts in an electric car is good news for any EV-owner.
With fewer fiddly components compared to their fuel-powered counterparts, electric vehicles are easier and less expensive to maintain.