Electric Car FAQ

Modern electric cars typically offer between 200-350 miles of real-world range on a single charge. Premium models like the Mercedes EQS can exceed 400 miles.

The actual range you achieve depends on factors like driving style, weather conditions, use of heating/air conditioning, and speed. Motorway driving at high speeds will reduce range compared to urban driving.

EV batteries are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle. Most manufacturers warranty batteries for 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70-80% capacity retention.

Real-world data shows batteries often perform better than warranted, with many retaining 90%+ capacity after 200,000 miles. Battery technology continues to improve rapidly.

Yes, absolutely. Electric cars are designed to be completely safe in all weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding (within normal limits).

EV batteries and electrical components are sealed and waterproofed to IP67 or higher standards—meaning they can be submerged in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes. Always avoid driving through flood water regardless of vehicle type.

If you run out of charge, the car will safely come to a stop—you won't lose power steering or brakes suddenly. Most EVs give plenty of warning as the battery depletes, with multiple alerts and range estimates.

Options if you run out include calling roadside assistance (most include EV-specific help), using a mobile charging service, or getting a tow to the nearest charger. However, with modern range and the extensive charging network, this is extremely rare.

Electric cars are at least as safe as petrol cars, and often safer. EVs consistently achieve top safety ratings from Euro NCAP and other testing bodies.

The battery pack is heavily protected and positioned low in the car, improving the centre of gravity and handling. In the event of an accident, multiple safety systems disconnect the battery instantly. Fire risk from EV batteries is actually lower than from petrol vehicles.

You don't technically need a home charger, but it makes EV ownership much more convenient and cost-effective. Around 80% of charging happens at home for EV owners who can install one.

If you can't charge at home, consider whether you have access to workplace charging or convenient public chargers. Some people successfully own EVs charging exclusively at public stations, but it requires more planning and typically costs more.

At the current UK price cap rate of around 24p/kWh, charging a typical 60kWh EV battery from empty would cost approximately £14.40.

With an EV-specific tariff offering off-peak rates of 7.5p/kWh, the same charge would cost just £4.50. For a car with 250 miles range, that's roughly 2-6p per mile depending on your tariff.

Charging time depends on the charger type and battery size:

• • Home wallbox (7kW): 6-10 hours for full charge
• • Public fast (22kW): 2-4 hours
• • Rapid (50kW): 30-60 minutes to 80%
• • Ultra-rapid (150kW+): 15-30 minutes to 80%

Most owners charge overnight at home and rarely need rapid charging except on long journeys.

In the UK, most modern EVs use the Type 2 connector for AC charging (home and slow public chargers) and CCS (Combined Charging System) for DC rapid charging.

Tesla vehicles can use their proprietary Supercharger network (now open to other EVs) or standard CCS chargers. Older Nissan Leafs use CHAdeMO for rapid charging, but this standard is being phased out.

Yes, it's completely safe to charge in the rain. EV charging systems are designed with extensive safety features including waterproofing, ground fault protection, and automatic cut-offs.

The connectors seal when plugged in, and the system only allows power to flow when a proper connection is detected. Public chargers are designed to operate in all weather conditions.

Yes, significantly. The main savings come from:

• • Fuel costs: Electricity costs 2-7p/mile vs 15-20p/mile for petrol
• • Road tax: £0 for EVs vs £180+ for petrol
• • Maintenance: 30-50% lower due to fewer moving parts
• • Company car tax: 2% BIK vs up to 37%

The average driver saves £1,000-£1,500 per year on running costs.

The main cost driver is the battery, which can account for 30-40% of the vehicle price. However:

• • Battery costs have fallen 90% since 2010 and continue to drop
• • EVs are approaching price parity with petrol equivalents
• • Lower running costs offset the higher purchase price over time
• • Used EVs offer excellent value

EV insurance is typically 10-25% higher than comparable petrol cars, primarily because:

• • Higher purchase prices mean higher repair/replacement costs
• • Specialist repairs require EV-trained technicians
• • Battery damage can be expensive to assess

However, this gap is narrowing, and the insurance difference is usually outweighed by fuel and tax savings. Some insurers now specialise in EVs with competitive rates.

For most drivers, yes. The higher upfront cost is typically offset by lower running costs within 3-5 years. Company car drivers often save from day one due to the massive BIK tax advantage.

Use our savings calculator to get a personalised estimate based on your driving habits.

Yes, many modern EVs have good towing capacities. Popular towing EVs include:

• • Tesla Model X: Up to 2,250kg
• • BMW iX: Up to 2,500kg
• • Mercedes EQE SUV: Up to 1,800kg
• • Kia EV9: Up to 2,500kg

Be aware that towing significantly reduces range—typically by 30-50%. Plan your journey with more frequent charging stops.

The UK now has over 50,000 public charge points across more than 30,000 locations, and this number is growing rapidly. Major routes are well covered with rapid chargers.

Apps like Zap-Map help you find nearby chargers and plan routes. For most people who can charge at home, public charging is mainly needed for long trips.

EV batteries have valuable second lives and are ultimately recycled:

• • Second life: Batteries with 70-80% capacity are used for stationary energy storage
• • Recycling: Materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel) are recovered and reused
• • Manufacturer programs: Most offer battery take-back schemes

Battery recycling technology is improving rapidly, with some processes now recovering 95%+ of materials.

Absolutely! Electric cars are well-suited to motorway driving. Most modern EVs cruise comfortably at 70mph with good range.

For longer journeys, the UK motorway network has extensive rapid charging coverage at service stations. A 20-30 minute charging stop every 150-200 miles is typical for long trips.