Question 1

Are hybrid cars reliable?

Accepted Answer

Hybrids have proven to be very reliable, probably more so than many traditional combustion engines, regularly coming out top in dependability and reliability surveys.

Question 2

Are hybrid cars more expensive?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid cars can be more expensive than standard fuel engines but this can often be off-set over time against lower fuel consumption, reduced running costs and even lower insurance.

Question 3

Are hybrid cars electric?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid cars are partly powered by an electric motor but cannot be considered electric cars because of the presence of a petrol or diesel engine.

Question 4

How long do electric cars last?

Accepted Answer

There are lots of myths about EV batteries requiring replacement after 10 years, but with care and maintenance, electric cars can often last far longer than 150,000 miles.

Question 5

Are EV's worth it?

Accepted Answer

Electric cars are proven to be more fuel efficient and better for the environment. Depending on your focus, there are a number of factors that make ownership beneficial.

Question 6

Do EV's need servicing?

Accepted Answer

As with any vehicle, regular servicing will ensure that your vehicle performs well and is safe on the road.

Question 7

Do you have to pay road tax on electric vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Road tax is based on vehicle emissions and year of registration. Pure EV's are exempt from tax. Plug-ins (PHEVs) pay reduced road tax.

Question 8

Are electric cars easier to maintain?

Accepted Answer

Fewer moving parts often equate to cheaper maintenance costs for electric cars because there is no need for components like oil, gaskets or spark plugs to be replaced.

Question 9

How many miles does an electric car last?

Accepted Answer

The key to electric car longevity is the battery. But these can be replaced. On average most manufacturers guarantee between 100,000 and 150,000 miles’ worth of battery life.

Question 10

How do I arrange a home charger?

Accepted Answer

Many brands offer benefits to purchasing a home charger when you order your new EV, which is usually the most cost-effective option, but you also have to option to source one yourself if you’d prefer.

Question 11

How much does electric car charging cost?

Accepted Answer

The amount you pay will depend on how much charge you need, a full or partial charge, as well as the current energy rate. To work out roughly how much you can expect to pay follow this calculation: Size of your chosen EV's battery pack × electricity cost of your supplier (in pence per kWh) = cost to charge an electric car from empty to full.

Question 12

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Accepted Answer

You can charge an electric vehicle in as little as 30 minutes, but it really depends on how much charge is needed (kWh) and how much power the charging station you’re planning to use provides (kW). To work it out divide the charge your vehicle needs by the power being provided and you’ll get an the estimated hours.

Question 13

Can you charge an electric car in the rain?

Accepted Answer

Yes, electric cars have been designed to be used in all weather conditions, making all types of electric vehicle chargers safe to use in the rain.

Question 14

Do all electric cars work with all chargers

Accepted Answer

Generally, most vehicles in the UK are compatible, as they usually have either a type 1 or type 2 socket.

Question 15

Should I charge my vehicle every night?

Accepted Answer

Not if you don’t need to, similarly to petrol or diesel cars, you only really need to charge up if you’re running low on fuel or have a longer trip planned.

Question 16

How far can I drive on a charge?

Accepted Answer

How far you can drive will depend on the range of your electric car and your driving style.

Question 17

How does temperature affect range?

Accepted Answer

Hot or cold temperatures can both negatively affect range, when it’s cold you’ll want to turn up the heat and when it’s hot you’ll want the air-con turned up, both have a negative affect on your EV’s battery capacity. The optimal driving temperature for an EV is 21.5 degrees, but until we can control the weather we’ll just need to factor in a buffer if the temperatures drop or soar.

Question 18

What are EV's like to drive?

Accepted Answer

The main differences you’ll notice in an electric car are that they’re quieter and you won’t need to change gears. Other than that they’re surprisingly similar to their petrol and diesel counterparts.

Question 19

Are EVs good to drive in all weathers?

Accepted Answer

Electric vehicles are well equipped to handle poor weather conditions, as usual you should adapt your driving style to suit the conditions, if it’s wet on the road you’ll still need to allow for longer braking distances as you would with a petrol or diesel.

Question 20

Can you get roadside assistance if you run out of charge?

Accepted Answer

The cover from most breakdown providers includes getting you back up and running if you run out of charge, they’ll usually just charge you for the fuel you need to get going again, but it’s worth checking your cover in-case it happens.

Question 21

How long will an electric car battery last and can they be replaced?

Accepted Answer

EV battery life is expected to be around 10 to 20 years, but it really depends on how well they’re looked after by the owner as to how fast they deteriorate. Like a phone battery, if not charged or cared for correctly they will lose their battery capacity quicker.

Question 22

Do EVs require special maintenance?

Accepted Answer

The servicing needed for an EV is different to a petrol or diesel car, as it has different components (a battery for example), but generally EV’s require less servicing as they have less parts than traditional combustion engines.

Question 23

Could an EV shut down and stop working like other electrical items?

Accepted Answer

EVs are not immune to breaking down, just like with any other vehicle or electrical item, things can go wrong, most electric vehicles come with a battery warranty from the manufacturer to keep you covered.

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