Many people have questions about electric vehicles and wonder what the benefits are. This article will answer some of your biggest questions about electric cars and vans. Electric cars can be more environmentally friendly than petrol-powered cars because they produce fewer emissions. They also tend to require less maintenance, which saves you money on car repairs in the long run. There are many other benefits to owning an electric vehicle, but these are just a few!

Electric Vehicles in the UK

Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the popularity of electric vehicles in the UK. Just last year, 190,000 electric cars were sold, accounting for 11.6% of the total car sales across the country. This number is a definite step up from the previous year, where electric cars accounted for only around 6% of the total UK sales.

Electric Vehicle Questions and Answers

With increasing consumer demand for electric vehicles, it’s no wonder that more and more people are growing inquisitive about the benefits that come with EVs. Below, we answer the most common questions about electric vehicles.

1. How do electric cars work?

An electric car essentially works by leveraging the power stored in its battery. Unlike conventional automobiles powered by fuel and an internal combustion engine, EVs utilise an electric motor that drives the wheels.

2. What are the pros and cons of an electric car?

Owning an EV has its set of advantages and disadvantages. In terms of its drawbacks, you will have to deal with the costs involved in getting an EV. Upfront costs can be quite steep, and replacing the battery in the future can cost you a pretty penny. Charging infrastructure, and having to find charging stations, is also some of the issues. This can be resolved over time as more charging stations pop up across the country, but presently, infrastructure could use more improvement to accommodate EV drivers.

While EV ownership has its issues, the benefits of electric cars make it still worth investing in. EVs are more energy-efficient and have a lower carbon footprint than traditional autos. They can also be more comfortable driving due to their lower centre of gravity. Other advantages of EVs include lower maintenance and tax incentives.

3. Do electric cars have transmissions?

Unlike in traditional gas-powered vehicles, multi-gear transmissions are not necessary for EVs. EVs produce full power or maximum torque even without multiple gears.

4. Are electric cars better for the environment?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions about electric vehicles. The answer is yes; EVs are better for the environment than their gas-powered counterparts. A battery-powered car minimises air pollution because it does not have a tailpipe that emits exhaust. And although it does produce carbon emissions through electricity generation, it’s still significantly lower compared to the CO2 emissions of diesel and petrol cars.

5. How far can an electric cargo?

The answer to this question varies, depending on the type of EV you own and how fast you drive your car. In general, more expensive EVs give you more miles, while speedier driving eats away at those miles. On average, standard EV models have a range of 125 miles (e.g., Honda e) to 292 miles (e.g., Jaguar I-Pace). Tesla models are ahead of the pack, boasting ranges of almost 400 miles. In comparison, gas-powered cars can travel approximately 300 to 360 miles on a full tank.

6. Do electric cars last longer than gas cars?

Typically, a standard gas car lasts approximately 200,000 miles. Beyond this number, you may need to shop around for a new vehicle. Meanwhile, EV batteries can last an average of 10 to 20 years before you need to have them replaced.

7. How do you charge an electric car?

This is one of the most commonly asked electric vehicle charging questions. Charging your electric car involves plugging it into a charging point. You can charge your EV via service stations, public places such as supermarkets and car parks, at work and even at home. Home charging is easy and convenient. You can use your house’s outlets for charging your EV, or you can also opt to install a wall box.

8. How many miles can an hour of charging give you?

The number of miles you can gain for every hour of charging depends on the charging speed. Level 1, the slowest charging category, can give you 3 to 15 miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 can provide 20 to 30 miles of range. Level 3 is the fastest. Also known as fast or rapid charging, it can deliver up to 200 miles of range per hour of charging.

9. How long does it take to charge an electric car?

This is dependent on several factors, such as your EV’s maximum charging rate and the charging rate of the station you’re using. With Level 1 charging, it can take days before your EV is fully charged. Meanwhile, with Level 2 charging, it can take approximately up to 12 hours. And with Level 3, you can top up your battery in a mere 30 to 45 minutes.

10. How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

Home charging is a cost-effective way to charge your EV. For a full charge, it is estimated that you incur only around £10. For service stations that offer rapid charging, it can cost you approximately £7 to charge your EV for a half hour.

11. Are electric car charging stations free in the UK?

There are numerous places where you can charge your EV for free. In the UK, free charging is typically available in public places, such as supermarkets, shopping centres and car parks.

Looking to make the switch from traditional cars to electric vehicles but prefer a more economical option? Then you may want to consider used electric vans. Big Van World offers a wide range of used vehicles, including electric ones. Contact us today to learn more.