Frequently Asked Questions
Because electric cars are still relatively new to the mass market, it's understandable that there are lots of questions. From functionality to cost, Eco Cars have put together a list of commonly asked questions and their answers for your information.
Q: What type of electricity does an electric car use?
Being a modern advancement in tech, our clients often wonder what type of electricity the electric car uses. It runs on the regular type of electricity that you use in your home or office. It can be charged using a 13-amp household socket. However, it’s recommendable for you to charge the electric car with a higher capacity circuit.
You can consult a professional electrician to recommend a suitable capacity circuit. Avoid extension cables at all times because they often overheat.
Q: Where can I charge it?
One of the main benefits of electric cars is that you can charge it anywhere. The ideal solution is to charge it at home overnight, allowing plenty of time for a full recharge. The specific charging time differs depending on the charging system and the vehicle. You can charge it using a three pin socket. Alternatively, you can switch to the fast home charging unit.
As a homeowner and an EV owner, you can enjoy a special home charger grant from the government, currently around £500. Additionally, the number of charging points has risen significantly in recent years. For instance, there are more than 9,000 charging points in the UK- that's even more than there are petrol stations!
Q: Will the home charging station cost extra?
The cost highly depends on the installer. It can either be free of charge (entirely funded), partially funded by the OLEV grant or it can cost around £760 privately. You will need to consult an advisor so that you know your options.
Usually you do not need to switch energy suppliers. It’s however advisable for you to tell them that you intend on installing a home charging station. You should also know that the rates of EV charging vary depending on the energy supplier.
Q: What distance can an EV cover on a single charge?
The distance covered highly depends on the make of the car. Different manufacturers do give an estimate of the distance their cars can cover on a single charge. However, a typical EV can cover between 80 and 100 miles per single charge. Your driving style also matters in determining the actual range. The good news is that there are lots of charging points. Therefore you can always be assured of reaching your destination on time.
There are some other makes of EV cars that can go for long distances with a single charge. A good example is the Tesla Model S, covering up to 300 miles in a single charge- comparable to ICE cars at a fraction of the cost.
Q: What’s the cost of charging an EV?
This will depend on whether you want to charge your electric car at home or via the public charging points. In the case of public charging points, you can either be asked to pay per charge, or you can pay a subscription fee. The cost of charging in Ecotricity, one of the biggest charging station network in the UK, is 30p per unit of charge. However, for Ecotricity clients, the fees are 15p per unit.
You should also make a point of being up to date with the current electricity rates. Moreover, the size of your battery also determines the cost of charging your electric car. But, the costs of charging an EV are relatively affordable because they range in between £1 to £4.
Q: What’s the charging time for an electric car?
Most electric cars have an average charging time of 4 to 8 hours irrespective of whether you use a public or domestic charging point. The type of vehicle will also determine the charging time. If you charge your electric car using your home charging point, it can take up to 8-12 hours for it to charge fully. If you want to speed things up a little bit, you can invest in a rapid charger.
The public charging points, on the other hand, can charge your EV from 0-80% in as little as 45 minutes.
Q: How does it feel to drive an EV?
Driving an electric car takes you a step into the future. The feeling is fantastic and enjoyable. You don’t have to worry about gears anymore as all electric cars are automatic.
Plus, it is capable of maneuvering through traffic and the motorways. It makes driving fun and the added features make driving safer and better. The instant torque means that you can take off effortlessly from standstill.
Also yes. It really is silent to drive!
Q: Is driving an EV cost efficient?
The electric cars aren’t only better but are also more affordable. First and foremost, charging it whether at home or in public charging points will cost you £1 to £3 per single charge. Remember that this charge is sufficient to drive you to all your destinations as long as the distance doesn’t exceed 80 miles.
You won’t be required to pay road tax because these cars don’t emit CO2. To make matters even better, the maintenance costs are minimal. The only things that you will have to check up on regularly are lights, brakes, and tyres. Don’t forget to replace the pollen filter change. It’s responsible for ensuring your car smelling great at all times.