
Type of Electric Vehicles Explained
Our brief guide below will help you to understand the types of electric vehicle that are available, and which will be best for your needs.
Many motorists have questions about making the switch to an electric vehicle. Here, we’ve answered some of the most frequent questions, but if you’d like to know more, don’t hesitate to contact our team.
You can charge at home using a domestic socket or specially fitted wallbox, or at one of the many public charging points located across the UK.
A fully electric car will cost approximately 2-4p per mile to run. In comparison, a petrol vehicle may cost between 23p and 89p per mile.
Charging times depend on the make and model you choose, as well as the powertrain, charging point, and more. Fully electric vehicles need longer to charge than plug-in hybrids, and charging at a DC rapid charger takes significantly less time than using a home wallbox.
Charging costs vary depending on electricity tariffs and where you charge. Home charging is usually the most cost-effective solution, often costing significantly less than petrol or diesel per mile. While public rapid chargers are typically more expensive, they offer added convenience when you’re on the move.
Charging times depend on the battery size and charger type. A home wallbox typically takes several hours for a full charge, while rapid public chargers can add a substantial amount of range in around 30 minutes. Many drivers simply charge overnight for everyday convenience.
Electric cars are charged by plugging into a power source, much like a smartphone. You can charge at home using a wallbox, at work or at public charging stations. Simply connect your car to a power source via a cable, and the vehicle manages the charging process automatically.
Electric cars typically use around three to four miles per kWh of electricity, depending on the model and driving conditions. This makes them highly efficient, with predictable energy usage that can be easier to manage than traditional fuel costs.
Range varies by model, but many modern electric vehicles can travel between 200 and 350 miles on a single charge (the ŠKODA Elroq manages up to 355 miles, for example). This is more than enough for most daily journeys, with longer trips easily managed using the UK’s growing public charging network.
Many fully electric vehicles are exempt from congestion charges in certain areas, such as London, although this can change over time. It’s always worth checking the latest local regulations, but EVs often benefit from reduced or zero-emission zone costs.
Electric vehicles offer lower running costs, zero exhaust emissions and a smooth, quiet driving experience. They’re easy to charge at home, require less routine maintenance and can offer tax and cost advantages for both private and business users.
EV stands for electric vehicle. It’s a car powered entirely by electricity rather than petrol or diesel. It uses a battery and electric motor to drive the wheels, producing no exhaust emissions whatsoever and delivering a clean, efficient driving experience.
The longest range varies as new models are introduced, but some of the latest electric vehicles can exceed 400 miles on a single charge. For instance, the Volkswagen ID.7 travels up to 433 miles on a single charge.
Electric vehicles use a rechargeable battery to power an electric motor, which drives the wheels. Energy is stored in the battery and delivered instantly to the motor, providing smooth acceleration and quiet performance without the need for a traditional engine.