From the intricacies of charging and battery longevity to tax and insurance, we answer your queries on potential EV ownership.
In this article…
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a passing trend but a tidal wave towards sustainable motoring. But, as EVs grow in popularity, so do the number of questions surrounding them.
In this blog post, we dive deep into the most commonly asked questions about electric cars to provide you with the knowledge you need as we accelerate towards an electrified future. From the intricacies of charging and battery longevity to the ins and outs of taxation and insurance, we answer your queries on potential EV ownership with clear, concise answers.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car?
The cost of charging an electric car depends on the source of power, but overall, electric cars cost less to run than combustion engine cars. Many public charging stations, such as those in shopping centres and service stations, are free to use, however for new Tesla drivers, for example, there is a limit to the amount of free charge you can use before you need to pay.
Alternatively, installing a home charging point allows you to use your own electricity. Installation for a Pod Point charging station is £949, and the UK government is willing to fund up to 75% of the costs of installing one on a domestic property. To find an energy tariff for electric car charging, consult your energy company for rates.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric Car?
The charging speed of an electric car depends on the battery size and the charger you are using. Larger sizes will take longer to charge, and rapid-speed charging points will reduce the charge time. If you divide the battery size (kWh) by the charging speed (kW), the answer will be the charging time.
Consult our guide to the various charging points for electric vehicles for more information.
Are All Electric Cars Automatic?
Because the energy provided to the car from the electric motor is constant, electric cars don’t need gears. As a result, a vast majority of EVs are automatic, though there are some models that bring back the gears should you desire the feel of driving a manual transmission, such as the Audi e-Tron GT.
Can Electric Cars Tow a Caravan?
Caravan owners fear not. There are plenty of electric cars that can tow and some models, like the BMW iX, can tow up to 2,500kg. There is a tradeoff between towing and battery range, however, as hauling an extra couple of tonnes does reduce the range substantially. This is no different in a fossil-fueled car, so you’ll hardly have to adjust.
How Much Is Electric Car Tax?
For the time being, electric car drivers do not pay to have their car taxed. However, on 1st April 2025, new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rules will be introduced that add tax for electric car drivers. They will be moved to the standard rate, and the Expensive Car Supplement exception will be lifted for cars valued over £40,000. However, when factoring in the savings on fuel costs, this is still a more affordable option compared to a brand-new gas-guzzler.
More information on the VED rule changes in 2025 can be found on the UK government website.
Are Electric Cars Cheaper to Insure?
No matter if you’re driving electric, petrol or diesel, all cars in the UK must be insured under the law. But does electric power make your car favourable amongst insurers?
Currently, insurance is generally a little higher for electric cars because the spare parts used to repair them are newer and more expensive. However, as electric cars become more popular, this will change and the insurance will be reduced to the same level as petrol and diesel models.
Can You Tow an Electric Car?
In case of a breakdown or a flat battery, you’ll be pleased to know that your electric car can be towed just like any other car. However, because there is no neutral gear, towing the car while in drive or reverse gear can damage the battery. Many manufacturers include a towing setting that removes this issue, so consult your vehicle handbook to find where it is on your model.
Do Electric Cars Need an MOT?
The same MOT rules apply to EV cars as they do any fossil fuel vehicle. An MOT test ensures that your electric car is safe to drive on UK roads, and should be conducted every year after the car’s third birthday.
Do Electric Cars Need Servicing?
As much as any other car, an EV car needs to be serviced regularly. Ideally, you should service your car every year aside from your MOT to ensure that it maintains optimum performance and has a longer lifespan.
How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?
Like any piece of mechanical equipment on a car, electric batteries degrade over time, leading to a gradual deterioration in range. However, the average lifespan of an EV battery is around ten years, with some even lasting as long as 20 years.
If you’re feeling informed enough about electric cars to explore getting one yourself, you may want to consider cars2buy’s collection of electric car leases. Leasing an electric car washes away many of the worries addressed in this blog, as you only have to drive the car anywhere from one year to five years depending on which term length you opt for. cars2buy is the best way to lease a car without the huge lump sum and exhaustive maintenance of ownership.
Customers love our service, which takes the hassle out of searching through hundreds of lease sites with no commission fee. We’ve curated a collection of the best electric car leases from trusted partners already so you can start three steps ahead. Take a look at our electric car leases online today and you could be driving in a zero-emission car sooner than you think.
