electric-car-questions-answered

Hatchback

Mazda

MX-30

Estate

Coupe

Skoda

ENYAQ

Cupra

Born

Volkswagen

ID.3

The burning question for many drivers in recent years has been ‘should I make the switch to an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">car</a>?’ And with the sale of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-to-be-banned-from-2030/n15810">new petrol and diesel models due to be banned from 2030</a>, the answer is increasingly going to be ‘yes’.

Before you dive in, though, there are many factors to consider, including charging, range and costs. Here, we address them all.

Electric car FAQs

<h3>Where can I charge an electric car?</h3>

You can charge your car using a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">public charging point</a>, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-the-best-home-charging-solutions/n21685">home wallbox</a> or with a normal three-pin plug.

There are now more than 42,000 public charging points around the UK in around 15,500 locations; that's&nbsp;more than the number of petrol stations. And there are a range of smartphone apps to help you find them, including ChargePoint and ZapMap.

Sounds promising, right? However, that’s not the whole picture. Charging points aren’t evenly spread out across the country. So, while there are 102 chargers for every 100,000 people in London, it’s only 18 per 100,000 in Northern Ireland.

<h3>How can I charge at home?</h3>

Government statistics show that 80% of electric vehicle (EV) owners mostly charge at home. But while it’s possible to do this via a regular three-pin socket, that will take an awfully long time.

It therefore makes more sense to have a wallbox charger installed, either on the side of your house or in your garage (if you have one). Wired directly to your domestic supply, a wallbox can deliver electricity at 3kW, 7kW or 22kW, depending on the type of box you get.

Prices vary depending on if your household wiring needs altering, but you can expect to pay around £350-£450 for a 3kW, £850 for a 7kW and £1200-1400 for a 22kW wallbox.

Whichever one you go for, you’ll need a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/types-of-electric-car-plug/n18057">Type 2 charging cable</a>, but the good news is this is included with many modern electric cars; instead, it’s the three-pin cable that’s likely to cost extra.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that a new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/one-in-five-uk-homes-to-benefit-from-new-electric-car-charging-scheme/n24534">electric car charging scheme</a> was recently introduced that&nbsp;allows landlords, tenants and flat owners to apply for grants of up to £350 towards the cost of installing an electric car home charger. This is to help encourage EV uptake in densely populated urban areas.&nbsp;

As good as that all sounds, if you don’t have the ability to charge at home, charging can be less straightforward. A recent survey from home charging point manufacturer Anderson revealed that a third of British households don’t have a driveway, so they're&nbsp;unable to have a home charger installed.

<h3 dir="ltr">How can I charge at a public charging station?</h3>

You can now find chargers on many high streets, and in certain public car parks, so that you can get a top-up while you shop, with these tending to have outputs of 7kW or 22kW.

In addition, some residential streets feature lamp-post chargers. And certain supermarkets even allow free charging; for example, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> partnered with Tesco and the charging company Pod Point to install around 2400 chargers that are free regardless of your make of car.

As for faster units, these are more commonly (but certainly not exclusively) found at service stations, with these typically offering charging rates of between 50kW and 350kW.&nbsp;

Not all public charging stations are reliable or easy to use, however. We recently <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">rated Britain’s biggest charging companies</a> based on accessibility, location, charging speed, ease of payment, reliability and value for money.

We found that problems with charging speeds and payment were most common, with many units slower than they were supposed to be&nbsp;and some companies still requiring you to download an app or sign up in advance instead of letting you pay via a credit card.

Tesla’s Supercharger network performed best (although this is mostly available only to Tesla owners), with InstaVolt the highest rated network accessible to owners of all electric cars. By contrast, ChargeYourCar and GeniePoint performed worst.&nbsp;

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

<h3>Can I charge at work?</h3>

Many companies now have charging points outside their offices. However, if yours doesn’t, it could apply to the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). This is a voucher-based grant that covers 75% of the cost of both the purchase and installation of car charging points.

Criteria for eligibility includes being a business, charity or public sector organisation that is located in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

To apply, you must explain the need for electric car charging equipment and have dedicated off-street parking. Plus, you must be the owner of the property or have consent from the landlord for a charging point to be installed.

You can find the full criteria along with further information on applying for a WCS on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants">gov.uk</a> website.

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV have all won their classes at the What Car? Car of the Year Awards in recent years, while the TT coupé is the most decorated car in the history of the ceremony.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

E-TRON

<h3>How long does it take to charge an electric car?</h3>

Charging times depend on the type of charger you use, the size of your car’s battery and the maximum charging rate your car accepts.

The slowest charging rate runs at 3kW, which is typically the three-pin plug used with your domestic electricity supply. Charging something such as an<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/e-tron/estate/review/n18397"> Audi E-tron</a> using this method would take around 26 hours.

As mentioned, charging speeds of 7kW and 22kW are also possible at home, with the latter able to replenish the batteries of an E-tron in around nine hours.&nbsp;

Fast chargers such as ones found in service stations can increase these charging rates, outputting rates from 50kW to 350kW. Exact speeds and times vary depending on the company, but a 50kW charger could charge an E-tron in just over an hour (70 minutes), while a 150kW charger could half that to just 30 minutes.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, though, despite their name, there are a lot of fast chargers that are nowhere near this fast and require you to leave your car charging for a few hours – not&nbsp;exactly ideal.&nbsp;

It’s also worth bearing in mind that charging the last 20% of the battery takes a lot longer than charging the first 80%. This is because rapidly – and indeed regularly – charging up to 100% can shorten the life of the battery.

<h3>How much does it cost to charge an electric car?</h3>

One of the big incentives for purchasing an electric car is the cheaper long-term running costs compared with a regular petrol or diesel-engined car. Fuel shortages, panic buying and eye-watering fuel prices are just some of the things electric car owners haven’t had to worry about. However, charging, if not at home, can also end up being costly.&nbsp;

A What Car? investigation revealed that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-true-cost-of-owning-an-electric-car/n21008">UK’s fastest EV chargers can cost as much as seven times more than charging at home</a> overnight. Some home wallboxes can automatically begin charging once electricity is at its cheapest.&nbsp;

While most charging stations now offer contactless bank payments, some require you to log in using a smartphone app or an RFID card which confirms your identity so your account can be charged.

Some providers such as BP also offer a subscription service to their charging stations for a monthly fee that gives you preferential charging rates.&nbsp;

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

LEAF

<h3>Are electric cars expensive to buy?</h3>

Electric cars are more expensive to purchase than equivalent petrol and diesel models due to their pricier technology. But you can still get electric cars on attractive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/personal-contract-purchase-pcp-explained-car-finance-guide/n19714">PCP finance</a> deals. For example, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a> is available from as little as £268 per month and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> from £320 per month.

<h3>Are electric cars as reliable as petrol or diesel vehicles?</h3>

This depends on the car. Yes, there is less that can go wrong with an electric car due to them having fewer moving parts, but that’s not to say that issues won’t arise in other areas. And when issues do arise with the battery and electric motor, they can be more difficult and costly to repair, particularly because mechanics must undergo specialist training to work on an EV.&nbsp;

When we put electric cars <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/are-electric-cars-more-or-less-reliable-than-petrol-and-diesel-rivals/n24241">head to head against their petrol and diesel rivals</a>, petrol or hybrid models came out on top in the majority of cases, but electric cars generally still performed well.

<h3>What happens if an&nbsp;electric car breaks down?</h3>

Standard breakdown recovery trucks are only capable of towing vehicles that weigh up to 2.2 or 2.5 tonnes, and some electric cars are a lot heavier than that due to the weight of their batteries.

In addition, a four-wheel-drive electric car cannot be towed because having two wheels on the ground damages the motor. Breakdown services are therefore <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-car-breakdown-services-are-changing/n19952">adapting the way in which they operate</a> to cater for EVs.&nbsp;

The RAC, for example, has introduced custom-built, heavy-duty vehicles that are capable of towing EVs. Each van is fitted with a new four-wheeled trailer that folds out of the load bed and lifts all four of the car’s wheels, allowing it to be towed and transported to the nearest workshop if needed.

In addition, in case an electric car runs out of charge, some RAC breakdown trucks now carry EV Boost Chargers, which can give you enough electricity to get you to the nearest charging point. They provide around 10 miles of range from a 30-minute charge at a speed of 3.5kW (faster 7kW mobile chargers are being developed). The power comes from a generator permanently attached to the van’s engine and is compatible with Type 1 and 2 sockets.

The AA uses an alternative method: a vehicle with charging equipment that uses energy stored in battery packs. These packs are trickle-charged (this involves providing a constant low charge to the battery without the risk of overcharging so you don’t have to recharge as often),&nbsp;meaning the van’s engine does not need to be continuously running. The AA also carries Polar charging cards, providing EV drivers with access to the UK’s largest publicly available network of charging points.

<h3>How far can electric cars travel between charges? </h3>

Unsurprisingly, this is greatly influenced by the size of the car’s battery; the bigger it is, the more capacity to store energy and thus the longer the range. However, it’s also worth remembering that driving&nbsp;your car hard&nbsp;will greatly reduce efficiency, just as it will with a petrol or diesel.

Then there’s temperature. At What Car?, we’ve conducted our own tests in both the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-go-in-the-real-world/n23331">summer</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-go-in-winter/n24274">winter</a> and found that cold weather can reduce an electric car’s real-world range by between 15% and 20%, depending on the model.

<h3>Why does cold weather affect electric cars?</h3>

Cold weather slows down chemical reactions within the battery, meaning the car must use additional power. However, it’s worth considering specifying your electric car with a heat pump, which is an efficient way of heating your car's interior that reduces the impact on range.

<h3>Can I charge in the rain?</h3>

This is an understandable question, given that everyone knows not to mix electricity and water. However, electric cars are required to meet the same safety requirements as petrol and diesel cars – and that means they’re not allowed to electrocute you.

Charging stations and plugs are all insulated, so it’s perfectly safe to charge in the rain.

<h3>Can I take an electric car through a car wash?</h3>

Like charging in the rain, it’s also perfectly safe to take an electric car through a car wash. Car manufacturers build their cars to be safe in all elements;&nbsp;there’s even something called a ‘soak test’, which&nbsp;exposes the car to near-flood levels of rain to ensure everything is safe.&nbsp;

All the electrical components are deep within the car to prevent water intrusion, so you can safely take your electric car through a car wash.&nbsp;

<h3>Are electric cars manual or automatic?</h3>

You don’t have to change gear in any electric vehicle. Indeed, most of them have a single-speed gearbox (although some performance models do have two gears to make it easier to pull away without spinning the wheels). This is because while combustion-engined cars need multiple gears in order to build up speed, electric motors can provide their maximum torque from zero revs.&nbsp;

<h3>Which electric car is right for me?</h3>

This will depend on the type of lifestyle you live and the journeys you make. If you need the space to fit your holiday luggage in with ease or regularly carry tall rear passengers, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/large-electric">large electric</a>&nbsp;car with a long range and more space would suit you best – something along the lines of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> (our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-overall-winner/n23994">Car of the Year for 2022</a>) or a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/estate/review/n22909">Skoda Enyaq iV</a>.

Alternatively, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t need masses of space, you could probably get by with a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small-electric">small electric car</a> such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a> (our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-small-electric-car-of-the-year/n24000">Small Electric Car of the Year 2022</a>) and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID.3</a>.

<hr />
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

<h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/electric-car-charging-guide/n18056">Read more:&nbsp;Electric car charging guide&nbsp;&gt;&gt;</a></h2>

The burning question for many drivers in recent years has been ‘should I make the switch to an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">car</a>?’ And with the sale of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-to-be-banned-from-2030/n15810">new petrol and diesel models due to be banned from 2030</a>, the answer is increasingly going to be ‘yes’.Before you dive in, though, there are many factors to consider, including charging, range and costs. Here, we address them all.<hr />

Where can I charge an electric car?

You can charge your car using a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">public charging station</a>, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-the-best-home-charging-solutions/n21685">home wallbox</a> or with a normal three-pin plug.There are now more than 42,000 public charging points around the UK in around 15,500 locations; that's more than the number of petrol stations. And there are a range of smartphone apps to help you find them, including ChargePoint and ZapMap.Sounds promising, right? However, that’s not the whole picture. Charging points aren’t evenly spread out across the country. So, while there are 102 chargers for every 100,000 people in London, it’s only 18 per 100,000 in Northern Ireland.

<hr />How can I charge at home?

Government statistics show that 80% of electric vehicle (EV) owners mostly charge at home. But while it’s possible to do this via a regular three-pin socket, that will take an awfully long time.It therefore makes more sense to have a wallbox charger installed, either on the side of your house or in your garage (if you have one). Wired directly to your domestic supply, a wallbox can deliver electricity at 3kW, 7kW or 22kW, depending on the type of box you get.Prices vary depending on if your household wiring needs altering, but you can expect to pay around £350-£450 for a 3kW, £850 for a 7kW and £1200-1400 for a 22kW wallbox.Whichever one you go for, you’ll need a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/types-of-electric-car-plug/n18057">Type 2 charging cable</a>, but the good news is this is included with many modern electric cars; instead, it’s the three-pin cable that’s likely to cost extra.It’s also worth bearing in mind that a new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/one-in-five-uk-homes-to-benefit-from-new-electric-car-charging-scheme/n24534">electric car charging scheme</a> was recently introduced that allows landlords, tenants and flat owners to apply for grants of up to £350 towards the cost of installing an electric car home charger. This is to help encourage EV uptake in densely populated urban areas. As good as that all sounds, if you don’t have the ability to charge at home, charging can be less straightforward. A recent survey from home charging point manufacturer Anderson revealed that a third of British households don’t have a driveway, so they're unable to have a home charger installed.<hr />How can I charge at a public charging station?

You can now find chargers on many high streets, and in certain public car parks, so that you can get a top-up while you shop, with these tending to have outputs of 7kW or 22kW.

In addition, some residential streets feature lamp-post chargers. And certain supermarkets even allow free charging; for example, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> partnered with Tesco and the charging company Pod Point to install around 2400 chargers that are free regardless of your make of car.As for faster units, these are more commonly (but certainly not exclusively) found at service stations, with these typically offering charging rates of between 50kW and 350kW. Not all public charging stations are reliable or easy to use, however. We recently <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">rated Britain’s biggest charging companies</a> based on accessibility, location, charging speed, ease of payment, reliability and value for money.We found that problems with charging speeds and payment were most common, with many units slower than they were supposed to be and some companies still requiring you to download an app or sign up in advance instead of letting you pay via a credit card.Tesla’s Supercharger network performed best (although this is mostly available only to Tesla owners), with InstaVolt the highest rated network accessible to owners of all electric cars. By contrast, ChargeYourCar and GeniePoint performed worst. <hr />Can I charge at work?

Many companies now have charging points outside their offices. However, if yours doesn’t, it could apply to the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). This is a voucher-based grant that covers 75% of the cost of both the purchase and installation of car charging points.Criteria for eligibility includes being a business, charity or public sector organisation that is located in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.

To apply, you must explain the need for electric car charging equipment and have dedicated off-street parking. Plus, you must be the owner of the property or have consent from the landlord for a charging point to be installed.You can find the full criteria along with further information on applying for a WCS on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants">gov.uk</a> website.<hr />How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Charging times depend on the type of charger you use, the size of your car’s battery and the maximum charging rate your car accepts.The slowest charging rate runs at 3kW, which is typically the three-pin plug used with your domestic electricity supply. Charging something such as an<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/e-tron/estate/review/n18397"> Audi E-tron</a> using this method would take around 26 hours.As mentioned, charging speeds of 7kW and 22kW are also possible at home, with the latter able to replenish the batteries of an E-tron in around nine hours. Fast chargers such as ones found in service stations can increase these charging rates, outputting rates from 50kW to 350kW. Exact speeds and times vary depending on the company, but a 50kW charger could charge an E-tron in just over an hour (70 minutes), while a 150kW charger could half that to just 30 minutes. Unfortunately, though, despite their name, there are a lot of fast chargers that are nowhere near this fast and require you to leave your car charging for a few hours – not exactly ideal. It’s also worth bearing in mind that charging the last 20% of the battery takes a lot longer than charging the first 80%. This is because rapidly – and indeed regularly – charging up to 100% can shorten the life of the battery.<hr />How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

One of the big incentives for purchasing an electric car is the cheaper long-term running costs compared with a regular petrol or diesel-engined car. Fuel shortages, panic buying and eye-watering fuel prices are just some of the things electric car owners haven’t had to worry about. However, charging, if not at home, can also end up being costly. A What Car? investigation revealed that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-true-cost-of-owning-an-electric-car/n21008">UK’s fastest EV chargers can cost as much as seven times more than charging at home</a> overnight. Some home wallboxes can automatically begin charging once electricity is at its cheapest. While most charging stations now offer contactless bank payments, some require you to log in using a smartphone app or an RFID card which confirms your identity so your account can be charged.Some providers such as BP also offer a subscription service to their charging stations for a monthly fee that gives you preferential charging rates. <hr />Are electric cars expensive to buy?

Electric cars are more expensive to purchase than equivalent petrol and diesel models due to their pricier technology. But you can still get electric cars on attractive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/personal-contract-purchase-pcp-explained-car-finance-guide/n19714">PCP finance</a> deals. For example, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a> is available from as little as £268 per month and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> from £320 per month.<hr />Are electric cars as reliable as petrol or diesel vehicles?

This depends on the car. Yes, there is less that can go wrong with an electric car due to them having fewer moving parts, but that’s not to say that issues won’t arise in other areas. And when issues do arise with the battery and electric motor, they can be more difficult and costly to repair, particularly because mechanics must undergo specialist training to work on an EV.

When we put electric cars <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/are-electric-cars-more-or-less-reliable-than-petrol-and-diesel-rivals/n24241">head to head against their petrol and diesel rivals</a>, petrol or hybrid models came out on top in the majority of cases, but electric cars generally still performed well.<hr />How far can electric cars travel between charges?

Unsurprisingly, this is greatly influenced by the size of the car’s battery; the bigger it is, the more capacity to store energy and thus the longer the range. However, it’s also worth remembering that driving your car hard will greatly reduce efficiency, just as it will with a petrol or diesel.Then there’s temperature. At What Car?, we’ve conducted our own tests in both the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-go-in-the-real-world/n23331">summer</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-go-in-winter/n24274">winter</a> and found that cold weather can reduce an electric car’s real-world range by between 15% and 20%, depending on the model.<hr />Why does cold weather affect electric cars?

Cold weather slows down chemical reactions within the battery, meaning the car must use additional power. However, it’s worth considering specifying your electric car with a heat pump, which is an efficient way of heating your car's interior that reduces the impact on range.<hr />Can I charge in the rain?

This is an understandable question, given that everyone knows not to mix electricity and water. However, electric cars are required to meet the same safety requirements as petrol and diesel cars – and that means they’re not allowed to electrocute you.Charging stations and plugs are all insulated, so it’s perfectly safe to charge in the rain.<hr />Can I take an electric car through a car wash?

Like charging in the rain, it’s also perfectly safe to take an electric car through a car wash. Car manufacturers build their cars to be safe in all elements; there’s even something called a ‘soak test’, which exposes the car to near-flood levels of rain to ensure everything is safe.

All the electrical components are deep within the car to prevent water intrusion, so you can safely take your electric car through a car wash. <hr />What happens if my electric car breaks down?

Standard breakdown recovery trucks are only capable of towing vehicles that weigh up to 2.2 or 2.5 tonnes, and some electric cars are a lot heavier than that due to the weight of their batteries.In addition, a four-wheel-drive electric car cannot be towed because having two wheels on the ground damages the motor. Breakdown services are therefore <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-car-breakdown-services-are-changing/n19952">adapting the way in which they operate</a> to cater for EVs. The RAC, for example, has introduced custom-built, heavy-duty vehicles that are capable of towing EVs. Each van is fitted with a new four-wheeled trailer that folds out of the load bed and lifts all four of the car’s wheels, allowing it to be towed and transported to the nearest workshop if needed.In addition, in case an electric car runs out of charge, some RAC breakdown trucks now carry EV Boost Chargers, which can give you enough electricity to get you to the nearest charging point. They provide around 10 miles of range from a 30-minute charge at a speed of 3.5kW (faster 7kW mobile chargers are being developed). The power comes from a generator permanently attached to the van’s engine and is compatible with Type 1 and 2 sockets.The AA uses an alternative method: a vehicle with charging equipment that uses energy stored in battery packs. These packs are trickle-charged (this involves providing a constant low charge to the battery without the risk of overcharging so you don’t have to recharge as often), meaning the van’s engine does not need to be continuously running. The AA also carries Polar charging cards, providing EV drivers with access to the UK’s largest publicly available network of charging points.

<hr />Are electric cars manual or automatic?

You don’t have to change gear in any electric vehicle. Indeed, most of them have a single-speed gearbox (although some performance models do have two gears to make it easier to pull away without spinning the wheels). This is because while combustion-engined cars need multiple gears in order to build up speed, electric motors can provide their maximum torque from zero revs. <hr />Which electric car is right for me?

This will depend on the type of lifestyle you live and the journeys you make. If you need the space to fit your holiday luggage in with ease or regularly carry tall rear passengers, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/large-electric">large electric</a> car with a long range and more space would suit you best – something along the lines of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/ev6/estate/review/n23462">Kia EV6</a> (our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-overall-winner/n23994">Car of the Year for 2022</a>) or a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/enyaq/estate/review/n22909">Skoda Enyaq iV</a>.

Alternatively, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t need masses of space, you could probably get by with a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small-electric">small electric car</a> such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a> (our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-small-electric-car-of-the-year/n24000">Small Electric Car of the Year 2022</a>) and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID.3</a>.<hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/electric-car-charging-guide/n18056">Read more: Electric car charging guide &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

The burning question for many drivers in recent years has been ‘should I make the switch to an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">electric</a> <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-electric-cars-2022/n17000">car</a>?’ And with the sale of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-to-be-banned-from-2030/n15810">new petrol and diesel models due to be banned from 2030</a>, the answer is increasingly going to be ‘yes’.

Before you dive in, though, there are many factors to consider, including charging, range and costs. Here, we address them all.<hr />Where can I charge an electric car?

You can charge your car using a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">public charging station</a>, a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-the-best-home-charging-solutions/n21685">home wallbox</a> or with a normal three-pin plug.There are now more than 42,000 public charging points around the UK in around 15,500 locations; that's more than the number of petrol stations. And there are a range of smartphone apps to help you find them, including ChargePoint and ZapMap.Sounds promising, right? However, that’s not the whole picture. Charging points aren’t evenly spread out across the country. So, while there are 102 chargers for every 100,000 people in London, it’s only 18 per 100,000 in Northern Ireland.<hr />How can I charge at home?

Government statistics show that 80% of electric vehicle (EV) owners mostly charge at home. But while it’s possible to do this via a regular three-pin socket, that will take an awfully long time.

It therefore makes more sense to have a wallbox charger installed, either on the side of your house or in your garage (if you have one). Wired directly to your domestic supply, a wallbox can deliver electricity at 3kW, 7kW or 22kW, depending on the type of box you get.Prices vary depending on if your household wiring needs altering, but you can expect to pay around £350-£450 for a 3kW, £850 for a 7kW and £1200-1400 for a 22kW wallbox.Whichever one you go for, you’ll need a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/types-of-electric-car-plug/n18057">Type 2 charging cable</a>, but the good news is this is included with many modern electric cars; instead, it’s the three-pin cable that’s likely to cost extra.It’s also worth bearing in mind that a new <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/one-in-five-uk-homes-to-benefit-from-new-electric-car-charging-scheme/n24534">electric car charging scheme</a> was recently introduced that allows landlords, tenants and flat owners to apply for grants of up to £350 towards the cost of installing an electric car home charger. This is to help encourage EV uptake in densely populated urban areas.

As good as that all sounds, if you don’t have the ability to charge at home, charging can be less straightforward. A recent survey from home charging point manufacturer Anderson revealed that a third of British households don’t have a driveway, so they're unable to have a home charger installed.<hr />How can I charge at a public charging station?

You can now find chargers on many high streets, and in certain public car parks, so that you can get a top-up while you shop, with these tending to have outputs of 7kW or 22kW.In addition, some residential streets feature lamp-post chargers. And certain supermarkets even allow free charging; for example, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> partnered with Tesco and the charging company Pod Point to install around 2400 chargers that are free regardless of your make of car.As for faster units, these are more commonly (but certainly not exclusively) found at service stations, with these typically offering charging rates of between 50kW and 350kW.

Not all public charging stations are reliable or easy to use, however. We recently <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-charging-networks-rated/n23269">rated Britain’s biggest charging companies</a> based on accessibility, location, charging speed, ease of payment, reliability and value for money.We found that problems with charging speeds and payment were most common, with many units slower than they were supposed to be and some companies still requiring you to download an app or sign up in advance instead of letting you pay via a credit card.Tesla’s Supercharger network performed best (although this is mostly available only to Tesla owners), with InstaVolt the highest rated network accessible to owners of all electric cars. By contrast, ChargeYourCar and GeniePoint performed worst. <hr />Can I charge at work?

Many companies now have charging points outside their offices. However, if yours doesn’t, it could apply to the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). This is a voucher-based grant that covers 75% of the cost of both the purchase and installation of car charging points.

Criteria for eligibility includes being a business, charity or public sector organisation that is located in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.To apply, you must explain the need for electric car charging equipment and have dedicated off-street parking. Plus, you must be the owner of the property or have consent from the landlord for a charging point to be installed.You can find the full criteria along with further information on applying for a WCS on the <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants">gov.uk</a> website.<hr />How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Charging times depend on the type of charger you use, the size of your car’s battery and the maximum charging rate your car accepts.The slowest charging rate runs at 3kW, which is typically the three-pin plug used with your domestic electricity supply. Charging something such as an<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/e-tron/estate/review/n18397"> Audi E-tron</a> using this method would take around 26 hours.As mentioned, charging speeds of 7kW and 22kW are also possible at home, with the latter able to replenish the batteries of an E-tron in around nine hours.

Fast chargers such as ones found in service stations can increase these charging rates, outputting rates from 50kW to 350kW. Exact speeds and times vary depending on the company, but a 50kW charger could charge an E-tron in just over an hour (70 minutes), while a 150kW charger could half that to just 30 minutes. Unfortunately, though, despite their name, there are a lot of fast chargers that are nowhere near this fast and require you to leave your car charging for a few hours – not exactly ideal. It’s also worth bearing in mind that charging the last 20% of the battery takes a lot longer than charging the first 80%. This is because rapidly – and indeed regularly – charging up to 100% can shorten the life of the battery.<hr />How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

One of the big incentives for purchasing an electric car is the cheaper long-term running costs compared with a regular petrol or diesel-engined car. Fuel shortages, panic buying and eye-watering fuel prices are just some of the things electric car owners haven’t had to worry about. However, charging, if not at home, can also end up being costly.

A What Car? investigation revealed that the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-true-cost-of-owning-an-electric-car/n21008">UK’s fastest EV chargers can cost as much as seven times more than charging at home</a> overnight. Some home wallboxes can automatically begin charging once electricity is at its cheapest. While most charging stations now offer contactless bank payments, some require you to log in using a smartphone app or an RFID card which confirms your identity so your account can be charged.Some providers such as BP also offer a subscription service to their charging stations for a monthly fee that gives you preferential charging rates. <hr />Are electric cars expensive to buy?

Electric cars are more expensive to purchase than equivalent petrol and diesel models due to their pricier technology. But you can still get electric cars on attractive <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/personal-contract-purchase-pcp-explained-car-finance-guide/n19714">PCP finance</a> deals. For example, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a> is available from as little as £268 per month and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-30/hatchback/review/n22066">Mazda MX-30</a> from £320 per month.

<hr />Are electric cars as reliable as petrol or diesel vehicles?

This depends on the car. Yes, there is less that can go wrong with an electric car due to them having fewer moving parts, but that’s not to say that issues won’t arise in other areas. And when issues do arise with the battery and electric motor, they can be more difficult and costly to repair, particularly because mechanics must undergo specialist training to work on an EV. When we put electric cars <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/are-electric-cars-more-or-less-reliable-than-petrol-and-diesel-rivals/n24241">head to head against their petrol and diesel rivals</a>, petrol or hybrid models came out on top in the majority of cases, but electric cars generally still performed well.<hr />How far can electric cars travel between charges?

Unsurprisingly, this is greatly influenced by the size of the car’s battery; the bigger it is, the more capacity to store energy and thus the longer the range. However, it’s also worth remembering that driving your car hard will greatly reduce efficiency, just as it will with a petrol or diesel.

Then there’s temperature. At What Car?, we’ve conducted our own tests in both the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-go-in-the-real-world/n23331">summer</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/range-test-how-far-can-electric-cars-go-in-winter/n24274">winter</a> and found that cold weather can reduce an electric car’s real-world range by between 15% and 20%, depending on the model.<hr />Why does cold weather affect electric cars?

Like charging in the rain, it’s also perfectly safe to take an electric car through a car wash. Car manufacturers build their cars to be safe in all elements; there’s even something called a ‘soak test’, which exposes the car to near-flood levels of rain to ensure everything is safe. All the electrical components are deep within the car to prevent water intrusion, so you can safely take your electric car through a car wash. <hr />What happens if my electric car breaks down?

Standard breakdown recovery trucks are only capable of towing vehicles that weigh up to 2.2 or 2.5 tonnes, and some electric cars are a lot heavier than that due to the weight of their batteries.In addition, a four-wheel-drive electric car cannot be towed because having two wheels on the ground damages the motor. Breakdown services are therefore <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/how-car-breakdown-services-are-changing/n19952">adapting the way in which they operate</a> to cater for EVs. The RAC, for example, has introduced custom-built, heavy-duty vehicles that are capable of towing EVs. Each van is fitted with a new four-wheeled trailer that folds out of the load bed and lifts all four of the car’s wheels, allowing it to be towed and transported to the nearest workshop if needed.

In addition, in case an electric car runs out of charge, some RAC breakdown trucks now carry EV Boost Chargers, which can give you enough electricity to get you to the nearest charging point. They provide around 10 miles of range from a 30-minute charge at a speed of 3.5kW (faster 7kW mobile chargers are being developed). The power comes from a generator permanently attached to the van’s engine and is compatible with Type 1 and 2 sockets.The AA uses an alternative method: a vehicle with charging equipment that uses energy stored in battery packs. These packs are trickle-charged (this involves providing a constant low charge to the battery without the risk of overcharging so you don’t have to recharge as often), meaning the van’s engine does not need to be continuously running. The AA also carries Polar charging cards, providing EV drivers with access to the UK’s largest publicly available network of charging points.

Alternatively, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t need masses of space, you could probably get by with a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/small-electric">small electric car</a> such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/born/hatchback/review/n23703">Cupra Born</a> (our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/car-of-the-year-awards-2022-small-electric-car-of-the-year/n24000">Small Electric Car of the Year 2022</a>) and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID.3</a>.

<hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="http://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/electric-car-charging-guide/n18056">Read more: Electric car charging guide &gt;&gt;</a></h2>

Electric car questions answered

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Sufficient range between charges to fit in with most people’s lifestyles – and in the real world, not on some far-fetched official test </li> <li>Quick charging times and compatibility with the most ubiquitous types of public charging points </li> <li>Priced to be within the grasp of more than just the privileged few </li> <li>As with any car, ride comfort, practicality and ownership costs can’t be ignored</li></ul>

We define an electric car as one that runs purely on battery power and has no tailpipe to puff out nasty chemicals. These cars qualify for the maximum plug-in car grant (PICG) of £1500.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/zoe/hatchback/review/n152">Renault Zoe</a> is one of the most affordable options and has a surprisingly long range of between 120 and 180 miles (depending on the weather and the road type). However, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/leaf/hatchback/review/n17338">Nissan Leaf</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID.3</a> are more practical and more accomplished to drive, even if the latter doesn't have a particularly long range between charges.

At the other end of the scale, Tesla’s ground-up EV philosophy – and the American brand’s network of super-fast chargers – makes the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-s/hatchback/review/n150">Model S</a> a tempting choice. It has a classy interior, loads of tech and a long enough real-world range to make inter-city travel a real possibility.

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