Electric Car FAQs

An electric vehicle (EV) is a car that runs partially or fully on electricity instead of petrol or diesel. It uses a battery-powered electric motor for propulsion, with energy stored in a rechargeable battery. EVs are recharged by plugging into an external power source, such as a home charger or public charging station.

Electric cars have electric motors instead of the internal combustion engine in traditional petrol or diesel-powered vehicles. EV batteries are connected to an inverter, which transforms the DC current from the grid into an AC current. The electric traction motor then converts the AC power into mechanical energy to power the wheels.

Instead of refuelling at a petrol station, the EV battery is recharged via grid electricity. This is done through a wall socket or a dedicated electric car charge point.

People considering switching to an EV often have concerns about the lifespan of the batteries. Lithium-ion batteries do degrade over time. But how long do electric vehicle batteries last? Typically, you can expect around eight to ten years or 160,000km of use from an electric car. Performance doesn’t suffer much as the battery degrades, but the range may shorten over time.

Running completely out of battery shouldn’t be a problem with most modern EVs. This is because the technology gives plenty of time to find a way to charge, and the number of charge points is ever-increasing.

When your battery runs low, you’ll get a warning on the display. Some navigation systems will kick in and help you find the nearest charger.

So, how far can electric cars go when the battery reads zero? Even at 0% charge, you should be able to drive on reserve power for around eight kilometres. After that, you’ll only be able to drive at a reduced speed and use basic features. At some point, however, the car will stop running.

The cost of charging an electric car in Europe can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the location, the time of day, and the specific charging station used. Electric car charging costs also vary by country. 

The length of time car charging takes varies depending on the battery and the type of charger you use. On average, it takes around 31 minutes to charge from a low-battery warning to 80% when using a rapid charger at 50kW.

Charging a typical EV from empty to full at a 7kW charge point takes just under eight hours. These are the types of chargers in service stations or outside supermarkets. The bigger the battery and the slower the charge point, the longer it takes. EV charging time using a home charger is typically longer than when you use public chargers, but you can plug it in overnight and forget about it.

Installing an electric car charging point at home is the cheapest and most convenient way to charge an EV. Some car manufacturers offer chargers at a discount, or even for free.

You should decide between a tethered charger with a cable attached or an untethered unit without. Also, consider whether you want the charge point in view or hidden away, the length of the charging cable, and access to your home’s Wi-Fi for smart features.

Honda’s e:PROGRESS home charging system is designed to integrate with your home energy setup through an intuitive app, so your vehicle can be charged in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way.

If you’re renting a property, you would need permission to install an EV charger from your landlord. There are lots of installation packages available online, and these throw in the charging point installation cost for free when you purchase the unit.

Plug in the charging cable – your own or the one provided at the charger

Follow the prompts on the station to start charging – this may involve payment authentication via an app or fob

Once charged, unplug the cable and replace or store it correctly if it is your own

EV servicing costs vary, depending on the vehicle and where you take it to be checked. But in general, EVs require less maintenance than Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) cars. This is because there are fewer parts inside EVs, making maintenance more straightforward. 

Almost every electric car is automatic, with a few rare exceptions. But why don’t electric cars have gears? The speed and power provided by the electric motor remain constant, so there is no need to change gears. While some experienced drivers prefer to stick to what they know and use a gearstick and clutch, driving an EV is generally easier than driving a traditional car. Learner drivers who plan to drive electric can take an automatic-only test, making the learning process easier.

Electric cars do need routine maintenance, which includes regular brake and tyre checks, to ensure optimal performance. However, there is no oil to change – the three fluids you will need to check and replenish are brake fluid, coolant and windshield washing fluid.

Yes. Cold weather can reduce an electric car’s range because the battery operates less efficiently at lower temperatures and additional energy may be needed to heat the cabin.

The amount of range affected varies between vehicles and conditions. Pre-heating the car while it is connected to a charger can help conserve battery power before setting off.

Electric cars can be cheaper to run than petrol or hybrid vehicles, particularly when they are regularly charged at home using a suitable electricity tariff.

They also have fewer moving parts than a traditional petrol or diesel engine, which can mean fewer routine maintenance requirements. However, overall running costs will depend on factors including electricity prices, where you charge, mileage, insurance and the individual vehicle.

Yes. You don't need a home charger to own an electric car. EVs can be charged using public charging networks at locations such as supermarkets, car parks, service stations and dedicated charging hubs.

However, having access to home charging can make EV ownership more convenient, particularly if you can charge overnight.

When choosing your first electric car, consider how far you normally drive, where you will charge, the vehicle's range and charging speed, and whether you regularly make longer journeys.

It's also worth considering your available home or workplace charging options, access to public chargers and the size and type of vehicle you need. A test drive can help you decide whether an electric car suits your driving habits and lifestyle.