How Electric Works
Electrified vehicles feature a rechargeable battery pack that powers an electric motor. In fully electric vehicles this turns the wheels, while in hybrids it supports the combustion engine. Electric and plug-in hybrids must be charged from an external power source, but energy is also recouped through regenerative braking. 
What is the Difference Between Electric and Hybrid?
Electric
Electric vehicles are fitted with a battery pack and one or two electric motors in place of a combustion engine. They run solely on electricity and must be connected to an electrical source to charge. Hybrid
Hybrid vehicles supplement the combustion engine with an electric motor. Self-charging hybrids charge the battery while the car is moving, while plug-ins must be connected to an electrical source to charge.Select a Franchise
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FAQs
How do you charge an electric car?
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Electric and plug-in hybrid cars must be connected to a power source such as a home wall box or public charging point to charge. We recommend installing a home wall box as they offer a significantly shorter charge time. Public charging points are also very accessible, allowing you to travel long distances without the fear of your electric or plug-in hybrid car running out of charge.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
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The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on the model, the size of the battery and the speed of the charging point. The Prius Plug-in, for example, is charged using the Type 2 charging standard and takes a maximum of 4 hours to charge the battery to 100%.
How far can an electric car travel on one charge?
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Every model has a different driving range but on average one charge will usually last one week, depending on how often you travel. The Lexus UX 300e can travel 186 miles on one full charge whereas the Kia e-Niro has a driving range of 282 miles on a single charge. When driving long distances it is important to always check the charge of your electric car and make note of charging points that you can use during your trip if necessary.
Can I charge an electric car in public?
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Yes – there are public charging points across the UK which are very frequent and accessible. There are currently more charging points than petrol stations and by the end of 2020 there will be public charging points every 20 miles. Furthermore public charging points are often free, especially those installed at an office or supermarket car park.
What is the road tax for an electric car?
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Zero emissions electric vehicles pay no road tax, while those emitting up to 50g/km pay nothing in the first year and £140 annually thereafter. Other financial benefits of owning an electric car include savings of around £800 in fuel bills, daily savings when travelling through Low Emission Zones and some government grants which provide discounts for new electric cars.
Do electric cars need servicing?
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Although electric motors are often more reliable than petrol cars they do still need servicing, however this does tend to cost less as they require less maintenance. Different models have different servicing intervals so it is best to contact a member of our team to check how often your electric car needs servicing. Electric cars that are more than three years old also require an MOT, the only difference between this and a regular MOT is that there is no emissions test.
What are the benefits of electric vehicles to the environment?
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Electric vehicles produce zero CO2 emissions and so instantly help to reduce air pollution, thus improving local air quality. If all public transport vehicles were electric CO2 emissions could be reduced by more than half, highlighting the huge benefit electric vehicles have to the environment. Electric cars are almost silent therefore can create calmer, quieter roads which would also decrease noise pollution.
