Frequently Asked Questions about Electric (EV) Cars

If you’re shopping for a new car, you may wonder if an electric vehicle is a smart choice. You already know that electric cars are better for the environment because they emit no exhaust fumes. They also run quietly to reduce noise pollution in urban settings. But the advantages don’t end there! Learn the answers to the top questions about electric cars to uncover more benefits.

  • Are Electric Cars All Automatic?
  • Are Electric Cars Exempt from the Congestion Charge?
  • Are Electric Cars Cheaper to Own?
  • Which Electric Cars Have the Best Range?
  • Where Can I Charge My Electric Car?

Are Electric Cars All Automatic?

Electric motors don’t have the same limitations as internal combustion engine powertrains, so they only need one gear. This means electric cars are all automatic. The majority of EVs have a single-speed gearbox capable of handling the instant torque from the electric motor. Two-speed gearboxes are also emerging as options among the fastest electric cars. Then, some EVs use a reduction gear and differential to regulate power, making them neither manual nor automatic but simply “geared.”

Are Electric Cars Exempt from the Congestion Charge?

A key benefit of electric cars is that they are exempt from congestion charges. Some cities have introduced Clean Air Zones with fees designed to discourage polluting vehicles from driving there at peak congestion times. For example, in London, the fee is £15 per day for travelling through a Congestion Charge zone from 7:00 to 18:00 Monday thru Friday and 12:00 to 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. There is no charge on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day.

Other charges may also apply to petrol cars that EV drivers get to avoid, including the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge and the Toxicity (T) charge. The goal is to help clean up the air quality in London by encouraging alternative means of transportation, including walking, cycling, public transit and electric cars.

Are Electric Cars Cheaper to Own?

Electric cars are more affordable to drive, have lower maintenance costs, and come with low or no vehicle tax. On average, it costs less than £1.30 to drive 100 miles if you charge your car during off-peak hours, compared to £11.05 for a petrol car. Many cities also offer free priority parking for EV drivers, with convenient access to a charging station. These benefits of electric cars save you even more on your ownership costs.

Next, the price to service and maintain an EV is lower because these cars have fewer moving parts and feature a regenerative braking system that puts less wear and tear on the brake disks and pads. As a result, electric vehicles often cost 30 to 50 per cent less to maintain than petrol cars.

You also get tax breaks when buying an electric car. For instance, EVs that cost less than £40,000 qualify for free road tax. Vehicles above this price cost £340 a year in road tax, but they become road tax exempt after five years.

Finally, if you ever decide to sell your electric car, you can expect it to retain its resale value better than a petrol car. One major reason is that the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned in the UK from 2030, with some hybrid cars allowed through 2035.

Which Electric Cars Have the Best Range?

The electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is among the top five longest range electric cars, able to travel between 230 and 380 miles per charge, depending on the trim, driving mode and other factors. The Mach-E is a two-row, five-seater crossover SUV that’s stylishly designed, fun to drive and loaded with well-refined technology. Go from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 3.7 seconds flat in the GT trim, which boasts 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque.

Several other electric cars can travel well over 200 miles on a single charge. These include all four Tesla models, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Kona Electric, Volkswagen ID.4, Kia Nero EV and Jaguar I-Pace.

Where Can I Charge My Electric Car?

Your options include installing an electric vehicle charging station at home or relying on public stations around town. Home charging stations must be professionally installed by a certified charging provider. The garage or an exterior wall of your home may serve as an appropriate installation location.

With a Level 2 charger, you should be able to fully charge your EV overnight. A high-power Level 3 charger may be able to deliver an 80 per cent charge in just 20 minutes. Be aware that your vehicle’s onboard charger may limit the maximum charging speed.

Public EV charging stations are cropping up all over the UK, making them a viable mode of transport for individuals and corporate fleets alike. Are you looking for somewhere to charge your electric car? Simply enter your starting and ending destinations on this website to find a station along your route or near the desired location.

For access to some of the world’s most beloved electric and hybrid Ford vehicles, turn to Foray Motor Group.We are one of the largest Ford dealerships in the South of England, with nine convenient locations to serve you. Our dealers stock a full range of new and used cars, drawing on nearly 25 years of industry experience to make the car-buying process enjoyable from start to finish. For more information about our electric vehicle stock or to book a test drive, please contact us today!