I’m thinking about buying an EV. What’s the difference between a BEV and a PHEV?

Great news you’re considering an EV! So, BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle – this is a car which runs solely on a battery to power the vehicle. Alternatively, a PHEV is a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which combines a traditional petrol or diesel engine with a battery powered electric motor.

Thanks! So how and where can I charge my car?

There are so many ways to find a plug-in slot, starting at home. If you want to put in a charging point, you’ll need to find an Office for Zero Emission Vehicle-approved installer. You’ll need a survey to check your property is suitable. Check out the government’s Guidance on Electric vehicle chargepoint grants to see if you’re eligible for a financial helping hand.

Home not suitable for a charging point? No problem. There are over 84,000 public EV charging points across the UK, with more to come, as the government has pledged to add an extra 100,000 points by 2030. And you can also find an energy boost at motorway service stations, public car parks, gyms – and even at work.

Good to know. How long does it take to charge?

Well, it depends on what car you have, and the sort of charger that you’re using. There are three levels of charger:

Level 1: The slowest charging method, this usually uses a standard 120V household outlet. Use it for overnight charging at home.

Level 2: This uses a 240V outlet so it’s quicker than Level 1. You’ll typically find Level 2 chargers at public charging stations, but you can also have one at home.

Level 3: DC Fast Charging. Found at public charging stations and designed for quick top-ups mid-journey.

You’ll also need to bear in mind that air temperature (both too hot and too cold) can slow charging speed. And remember that a nearly empty battery will charge faster than one that just needs topping up.

How far can I drive on a full charge?

Not the easiest of questions to answer because there are so many variables (battery size, driving conditions, whether you’re using the air con even). But it’s safe to say that most of the newer EV models can manage between 200 and 350 miles before you have to plug them in.

I do a lot of longer trips. What happens if I run out of charge?

It’s pretty much the same running out of charge as it running out of fuel. You’ll just grind to a halt. So treat your EV in the same way you would a traditional one – make sure you have the power you need before you leave home!

I’ve heard EVs take a lot of maintenance. Does it cost a lot to keep one on the road?

Actually no. EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional cars, so owners will generally save on running costs. No oil changes, fewer brake replacements (thanks to their regenerative braking system, EVs are gentle on their brakes) and as there’s no exhaust system – there’s no cost to maintain one!

Can I get a grant towards buying an EV? Or putting in a charging point?

There are various grants in place for those looking to make the switch to an EV, and for installing charging points at home or work. Visit the government’s Zero emission and electric vehicles page, which will give you the most up-to-date info on what’s available. And don’t forget the other savings that you’ll make, which include potential exclusion from charges in Low Emission Zones, the lower cost of electricity when charging at home compared with petrol and diesel and even the savings on offer if you buy your car through an employer’s salary sacrifice scheme.