How do electric vehicles work?

Electric vehicles are powered purely by rechargeable batteries. They do not rely on petrol or diesel. The batteries control the electric motors which then power the wheels. The battery can then be charged via a wall socket (at home) or dedicated charging point (found at multiple locations).

Are electric cars quiet?

Yes! Almost silent, due to the absence of a gas-powered engine. In fact, some electric cars make an artifical noise, so that they don't go unnoticed by pedestrians.

How fast are electric cars?

At lightning speed! Well, not quite... electric cars don't use a traditional gearbox, so the torque produced by the electric motors can see EVs reach from 0-60mph in under 3 seconds.

How far can an electric car travel?

Most EVs in the market average 200 miles between charges, with some models boasting a range of nearly 300 miles.

How long will an electric car last?

Electric cars are just as durable as their petrol or diesel counterparts. The expected life expetancy of modern EVs is 15-20 years, or 200,000 miles - the same as traditional fuel vehicles.

Are electric cars environmentally friendly?

EVs are environmentally friendly in many ways. They don't emit carbon emissions like traditional fuel cars and they create very little noise pollution.

Are electric cars safe?

Electric cars are as safe to drive as traditional fuel vehicles.

BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicles. A BEV is all-electric and uses no traditional fuel.

What is the difference between BEV and PHEV?

A PHEV operates by both electric battery and traditional fuel. The car will usually run on electric power until the battery is depleted, then it will switch over to traditional fuel for the remainder of the journey. A BEV is only fueled by the electric battery.

What are the benefits of owning an electric car?

EVs are cheaper to run due to lower running costs, cheaper to maintain due to less mechanical parts and, lower company car tax, government grants, free charging stations and they’re better for the environment.

Are electric cars reliable?

Electric vehicles are naturally more reliable than their traditional fuel counterparts, due to there being less mechanical parts to go wrong. Irrespective of manufacturer warranty for your car, your battery comes with an 8 year warranty.

How long do electric batteries last?

All new batteries are under warranty for 8 years. However there are a number of factors that can affect battery lifespan such as temperature and overcharging.

How often do you have to replace the battery?

This will depend on the manufacturer warranty as well as the usage – on average most batteries will be replaced every 5-8 years. The batteries can then be sent for recycling.

Where can I charge my electric car?

You can charge an electric car at your home or at a public charging station. If you need to find a charging station, you can find them here: https://www.zap-map.com/

How long does an electric car take to charge?

Charging times can depend on both th battery size and the charging point. Slow Charger (up to 3kw), Fast chargers (7-22kw), Rapid chargers (43-120kw), Super chargers (150kw).

Are charging stations free to use?

Some public charging stations are free to use, however the rapid chargers available at service stations and the like are usually chargable. You can subscribe to charging services nationwide for even better value charging. A typical electric car (60kw battery/200 mile range) will cost you around £9 to charge at home, most work places that have installed electric chargers will offer free charging as will public charge points at supermarkets/car parks. Rapid charging points will usually cost under £10 for a 30 min charge (100 mile range) and will most commonly be found at motorway service stations.

Do all electric vehicles use the same plug?

No, most EVs will be supplied with 2 charging cables. A mode 2 charging cable which is used for connecting your car to an ordinary domestic socket (3 pin plug) for at-home charging, and a Mode 3 charging cable which will connect your car to the charging station.

Can I get funding toward a home charging point?

Yes, the government do offer a grant to install a charge point at home. Please ask about current availability.

Electric Car Home Charging

In Boston, Grantham, Louth and Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire.

Recharge your electric or plug-in Kia, right at home

Having an electric vehicle charge point fitted at home is a great way to make the most of your electric or plug-in hybrid Kia. It gives you the option to charge your car whenever it is at home and can turn out to be particularly economical.

There are a few things to consider when planning to install a home charge point, if only that you need off-street parking. The good news: Kia offers all that in a one-stop service that is convenient and cost-effective.

From how much it costs to charge your electric or plug-in hybrid car to how long it takes, we'll tell you everything you need to know about charging your Kia at home.

A more cost effective way to power your journeys

Charging at home is economical but how economical depends on your home energy tariff.

With a flat kWh price of 30p, a full charge of your EV6 comes to £22. If you drive enough miles, an EV charging tariff can slash this cost and save you money overall.

EV tariffs usually involve a very low, off-peak kWh rate and a slightly more-expensive-than-usual peak kWh rate. Make sure you review the best energy tariff options to make the best of your Kia.
Get equipped with a smart home charger

Drayton Motors have partnered with Rolec, a leading smart home charge point supplier and installer to provide and fit your smart home charge point at a discounted rate. This method of charging is approximately three times faster than a three-pin plug for electric vehicles.
Smart Home Charging with Rolec
Get your very own home EV charger including installation with Rolec's QUBEV SMART charger for only £499*

Key features of the QUBEV SMART:

Easy-to-use Wi-Fi app

PEN fault protection

Wi-Fi / Ethernet connectivity

Adjustable power rating

3-year warranty

Paired with the QUBEV Smart app, you have full control of your charger. From scheduling your charging session for when your electricity is cheapest, solar matching ECO mode and much more. EV drivers can enjoy a seamless charging experience, ensuring their EV will be ready for their next electric adventure.

*Subject to installation criteria. Extra charges may apply.
ROLEC INSTALLATION IN THREE STEPS

Having a charger fitted in your home is easier than you think - with our partners’ installation service.
Simply visit your local Drayton Motors dealer at Boston, Louth, Grantham or Scunthorpe and register for an installation with our preferred partner, Rolec.
You will need to provide a few details and photos - location, fuse box and other important aspects - to prepare a smooth approval and installation. You may also be asked for documents to prove your eligible for any available government support.
Rolec comes to your home and installs your home charger on a pre-arranged date.
The speediest way to charge at home

How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?

Whatever your model, having a dedicated electric car home charger lets you charge more quickly and more safely than with a regular 3-pin socket.

With a 7.2kW home charger, you can charge your plug-in hybrid in about 3-4 hours while an electric car takes about 10 hours so an overnight charge will do just fine.

Charging time by station speed and model

An electric car's charging speed is measured in kilowatt (kW). An electric vehicle charging point can usually deliver 7kW in most UK homes whereas a regular three-pin socket can only provide up to 2.3kW. Having a home charger will provide much faster charging.

So how long does it take to charge an electric car at home? Here’s a quick comparison of charge time by vehicle and connection type.

Model	7.2kW AC		22kW AC
	Single Phase		Three Phase
	Effective max speed	Approx charging time	Effective max speed	Approx charging time
XCeed PHEV	3.3kW	2 hours 15 min	3.3kW	2 hours 15 min
Niro PHEV	3.3kW	2 hours 55 min	3.3kW	2 hours 55 min
Niro EV	7.2kW	9 hours 25 min	11kW	6 hours 20 min
Sportage PHEV	7.2kW	1 hour 45 min (10%-100%)	7.2kW	1 hour 45 min (10%-100%)
Soul EV	7.2kW	9 hours 35 min	11kW	9 hours 35 min
EV6	7.2kW	TBC	11kW	7 hours 20 min (10%-100%)
Sorento PHEV	3.3kW	3 hours 25 min	3.3kW	3 hours 25 min

The time your electric vehicle takes to charge depends on its battery size, the maximum charging speed it’s able to take and the home charging point’s speed. Our electric Kias can fully take advantage of a 7kW charging speed, however plug-in hybrid vehicles can only ever charge at a maximum speed of 3.6kW. This being considered and if you have a 7kW home charge point, an overnight charge will be enough to fully replenish your electric Kia’s battery.

Full charging control from your phone with Kia Connect

The ultimate convenience: You can control your vehicle battery from your phone via Kia Connect App - wherever and whenever you need to.

Kia Connect App lets you:
- Monitor your charging status of your electric or plug-in vehicle
- View the remaining charging time
- Schedule charging based on your departure time or at cost-saving off-peak times
- And much more
Find Out More
Kia Charge: Your all-in-one EV public charging solution

Because you can’t always charge at home, Kia Charge is Kia’s one-stop-shop solution for charging on the go. The Kia Charge mobile app gives you access to the largest collection of public charging networks in the UK and Europe. With Kia Charge, you locate a station, start a charge and pay for your charging, all with just one solution.