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 Tax Benefits Explained

In November 2022, the UK government announced that as of April 2025, electric cars will be subject to vehicle excise duty (VED). Despite this eventual change, electric cars are still being recognised as the future of sustainable driving. Right now, there are still multiple electric car tax benefits available to EV drivers, which we’d like to share with you.

We know that switching to electric is rewarding, but it’s also important to remember the tax benefits of this switch, especially as we face this cost-of-living crisis. In this article, we’ll explore the various tax benefits available to electric car drivers, both individuals and companies, and how you can capitalise.

Types of Electric Car Tax Exemptions

Most drivers are familiar with the numerous car taxes levied upon drivers. Many of these car taxes are implemented by the government to encourage use of lower-emission vehicles or public transport, reducing our individual emissions.

As fully electric cars are built upon the philosophy of sustainable, emission-free driving, EV drivers can enjoy exemptions from the following car taxes and charges.

Electric Car Road Tax

Road tax is an annual car tax imposed by the government. Formally known as vehicle excise duty (VED), road tax is calculated by your car’s price and how much CO2 it emits.

Do electric cars pay road tax?

One of largest tax benefits of EVs has been the electric car road tax exemption. This exemption will no longer be available to EVs as of April 2025, when they will be taxed the same as petrol, diesel and hybrid cars. Drivers who buy an electric car now, such as the Kia Niro EV and Kia EV6, can still enjoy this VED exemption until then.

Since April 2020, electric cars are also exempt from the road tax surcharge that is applicable to cars over £40,000 and registered after 1st April 2017.
Congestion Charge

Electric cars are also exempt to congestion charges, a payment enforced for cars when entering a Clean-Air Zone (CAZ). These are currently in place in London, Birmingham and Oxford, with more planned across other UK cities.

This is a huge advantage when it comes to congestion tax for company electric cars, as they can travel within central London and other city centres without being charged. In London, the EV congestion charge exemption will end in 2025, meaning now is the best time to switch to electric and make the most of this benefit. Read more about why electric cars are exempt from congestion charges.

Capital Allowance

Businesses using company electric cars are also entitled to 100% first year capital allowances, meaning you can deduct the entire expenditure for your car from your profits before tax. This could provide huge amounts of tax relief in the first year, making EVs an ideal option as company cars.

In April 2021, this regulation changed so that only fully electric cars are now eligible for the 100% capital allowance, meaning hybrid cars no longer qualify for this benefit. This regulation shift demonstrates the increasing recognition of EVs as the future of driving.
EV charging

When it comes to EV charging, there is a saving to be made for companies with electric cars. Company electric car tax does not include fuel duty, as it normally would for petrol or diesel cars, because electricity isn’t classed as fuel.

For individuals, EVs also bring the benefit of cheaper running costs compared to petrol or diesel models. The improved economy of electric cars, along with the various other tax benefits, mean EVs still make a more economical long-term choice.

Workplace EV charging

If you’re an employer, you may be able to benefit from a benefit-in-kind tax exemption by installing EV chargers at your workplace. The criteria for workplace EV charging tax exemption outlines that businesses must have:

- At least one charger dedicated to your workplace
- Charging point(s) at or near your office
- Charging point(s) that are available to all employees or all employees at a specific location
It’s Time to Go Electric

Right now, there are numerous electric car tax benefits available for private drivers and companies. for private and company car drivers. If you want to invest in sustainable, zero-emission driving without the hefty price tag of numerous car taxes, explore our exciting range of fully electric cars, including the new Kia Niro or the Kia EV6.

Step into the future with Kia at Drayton Motors.

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