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 EV's in the market average around 100 miles before they need recharging. However, some of the higher capacity batteries can see cars trael as far as 250 miles between charges.

How long will an electric car last?

Electric cars are just as durable as their petrol or diesel counterparts. In fact, as there are less mechanical parts to go wrong, you may find an EV will last longer than traditional fuel cars. Most EV batteries are warranted for 8 years/100,000 miles.

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?

EV's 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. They usually come with an longer warranty, around 8 years or 100,000 miles.

How long do electric batteries last?

Most batteries are under warranty by manufacturers for 8 years/100,000 miles, 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.

What is a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars (HEV) are often referred as self-charging hybrid cars. They combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery to power the car. A Hybrid electric vehicle can't be plugged in to charge. Instead, the battery charges in decelerating, stopping or coasting phases.

How do Hybrid cars work?

It's simple really. Along with a petrol or diesel engine, hybrid cars (HEV) have an electric motor powered by a small but effective battery. The electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle assists the engine for improved fuel efficiency.

What's it like to drive a Hybrid car?

A hybrid drives like a traditional combustion engine car but with a few bonuses. It’s a lot quieter for a start and you systematically benefit from the convenience of clutch-less drive with either an automatic or dual-clutch auto transmission.

What does Hybrid mean?

A hybrid electric vehicle combines two different types of power: electricity and petrol. Hybrid cars regenerate energy through the braking system to power the battery. The engine and battery tend to help each other out. They can work together or separately.

What are E-Hybrid cars?

E-Hybrid cars are plug-in hybrid vehicles. We don't use this terminology in our range of plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Electric & Hybrid Start your electric adventure

Model Shown: All-New Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

The home of electric: Vauxhall hybrid and electric cars.

More than you expect from Vauxhall.

Wilson and Co Vauxhall have a great selection of Hybrid/Electric cars and vans to suit every type of driver, from the all-electric Corsa-e with a range of 222 miles, the all-new Mokka-e with the ability to charge up to 80% in 30 minutes using a public rapid charger and the New Vivaro-e Life which has 9 seats so is perect for those days out with the family.

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Electric Range: How far can I go?

Compare the electric range and charge times between models.

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Electric
PHEV

All-new Astra Electric

The electric All-new Astra Electric delivers a range of up to 258 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 258 miles
All-New Corsa Electric

The electric All-New Corsa Electric delivers a range of up to 246 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 246 miles
Corsa Electric

The electric Corsa Electric delivers a range of up to 222 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 222 miles
Mokka Electric

The electric Mokka Electric delivers a range of up to 209 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 209 miles
Combo Life Electric

The electric Combo Life Electric delivers a range of up to 174 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 174 miles
Vivaro Life Electric

The electric Vivaro Life Electric delivers a range of up to 141 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 141 miles
All-new Astra

The plug-in hybrid All-new Astra delivers a range of up to 43 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 43 miles
All-New Astra Sports Tourer

The plug-in hybrid All-New Astra Sports Tourer delivers a range of up to 42 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 42 miles
New Grandland Hybrid

The plug-in hybrid New Grandland Hybrid delivers a range of up to 41 miles* on a single charge.

Electric Range 41 miles