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.

PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle.

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.

VAUXHALL REVEALS NEW VIVARO AND VIVARO ELECTRIC

16 Posted: 16th Nov 2023

Vauxhall has revealed the New Vivaro van, a practical all-rounder with a stylish appearance and upgraded technology. For the first time, the New Vivaro features the distinctive bold and pure Vizor front end, which extends seamlessly into the optional first-in-class lighting technology. Drivers of the New Vivaro Electric will benefit from a driving range of up to 217 miles (WLTP), an increase of 12 miles over the current model.

The New Vivaro makes working life easier; with a total of 18 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Dynamic Surround Vision, journeys become safer and more pleasant. Inside, Vivaro occupants find themselves in a new cockpit: new infotainment systems based on the Snapdragon^®Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies* with two 10-inch screens and wireless smartphone connectivity offer numerous customisation options, standard across all New Vivaro models.

With the New Vivaro, Vauxhall continues its progress in electrification – more modern, more sustainable and, above all, with additional range. The new Vivaro Electric offers an emissions-free driving range of up to 217 miles (WLTP). Also unique in this segment is the “e-Power Take-off Unit”, which can be used to supply smaller tools or fridge units for cooled vans with power from the traction battery, meaning every business can choose the drivetrain it prefers.
Stylish, electrified and practical: New Vivaro unites car and van qualities

Versatile and practical in daily use, the New Vivaro is also stylish, featuring the characteristic Vauxhall Vizor front end which was first brought to the LCV segment by its smaller sibling, the Vauxhall Combo. The Vizor extends seamlessly across the front of the vehicle, integrating with the LED® lights (available on Pro models) and featuring the new Griffin logo at its centre.

The New Vauxhall Vivaro Electric is available with a 75kWh battery, providing a range of up to 217 miles (WLTP) – over 12 miles more than the outgoing model. To ensure energy-efficient driving, the Vivaro Electric has a regenerative braking system that can be adjusted in three recuperation levels using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The New Vivaro Electric can be charged using the standard 7.4kW onboard charger (11 kW charger is optional). The 75kWh battery can be recharged from 5%-80% in 45 minutes at a 100kW public charging station.

The New Vivaro Electric is powered by a 100 kW/136PS electric motor. The maximum torque of 260Nm is available from the first press of the accelerator. Depending on their preferences, drivers can choose between three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Power.

Another new feature is the ability to use the traction battery as a power source for other electrical devices. This works via the “e-Power Take-off Unit” (initially with 400V), which can be connected to the vehicle. This way, no additional batteries or generators are needed. With a height of around 1.90 metres, the Vivaro Electric offers full versatility in terms of space utilisation and loading volume.

The New Vivaro is available with highly efficient diesel engines, with power outputs from 120PS to 177PS.

The New Vivaro is available in two trim levels, entry-level Prime and Pro. Both versions are available in two lengths (4.98m and 5.33m), as a panel van, a Doublecab and a platform-chassis for a variety of body types. Depending on the version, the New Vivaro offers up to 6.6m³ of cargo volume and 1.4 tonnes of payload.

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “Our best-selling Vauxhall Vivaro is now even more modern, practical and sustainable. With a newly updated digital cockpit and an extended electric driving range, the all-rounder is the heart of our LCV offensive. This means that every business can find the Vivaro best suited to its requirements.”
New digital Vivaro cockpit

The New Vivaro cockpit welcomes the driver and crew with car-like ergonomics, comfort and styling. A new infotainment system with a digital 10-inch colour driver information centre and 10-inch colour touchscreen uses the integrated Snapdragon Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies* and enables state-of-the-art graphics, multimedia and computer vision capabilities, now available on entry-level Prime versions. Compatible smartphones can be charged and connected wirelessly to the Multimedia infotainment systems via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™.

Eighteen advanced driver assistance systems make work trips and manoeuvring easier and safer. The new Dynamic Surround Vision system, standard on Pro versions and optional on Prime versions, comprises two cameras, one located above the rear doors and another under the passenger-side exterior mirror. The images – of the rear while driving and (when activated by the indicator stalk) of the side blind-spot – are displayed in the new high-definition digital rear-view mirror. In comparison to conventional mirrors, the system provides increased spatial awareness, enabling the driver to manoeuvre more safely. Also on Pro versions is Front Park Assist, Flankguard detection of fixed obstacles and power-folding exterior mirrors, as well as a perimetric alarm.

Prime versions of the New Vivaro now come as standard with systems such as High Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Alert and Advanced Emergency Braking. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function is also available as an option for the New Vivaro.

In addition, the storage spaces around the instrument panel and the centre console have been enlarged, making it easier to stow everyday items. This makes the New Vivaro a versatile “workhorse” and load carrier, while also offering levels of comfort and handling similar to those of a car thanks to new electronic power steering, making the time behind the wheel more pleasant and relaxing.

Prices for the New Vivaro start at £27,555 (exc. VAT) for diesel variants. The New Vivaro Electric 75kWh starts from £42,055 (exc. VAT) representing a saving of £2,580 over the outgoing model.

Sales of the New Vivaro and Vivaro Electric are scheduled to start by the end of this year, with full specification and pricing details for the full line-up to be announced close to when orders open.

*Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

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VAUXHALL REVEALS NEW VIVARO AND VIVARO ELECTRIC

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