Used Car Buying

Your Top Electric Car Questions Answered

Written By: Jodie James
Reviewed by: Mike Reyes
Last Updated January 6, 2022
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electric car

If you are considering purchasing an electric car in the near future or are in the process of upgrading your vehicle, you may have more questions than answers when it comes to electric cars. It remains a relatively modern phenomenon and, as a result, requires a great deal of time, effort, and patience to familiarise yourself with the various pros and cons involved throughout the entire process. If you have a number of questions relating to electric cars that you require an answer to, continue reading to find out everything you could ever want or need to know.

How long does it take to charge?

If you are unfamiliar with the process of owning an electric car, the idea of electric vehicle charging before setting off can take time to get used to and, therefore, leave you feeling somewhat bewildered. It may benefit you to know, however, that the vast majority of electric cars available today fully charge overnight regardless of where they are parked as a result of a built-in battery management system that eliminates the risk of overcharging. In addition, plugging your electric car into a public rapid charge point can restore your vehicle to 80% of its battery capacity in as little as half an hour so you can be on your way in a matter of minutes. It may not be as quick as a traditional car but if you have driven your electric car to the point of exhaustion, it may benefit you as well as your vehicle to stop and take a breather. If you require more information, Compare’s charging guide can provide you with all the information you need to know in order to proceed. 

Is it expensive to run?

If you are interested in purchasing an electric car like a Tesla but have been deterred by rising costs, you may be pleased to know that it can save you money in the long run. This is largely due to the fact that electric cars run on electricity and that there is a wide range of tariffs to choose from when you become an electric car owner. In addition, the cost of purchasing an electric car may command a greater chunk of your savings compared to a traditional car but it is more likely to save you a considerable amount of money in the long run with an electric car costing, on average, 4p per mile to run and a traditional car costing, on average, 10p per mile to run. In terms of charging, several local authorities charge per session whilst others offer a subscription-based payment plan.

Is it more likely to break down?

It is a common misconception that electric cars are more likely to break down when compared to traditional cars. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth with traditional cars, on average, more likely to break down due to a greater number of moving parts and software updates and functions usually performed remotely on electric vehicles. If you opt for an electric car over a traditional car, you are also less likely to encounter as many problems as you are no longer expected to contend with familiar parts such as a gearbox, clutch, and exhaust and regenerative braking allowing you to avoid a number of problems commonly associated with gradual wear and tear when it comes to brakes. 

Is it possible to buy a pre-owned electric car?

It can be tempting to kick off your electric car journey by investing in a brand-new model from scratch, but pre-owned vehicles can be a great way to get involved and save money at the same time. It may, however, benefit you to do your research before you take the plunge and purchase a pre-owned electric car with several factors worth considering ahead of time. If you are in this position, consider asking how well the battery retains its charge, whether or not it is equipped with a battery warranty, and if there are any ongoing problems you should be aware of as its future owner. It may also be worth taking the time to get your electric car checked over by an expert to provide you with much-needed peace of mind as you drive away with your new vehicle. 

If you are considering purchasing an electric car but require more information before you can proceed, there are several questions you must be able to confidently answer before making an informed decision. This includes finding out how long it takes to charge if it is expensive to run if it is more likely to break down when compared to a traditional car, and if it is possible to buy a pre-owned electric car. In doing so, you can proceed with confidence and be reassured that you have made the right decision for yourself and your future.

1 thought on “Your Top Electric Car Questions Answered”

  1. Knowing some of the finer details of electric vehicles, such as their long-term costs and the time it takes to bring one to a full charge, is essential to making an educated decision on whether to purchase one. Good information here!

    Reply

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