Thinking of going electric? Start here.

Most modern EVs offer somewhere between 150 and 300 miles of real-world range, depending on the model, the weather and how you drive. Official figures (the WLTP range) tend to be optimistic, so as a rough guide it's sensible to expect around 70–85% of the quoted figure in everyday UK conditions. Cold weather and motorway speeds reduce range the most. For most drivers, whose daily mileage is well under 40 miles, even a modest-range EV comfortably covers a typical day without charging.

Generally yes, particularly if you can charge at home overnight on an off-peak electricity tariff. Charging at home is usually far cheaper per mile than filling up with petrol or diesel. EVs also have fewer moving parts, so servicing tends to be simpler and there's no clutch, no exhaust and no oil changes. Public rapid charging costs more than home charging, so your savings depend a lot on how and where you charge. Use the calculators further down this page to get an estimate for your own mileage.

EV batteries are designed to last the life of the car and typically degrade slowly — many lose only a small percentage of capacity over many years and tens of thousands of miles. Most manufacturers provide a separate battery warranty, commonly around 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing the battery stays above a set capacity. When buying a used EV, it's worth checking the remaining battery warranty and asking about state of health. Our team can talk you through this on any electric car we have in stock.

Yes — though it takes a little more planning. Many drivers without off-street parking rely on a mix of public charging: rapid chargers at supermarkets and service stations for quick top-ups, and slower destination chargers at workplaces, gyms or car parks. On-street charging is also expanding across many UK towns. If you can charge at work or near home regularly, an EV can still work well. We're always happy to help you think through whether an EV suits your parking situation.

It depends entirely on the charger. A home wallbox typically adds a full charge overnight (roughly 7–8 hours). A rapid public charger can take many EVs from around 10% to 80% in 20–40 minutes — about the length of a coffee stop. A standard three-pin plug is much slower and best treated as an emergency option only. The charger types section below breaks down the speeds in more detail.

Servicing an EV is usually simpler and can be cheaper, as there's no engine oil, spark plugs, exhaust or clutch to maintain — though tyres and brakes still need checking. Insurance varies by model; some EVs sit in higher groups due to performance or repair costs, while others are very reasonable. It's always worth getting a quote for the specific car you're considering. Our service centre at Stairfoot Business Park is happy to advise on maintaining an electric vehicle.

Vehicle tax rules for electric cars have changed, so EVs are no longer exempt from road tax — current rates and any applicable expensive-car supplement depend on the vehicle and its list price. Beyond tax, EVs can still offer savings on fuel and servicing. Because tax rules and incentives change over time, we'd always recommend checking the latest position on GOV.UK before you buy, and our team can confirm the current cost for any specific car in our stock.