Fleet Hub

Electric cars - the ins and outs

Here are a few things you should know before going down the electric avenue.

1. What is an EV?

An electric vehicle, on the outside, looks just like any other car, but on the inside, it’s a whole other world. Rather than running off of fuel, they are charged [like your phone], taking electricity from the grid. They then store the electricity in rechargeable batteries that power the motor, which turns the wheels. Because of this, electric cars accelerate faster than vehicles with traditional fuel engines, so they feel much lighter to drive.

2. How do you charge an EV?

There are a number of ways to get your electric vehicle charged:

• Three-pin plug – A standard three-pin plug that you can connect to any 13-amp socket

• Socketed – A charge point where you can connect either a Type 1 or a Type 2 cable

• Tethered – A charge point with a cable attached with either a Type 1 or Type 2 connector

With charging, comes charging speeds. There are 3 in total:

• Slow – typically rated up to 3kW. Charging time: 8-10 hours

• Fast – typically rated at either 7kw or 22kW. Charging time: 3-4 hours

• Rapid – typically rated from 43kW [only compatible with EVs that have rapid charging capability]. Charging time: 30-60 minutes

3. Where can you charge an EV?

Just like the charging options, there are a number of locations where you can charge your car.

Many people purchase a charger to install at home so that they can have a full battery every morning. We offer the option of adding a charging point to your order when going through the ordering process. Not only can you split the cost over your lease, but installation and delivery are included in the price.

Now, there are more EV charging points across the UK than there are petrol stations, so if you’re running low on your travels, not to worry, you can stop at almost any service station to charge up.

You may also find them at supermarkets, GPs, restaurants, and workplaces.

4. How far can you go in an EV?

An EV’s range is dependent on battery size (kWh). The larger the battery, the further you can travel. But usually, an electric car’s range can be anything from 180 to 390 miles.

5. Which manufacturers provide EVs?

Over the last few years, EV sales have spiked. Now, more and more car manufacturers are creating and bringing out electric cars. These include: BMW, Audi, Mini, Nissan, VW, Mercedes, to name just a few.

6. What are the benefits for the environment?

It’s important we all do what we can to help save our planet. Traditional fuel-type vehicles release CO2 emissions, which cause air pollution. Choosing an EV reduces your carbon footprint and improves the air quality, making our towns and cities better places to live and work. In over a year, just one electric car on the road can save an average of 1.5 million grams of CO2. That’s the equivalent of four return flights from London to Barcelona.

7. How much can I save with an EV?

Not only are they better for the environment, but they’re better value for money. They’re cheaper to run, and thanks to the company car BIK rate (company car tax) being 2% in 2022-23, here at NHS Fleet Solutions, we can offer fantastic special deals on a brand-new electric car, on a two- or three-year lease.

As well as this, the UK has started to introduce Clean Air Zones. This is already in place in some of our major cities, such as London and Birmingham. This means that if your car is exceeding the emissions allowance that is implemented in that area, you may have to pay a fee. But if you’re fully electric, you can pass through for free!

Evidently, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider switching your car to an EV. If you’re thinking about it, we have a range on special offer right now! Take a look, and get an instant quote on a car of your choice.