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I like the idea of an electric car where do I start?

How popular is electric car leasing?

Ultimate Guide to ULEZ

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.

Is my electric vehicle ok to drive in the rain?

Yes – treat it exactly as you would a diesel or petrol car.

Just remember that all cars can handle differently in wet conditions. you’ll need to apply the usual road safety rules in wet conditions – think about your braking distances and ensure your tyres are well maintained to ensure maximum grip.

Can I charge my electric vehicle when it’s raining?

Yes – all EV chargers, public and home chargers, are waterproof.

The process for charging an EV is the same whatever the weather. The great thing is EV cables and charging points are specially designed and waterproofed to ensure the user is safe. You should only use approved charging cables – multi-plug extension leads or domestic cables are not recommended.

Electric car charging in the rain — Charging in the rain

Is it ok to drive my electric vehicle through a flooded area?

You’ll need to use your judgement as to whether it is safe to proceed. However, you can treat an EV exactly as you would a diesel or petrol vehicle in hazardous conditions. The MET office advises avoiding flood water and finding another route wherever possible, as just 30cm of moving water can float your car.

What if the battery gets wet?

In the event that water does get into the car. battery units – and the power lines to the motor – are sealed and isolated so water cannot get in.

However, if you are concerned that there has been water ingress in the vehicle, you should always contact your lease provider or local dealer for advice before driving the vehicle.

So, there you have it, get out there and enjoy your electric vehicle – it’s ready for the British weather, just don’t forget your umbrella.

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How do seasons and temperatures affect range?

Range is a hot topic when it comes to electric cars. In this article we help you understand how seasons and temperatures can affect range.

The Basics

I like the idea of an electric car where do I start?

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.

How do seasons and temperature affect range?

Most of the time in the UK, our temperatures don’t make a lot of difference to range. We’ve found that on a Kia e-Niro the range drops about 20 miles in winter from 280 miles to 260 miles. And as things warm up in summer, it can actually increase by 12 miles to 292 miles!

Even if it won’t make a lot of difference to your day-to-day driving, it’s worth being aware of. Let’s take a look at the details…

How does temperature affect range?

Electric cars tend to be most efficient at about 21.5°C. If it’s a few degrees cooler you won’t notice much difference, so if you mostly drive in normal temperature ranges you’d be forgiven for not noticing. It’s only when things get wintery that you’ll notice a bit of a drop.

Why does cold weather affect range?

What do you do when you get in a car in cold weather? Most of us turn up the fans and dial up the heat – and that’s a big reason for that slight drop in range in winter.

That’s because electric cars are a bit different from petrol and diesel. When you’re burning fuel, you can use waste heat from the engine to warm up the cabin. In an electric car, though, you need to take a bit of power from the battery for the heater.

You might also think it’s something to do with battery chemistry. Aren’t lithium-ion batteries less efficient when they’re cold? Well yes, but that’s why car makers spend a lot of time creating complicated heat management systems for their batteries to keep them at an efficient temperature. And it’s these heating systems that use power.

So your range doesn’t creep down because your battery is cold – it’s because your car uses a bit of your charge to keep the battery warm.

There are a couple of other things to think about in the winter. You’ll lose range if you’re driving in strong winds, snow and rain. And do you live somewhere cold enough to run winter tyres? If so, they roll a bit less efficiently. But these aren’t exclusive to electric cars – they affect petrol and diesel too.

How does hot weather affect range?

In Britain, warm weather normally means you’ll get a bit more range. With batteries at their most efficient at 21.5°C, those balmy summer days help get the most from every charge.

What if you get stuck in extreme weather?

And if you get stuck in a traffic jam in the depths of winter or the height of summer, do you need to worry about running out of charge? Not according to Which?, who tested it out in their Volkswagen ID.4. After an hour and a quarter with air con, heated seats, music and headlights on (plus a tablet charging), they only lost 2% of the charge. That’s just 8 miles.

How can you get the maximum range in extreme weather?

There are a few simple tips to keep things as efficient as possible:

Heat yourself, not your cabin. If you’ve got heated seats and steering wheels, use them. They’ll draw about 75 watts while heating the cabin’s air can use over 40 times that! You can also choose a car with a heat pump system – an amazing gadget that makes heating your car much, much more efficient.

Use your car’s pre-conditioning. This electric-specific feature warms up or cools down your car and battery before you start travelling. You need to leave your car plugged in and enter the time into your car’s companion app – then it’ll use mains power to get things toasty warm (or frosty cool) before you start driving.

Plug in during extreme weather. If things are really freezing or scorching, a lot of car makers suggest leaving the car plugged in but not charging during really hot or cold weather. This means you can manage your battery temperature and so help it last longer.

And whatever the weather, you can improve your range and efficiency by driving smoothly and efficiently, being light on the accelerator and using your regenerative braking.

So while extreme temperatures can affect range, it’s not enough of a problem for most of us to worry about.

If you still want to know more about electric car range check out our ultimate guide to range.

This article contains links to other sites. ElectriX is not responsible for the contents of any of these websites.

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When will petrol and diesel cars be banned?

The Basics

I like the idea of an electric car where do I start?

How popular is electric car leasing?

Ultimate Guide to ULEZ

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.

How much do electric cars cost compared to other cars?

When will petrol and diesel cars be banned?

The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035

You don’t need to rush out and buy an electric car right away, but at some point you’re likely to have to make the switch. And you might even find it would make your life easier and cheaper to go electric now.

As announced by the UK Prime Minister on 20th September 2023. The UK plans to ban new petrol or diesel cars by 2035, it had previously been 2030. This could easily change, though, as climate change is a major focus for the government, and the date has already been brought forward from 2040.

You don’t need to worry if you already have a petrol or diesel car – you’ll still be able to drive, buy and sell existing ones.

You might want to look at making the switch earlier, particularly if you drive a lot in cities or towns. Some urban areas have already created zones where petrol and diesel cars are heavily charged or banned. Often called Ultra Low Emission Zones or Zero Emission Zones, they’ve been set up to tackle greenhouse gases, air pollution and congestion.

With more of these zones set to spring up over the coming years, urban drivers might want to snap up an electric car sooner rather than later. It’s pretty frustrating to have to plan routes to skirt these areas – and the cost of congestion and emission fees can really add up.

Is an electric car
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Navigating electric car models

As more and more manufacturers introduce electric car models into their ranges, how do you know which one is right for you?

The Basics

The Ultimate Electric Car Guide

How popular is electric car leasing

Ultimate Guide to ULEZ

Are electric cars safe and reliable

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.

Are you looking for a small compact for short commutes into a city or do you need a family SUV with a big range to travel over 300 miles on a single charge? In this blog, we’ll help you navigate the types of electric cars you can drive today and explore some of the most popular models in more detail.

Types of Electric Cars

Compact. Family. SUV. Performance. Electric car choice is now wider and more varied than ever. So whatever type of car you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it.

Small city cars

Perfect for getting around town and for short journeys. Usually they come with a smaller battery with faster charging times but less range.

Family cars

The mid-range, these cars are a good option for families who need a car with a bit more space. A bigger battery means slightly longer charging times but more range for bigger journeys.

SUVs

These cars are just as at home in the country as they are in the city. Combining practicality with performance. Expect bigger batteries and range, with many going over 300 miles on a single charge.

Performance

Being kinder to the planet doesn’t have to be boring. Many performance manufacturers including Porsche, Lotus, Maserati and Audi offer sporty EV models.

Popular electric cars for shorter journeys

Looking for a small, compact electric car for commuting, city driving and shorter journeys? Here are five of the most popular small electric cars.

Peugeot e-208

The Peugeot e-208 is a stylish and practical electric car with a range of up to 248 miles on a single charge. Well-equipped, it comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a rear parking sensors.

Discover e-208

Fiat 500 Electric

The Fiat 500 Electric is a fun and stylish city car with a real-world range of up to 199 miles on a single charge, perfect for the daily commute

Discover 500 electric

Renault Zoe E-Tech

The Renault Zoe E-Tech is a popular electric car with a range of up to 239 miles on a single charge. Ideal for daily trips and longer journeys.

Discover Zoe

Mini Electric

The Mini Electric is big on fun with a range of up to 145 miles on a single charge. Well-equipped, it comes with features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a reversing camera.

Discover Mini Electric

Nissan Leaf

No list would be complete without the iconic Nissan Leaf. Now you can charge faster to go further with up to 168 miles on a full charge.

Discover Leaf

Popular electric cars for longer journeys

Need a car with a bigger battery for longer journeys? Here are some of the most popular long range electric cars:

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Boasting the UK’s biggest range up to 452 miles, the Mercedes EQS provides a luxurious ride and state-of-the-art infotainment system for those long journeys.

Discover EQS

image of Mercedes-Benz EQS electric car long range

Jaguar I-Pace

Enjoy up to 292 miles on a full charge in the Jaguar I-Pace luxury SUV. With its comfortable interior and practical boot space, it’s made for weekend adventures.

Discover I-Pace

image of Jaguar I-Pace long range electric car

Lexus UX 300e

The Lexus electric car with the longest range is the UX 300e, capable of up to 279 miles fully charged. Upgraded in 2023 with a new battery for more range, it also features new multimedia, driving and safety systems.

Discover UX

image of Lexus UX 300e long range electric car

BMW iX

The BMW iX luxury crossover SUV was released in 2022. Boasting a range of up to 380 miles, it’s a great choice for those who want a long-range electric car that’s also stylish, practical and spacious.

Discover iX

Popular electric cars for more efficient journeys

Want a car that’s going to maximise energy efficiency? Here are some of the most popular energy efficient electric cars:

Hyundai Ioniq 6

The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is one of the most energy efficient electric cars on the market, with a range of up to 338 miles. It is also one of the most stylish electric cars on the market, with a sleek, aerodynamic design.

Discover Ioniq 6

Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact SUV that is known for its affordable price and long range. It has an estimated range of up to 300 miles.

Discover Kona Electric

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image of Ford Mustang Mach-E electric car

Encouraging friends and family to switch to an electric car

The Basics

I like the idea of an electric car where do I start?

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.

How much do electric cars cost compared to other cars?

Help your friends and family switch to an electric car

So you’re all-in on how great electric cars are – but are your loved ones? Lots of people don’t know anything about going electric, so why not help them out? This quick checklist can help people see if it’s right for them.

First, it’s a good idea to talk about why an electric car is such a great choice. It’s much greener than petrol or diesel, and you can often save money when you take everything into account like fuel and maintenance.

They’re also a joy to drive. There’s no engine clattering away, no gears to crank and it’s a really smooth, serene ride. Not only that, the power is instant – so they’re much punchier than petrol or diesel cars. Most people who drive them wouldn’t dream of going back.

Then you could run through these questions with your friends to help them decide whether they’re ready to make the switch.

Where do you usually park?

If you have a private drive or garage, you’re laughing. You can get a charger and be ready to go the next morning – and if it’s a smart charger, you can set it to charge when electricity is cheapest overnight if you’re on the right tariff. There are even government grants to help with the cost if you live in a flat, apartment or rental property.

If you don’t have a drive, it’s a little trickier but certainly not a deal breaker. There are over 55,000 public chargers and this is growing all the time.

Do you rent or own your home?

If you own your home, it’s super simple. You call the shots! If you rent and want a home charger, you’ll need to ask your landlord. They can get a government grant towards it so hopefully they’ll be on board, especially if you offer to pay or contribute.

Where do you live?

It actually doesn’t make that much difference, though. Electric cars are perfect for city driving because they don’t release pollution and particulates at the tailpipe – which is better for air quality and saves money in low emission zones. If you live in the countryside they’re also a great option – though you might want to look at longer-range models or check local chargers if you’re covering mega miles.

How many miles do you drive each day?

Most electric cars these days can easily go 200 miles on a single charge. And the good news is that most people don’t drive anywhere near as many miles as this daily. So range is very unlikely to be a reason not to go electric.

If you do regularly drive more than 200 miles a day, you’ll want an electric car that charges easily overnight and gives you decent mileage on a single charge. You can find out more in our Ultimate Guide to Range.

And do you ever go on longer trips cross-country or abroad?

Again, even if you take occasional trips the length of the British Isles or over to the continent, an electric car won’t let you down. There are lots of handy apps that helps you plan routes and find chargers right across Europe.

Do you regularly go somewhere with charge points?

This could be a supermarket, gym or even your workplace. Lots of these places now have chargers available (and some are even free), so it can be a good way to charge while you’re doing the shopping or having a workout.

How many people do you usually have in your car?

If you normally just have five or fewer people, including yourself, in the car, you can choose from pretty much any electric car. But if you need one that seats more people, they do tend to be pricier or have lower range. The good news is that the choice is getting better all the time. Some models you could check out include the Citroen e-space Tourer, Peugeot e-Traveller or Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life.

Lastly, do you need to tow anything heavy?

You won’t have quite so many options when it comes to choosing an electric car if you need to tow heavy things like caravans or trailers, but there are more options coming onto the market all the time. You could have a look at the Tesla Model X, the Audi Q4 e-tron or the Volkswagen ID.4 to see if they can tow the weight you need – and there are plenty more out there.

We hope that helps your friends and family make up their minds about going electric. Once they’ve decided they want to make the switch, there are a few more choices to make. Like whether they should lease or buy, if they want to install a home charger, and the really fun part – which car to get!

Is an electric car
right for me?

Discover electric cars that are available through our partner CBVC today.

Discover cars available

Electric car jargon buster

The Basics

The Ultimate electric car guide

How popular is electric car leasing

Electric car jargon buster

Ultimate Guide to ULEZ

Are electric cars safe and reliable

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.