Making the leap from an internal combustion engine (ICE) car to a fully electric vehicle (EV) can feel daunting. Charging, running costs and range are all common areas of concern – but they shouldn’t be.
EV technology has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years, meaning electric cars can rival their petrol and diesel competitors at every turn.
Want to know more? Then here are seven facts to help you decide whether it’s time to switch ...
1) You can rapidly charge in just 30 minutes
With its 52kWh battery, the New Renault ZOE will get 90 miles of range from a 30-minute charge with a rapid charger(1) – which can be found at service stations, on the side of the road and in car parks. However, with a range of up to 245 miles(2), you are unlikely to need to charge anywhere apart from at home – especially as Renault offers a free home wall box(3) with eligible purchases making home charging a breeze.
2) Charging costs less than filling up with fuel
In general, an EV will work out at about 2-3p per mile(6) based on the price of electricity, which is a more affordable “fuel” than petrol or diesel – it’s as simple as that. The most cost-effective way to charge your EV is at home overnight when you’ll get the lowest rate, which could be as little as 8p per kilowatt-hour(6).
3) There are now more public EV charging locations than petrol stations in the UK
The UK’s charging network is growing and evolving every day – so you’ll never be far from finding a top up should you need it. In fact, according to Zap-Map (a leading charging point platform), there are more than 10,000 locations throughout the country where you can charge an EV. Considering there are fewer than 8,500 petrol stations in the UK, it’s an eye opening statistic.
4) Electric car batteries are more powerful than ever
Battery technology has come a long way in the last five years, and is only going to continue to improve. A great example of this is the New Renault ZOE. The first Renault ZOE had a range of 90 miles(4), while just seven years later, the New ZOE can do up to 245 miles(2) on a single charge.
Battery life is another common concern but, according to Renault ZOE product manager Emily Rice, all signs are positive on that front too. “Renault EVs and their batteries are designed to last the test of time, with a whole host of technology built into them to ensure the batteries last, such as a thermal management system, to stop the battery overheating and an automatic cut off once the battery has reached 100% to avoid ‘over charging’. All of this put together with an eight-year battery warranty(5) ensures maximum peace of mind for our customers.”
This means that you can see your EV as a long-term investment, rather than a short-term purchase.
5) An electric car will help you do your bit for the environment
On the road, electric vehicles have zero emissions – they don’t even have exhaust pipes – which means that unlike petrol or diesel vehicles, they don’t negatively affect air quality. If you choose an energy supplier which provides energy from 100% renewable sources, when you charge your EV at home you’ll also be doing your bit to help the UK meet its commitment to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
6) You don’t have to pay additional charges or taxes
Another great financial bonus, vehicles with ultra-low emissions are exempt from congestion and ultra-low-emission-zone charges around the UK. While driving, the New Renault ZOE emits 0 gCO2/km, making those city-centre payments a thing of the past.
In addition, from April 2020, fully electric cars like the New Renault ZOE will pay no company car tax, which could save you thousands of pounds a year depending on your tax bracket. On top of this, you’ll benefit from free road tax if your EV – like the New Renault ZOE, which starts at £25,670 MRRP – costs less than £40,000 new. A nice little bonus.
7) Electric cars can rival ICE cars when it comes to performance
If you’re assuming that EVs are slow and dull to drive, you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, they’re known for being smooth and nippy. “This is due to an electric car having ‘instant torque’,” Rice says. “In an ICE vehicle, you have to rev the engine to reach maximum torque and this can take a few moments, but in an electric car, maximum torque is provided from the moment you hit the pedal so, therefore, you can accelerate faster.”
What’s more, although EVs are often heavier than their ICE equivalents due to their batteries, that weight is usually distributed along the floor of the vehicle; this means many EVs have a low centre of gravity, which improves handling.
Curious to learn more about EVs? Find out more at renault.co.uk/zoe
1) Rapid charging available as an option from Iconic and GT Line
2) Play R110 245 miles, Iconic R110 and Iconic R135 239 miles and GT Line R135 238 miles. CO2 whilst driving: 0 g/km, MPG: n/a. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare figures with vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. The electric range shown has been achieved using the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). Figures obtained after the battery was fully charged. Actual real-world driving results may vary depending on factors such as the starting charge of the battery, accessories fitted after registration, weather conditions, driving styles and vehicle load. Renault estimates average real-world driving figures for this vehicle as 233 miles in summer and 150 miles in winter, depending on the factors above.
3) Provided by BP Chargemaster PLC to eligible retail customers who meet the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme criteria. Additional costs may apply. For T&Cs visit: renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/zoe/battery
4) Homologated range according to NEDC test cycle, for comparison purposes, 90 miles, and may not reflect real life driving results.
5) 8 years or 100,000 miles or 66% battery capacity (whichever comes first). For full T&Cs visit: renault.co.uk/warranty
6) Recharge cost based on (a) Bulb vari-fair tariff with payment via monthly direct debit, (b) a full recharge of the 52kWh battery. Correct as of January 2020.
