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How far can electric cars travel on one charge?
It depends on your model, and where you're driving it. All electric vehicles will use up their battery faster on the motorway than on urban roads. Most electric vehicles have a range of around 150-250 miles.
Why are maintenance costs lower with an electric vehicle?
An electric car engine typically has around 20 moving parts. An ICE engine usually has just under 2,000.
Will I own the battery?
Yes. In all of our new cars, the battery is included in the purchase price.
Are they better for the environment?
Yes. Fully-electric cars produce no tailpipe emissions, and the benefits are greater if you charge your car using green energy. Some cars - such as the Citroën Ami - can even be fully recycled at the end of their lifespan.
Do electric cars have gears?
No - they're fully automatic. But they do normally have a selection of driving modes which use power at different rates: for instance, Vauxhall's electric models feature Eco, Normal and Sport modes.
Do they retain their value?
Yes - and at a much better rate than their petrol or diesel counterparts.
What if I don't have a driveway where I can charge my vehicle?
There are many options to explore. You could ask your local council to take part in the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme, charge your car at work using one of the many workplace charging schemes, or take advantage of the extensive public charging network using a subscription service like BP Pulse.
I've heard that some electric cars can charge themselves?
That's called regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle whilst putting some electricity back into the battery. But you'll still need to charge your car conventionally as well.
I've heard they're much quieter than petrol and diesel cars - can't that be dangerous for other road users?
Electric vehicles are much quieter, but not totally silent. They're legally required to emit a sound when reversing, or travelling under 12mph - most electric models are fitted with an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS).