One of the most crucial aspects of an EV is how far it can drive before it needs recharging. This is known as the range.

Amid technological advances in recent years, there are EVs sold in the UK that can comfortably cover over 400 miles. These are your larger, more expensive EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS Saloon. Other high-end options like the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model 3 fall within the 350-400-mile bracket.

Most newer EVs tend to have ranges of 150 to 300 miles. Smaller EVs like the Volkswagen Up will be at the lower end of that scale, while the larger Hyundai Kona hits the 300-mile mark.

When weighing up different EVs, it’s important to consider your daily habits. This includes the length or frequency of your commute, the availability of charging stations at your workplace, and the amount of time you will have to charge in between journeys.

If you’re embarking on a longer journey in your EV, you might want to try a travel planning app that can shape your route around the availability of public chargers.

Electric vehicles (EVs) use electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries, instead of traditional internal combustion engines. This results in lower emissions and fewer moving parts, reducing maintenance needs. Understanding the basics of electric motors and battery technology can help you appreciate the benefits and limitations of EVs.

Types of EVs

• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Fully electric with no backup engine. These vehicles rely solely on their battery for power.
• Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Combine an electric motor with a petrol or diesel engine. You can charge the battery and use electric power for shorter trips while having the engine for longer distances.
• Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Use a combination of an electric motor and a petrol engine but do not need to be plugged in. The battery is charged through regenerative braking and the engine.

Advantages of EVs EVs offer numerous benefits including lower running costs, reduced emissions, and a quieter driving experience. They often have fewer moving parts compared to traditional vehicles, which can result in lower maintenance costs.

Technology and Features Familiarise yourself with technologies such as regenerative braking (which helps recharge the battery while slowing down) and various driver assistance systems like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. These features can enhance your driving experience and efficiency.

EV batteries are estimated to last between 15 and 20 years – or 100,000 to 200,000 miles - before a replacement is required. By comparison, traditional internal combustion engines (ICEs) only last around 12 years. Most manufacturers offer an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty against any early failure.

EVs tend to lose roughly 2% of their battery capacity each year. This means that the maximum range of your EV will very gradually decrease over time. However, there are some steps you can take to mitigate this.

Minimise charging: It might seem strange but avoiding charging to 100% unless you really need to can help prolong your EVs battery life. Don’t leave it on charge all night, every night. If you can, keep the battery between 20% and 80%. Avoid using rapid chargers frequently.

Avoid running flat: Further to the last point, don’t push your luck when it comes to draining the battery completely. Running out of charge is not only inconvenient (and a bit embarrassing), but also bad for your battery’s long-term health. Get yourself to a charger when you’re approaching the 20% mark.

Avoid extreme temperatures: Your EV’s battery won’t take too kindly to getting really hot or cold. If you can, keep your car out of direct heat when it’s parked and ideally, stick in the garage during the colder months.

Drive sensibly: This might be a tricky one given how much instant power you’ll have at your disposal in an EV, but driving slower will be better for your battery in the long run. Stomping on the accelerator will drain the battery quicker, which isn’t ideal for its longevity.