Guides
EV charging
guides.
Straight answers on connectors, charging speeds and what actually fits your car. No jargon, no filler.
How-to
Why Electric Cars Are So Quick Off the Line
Electric cars are quick off the line because electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly from zero speed, with no gearbox shifts or rev-building delay. Full torque available the moment you press the accelerator Single-speed drive unit means no interruption from gear changes Applies to all EVs, not just expensive performance models
How-to
Do Electric Cars Need Engine Oil?
Electric cars do not need engine oil because they have no internal combustion engine, making oil changes one of the maintenance costs you can eliminate entirely. No pistons, crankshafts, or valves to lubricate Coolant, brake fluid, and washer fluid still required Service intervals are generally longer than combustion cars
How-to
Electric Car Noise: What Is the AVAS Pedestrian Sound?
AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) is the artificial sound electric cars must generate at low speeds to warn pedestrians, mandatory on all new EVs sold in the UK from July 2021. Plays automatically when moving forward or reversing at low speed Sound must vary with speed and meet minimum volume requirements Cannot be disabled by the driver
How-to
What Is a Tyre Repair Kit and Does Your EV Have One?
A tyre repair kit is a compressor and sealant canister that temporarily seals small tread punctures, supplied instead of a spare wheel in most modern EVs. It only works for simple tread punctures: sidewall damage and blowouts require recovery The sealant canister has an expiry date and is single-use, so check it when you buy a used EV Using the kit typically makes the tyre unrepairable, so you will need a replacement tyre afterwards
How-to
Do Electric Cars Have a Spare Wheel?
Most electric cars do not include a spare wheel: the majority come with a tyre repair kit instead, to save weight and space taken up by the battery pack. A tyre repair kit handles simple tread punctures but cannot fix sidewall damage or blowouts Some EVs use run-flat tyres as an alternative; a small number include a compact or full-size spare Aftermarket compact spare kits are available for many popular EV models if you prefer a traditional backup
How-to
Can You Over-Charge an Electric Car?
No: the battery management system (BMS) stops charging automatically when the battery is full, so you cannot over-charge a modern EV by accident. Leaving the car at 100% charge for extended periods can gradually accelerate capacity loss over years Setting a daily charge limit of around 80% is the simplest way to protect long-term battery health Charging to 100% for a long trip is fine; just set off promptly rather than leaving the car sitting full
How-to
What Is State of Health (SoH)?
State of Health (SoH) measures how much of your EV battery's original capacity remains, expressed as a percentage that falls gradually over time. A new battery starts at 100% SoH; most degrade slowly and retain the majority of capacity for many years Manufacturers typically warrant batteries to a minimum SoH threshold for a set period You can slow degradation by charging in the 20–80% range and avoiding frequent ultra-rapid charging
How-to
What Is State of Charge (SoC)?
State of Charge (SoC) is the percentage of energy currently stored in your EV's battery, shown from 0% (empty) to 100% (full). Most manufacturers recommend keeping daily SoC between 20% and 80% to preserve battery life Charging speed slows above 80% as the battery management system protects the cells Cold weather and driving style affect the range your SoC translates to, not the SoC reading itself
How-to
How to Precondition for Faster Rapid Charging
Battery preconditioning warms your EV's pack to its optimal temperature before you arrive at a rapid charger, allowing the battery management system to accept a higher charge rate from the moment you plug in. Enter the rapid charger as a sat-nav destination to trigger automatic preconditioning Arrive with charge remaining, not nearly flat, for the best session If your EV lacks preconditioning, keep the battery active and time stops after driving
How-to
Why Does My EV Charge Slower in Winter?
EV charging slows in winter because cold lithium-ion batteries are less chemically reactive and the BMS limits the charge rate to protect the cells. Preconditioning the battery before a rapid charge stop is the most effective fix Set the rapid charger as a sat-nav destination so the car warms the battery automatically Home wallbox charging is less affected because it runs overnight over many hours
How-to
What Is a Range Extender (REx)?
A range extender (REx) is a small onboard petrol generator that charges an EV's battery while driving, extending range without requiring a charge stop. The petrol engine generates electricity only and never drives the wheels directly REx cars still need plugging in regularly; the generator is a backup, not a replacement for charging New REx models are increasingly rare as full EV ranges improve
How-to
How to Read an EV's Efficiency in miles per kWh
Miles per kWh (mi/kWh) is the EV equivalent of miles per gallon: the higher the figure, the further you travel on each unit of energy. Find it on your dashboard, trip computer, or manufacturer app Multiply usable battery capacity (kWh) by your mi/kWh figure to estimate real-world range WLTP figures are a ceiling: cold weather, speed, and climate control all reduce real-world efficiency
How-to
Electric Car Pre-Heating: Worth the Energy?
Pre-heating your EV while plugged in is worth it: it uses grid electricity rather than battery power, so you leave with a full charge and a warm cabin. Pre-conditioning warms both cabin and battery before departure, protecting real-world range in cold weather Schedule it via your car's app or departure timer so it runs automatically each morning A wallbox gives enough power to heat and charge simultaneously; a three-pin socket may not
How-to
Can You Fit a Tow Bar to an Electric Car?
Many electric cars can be fitted with a tow bar, but only if the manufacturer has type-approved the model for towing. Always check your handbook for a towing rating before booking a fitting Towing significantly reduces range due to extra weight and aerodynamic drag Inform your insurer and plan charging stops carefully for any towing journey
How-to
Do Electric Cars Work in Floods and Deep Water?
EV batteries and motors are sealed with IP-rated protection, making them more resilient than petrol cars in shallow water, but deep or fast-moving floodwater is dangerous in any vehicle. EV motors have fewer ground-level electrical contacts than internal combustion engines Never restart or charge a flood-affected EV without a specialist inspection Check your owner's manual for your car's specific wading guidance
How-to
Bank Holiday Getaways in an Electric Car
Bank holiday charging networks are busier than usual, so a little planning the night before makes an EV getaway far smoother. Leave early and charge to 80%+ at home to reduce reliance on en-route chargers Always carry a Type 2 cable and identify a backup charger for each stop Have charging network accounts and apps ready before you leave
How-to
Preparing Your EV for a Christmas Road Trip
Cold weather reduces EV range, but a Christmas road trip in an electric car is straightforward with the right preparation before you leave. Pre-heat the cabin while still plugged in to save battery Plan charging stops with a buffer and pack a Type 2 cable Carry a portable charger as a backup at your destination
Buying Guides
New Year, New EV: Is 2027 Your Year to Switch?
For most UK drivers with off-street parking and typical daily mileage, 2027 is a strong year to switch to electric. Used EV prices have become more accessible as the market matures Company car BIK rates and salary sacrifice schemes still offer meaningful savings Home charging overnight remains the most cost-effective option if you have off-street parking
Buying Guides
Best EV Gifts for Electric Car Owners
A Type 2 charging cable or portable EV charger makes the most practical gift for an electric car owner, covering the accessories they use most. Charging cables, portable chargers, and cable locks cover the essentials most EV drivers genuinely need Tech gifts like dashcams and OBD Bluetooth plugs suit data-curious or safety-conscious drivers Interior accessories such as car mats and windscreen shades are practical choices for owners who already have the basics
How-to
Summer EV Tips: Staying Cool and Efficient
Warm weather affects your EV in small but manageable ways: pre-cool the cabin while plugged in, park in shade, and check tyre pressure regularly. Pre-cooling on the charger preserves battery range Shaded parking reduces heat stress on the battery pack Rapid chargers may slow in very hot conditions due to thermal management
How-to
Winter EV Checklist: Get Ready for Cold Weather
Prepare your electric vehicle for cold weather by checking tyres, setting up preconditioning, and keeping the battery topped up. Precondition while plugged in to protect range and warm the cabin for free Check tyre pressure monthly as cold air causes it to drop Plan routes with charger stops and carry a portable charger as a backup
Buying Guides
New EV vs Nearly-New EV: Which Saves More?
Going nearly-new often means a lower purchase price because you avoid the steepest part of the depreciation curve, but a new EV gives you certainty on battery health, warranty, and charging technology. Always request a battery health report before buying nearly-new Check how many software update years remain on any older model Verify charger compatibility before you commit to either option
Buying Guides
Lease vs PCP vs Cash for an Electric Car
Leasing protects you from EV depreciation risk, PCP keeps monthly costs lower with an option to own, and cash avoids interest but ties up capital in an asset whose value is still settling. Lease (PCH): fixed monthly cost, no ownership, no depreciation risk, mileage limits apply PCP: lower monthly payments, optional balloon payment to own, balloon risk if values fall Cash: own outright, no interest, full depreciation exposure and capital tied up
Comparisons
Petrol vs Electric: Which Is Cheaper to Insure?
EVs often cost more to insure than petrol equivalents, but premiums vary widely by model, insurer, and driver profile. Higher vehicle value and specialist repair costs are the main reasons EV premiums tend to run higher Not all EVs are expensive to insure: lower-value models can sit in similar groups to petrol cars Shopping around, telematics policies, and specialist EV cover can all help reduce your premium