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EV gears explained: are all electric cars automatic?

EV automatic gearbox

Most electric cars are essentially automatic. This means there is no need for the driver to change gear. You simply engage D (for Drive), press the accelerator pedal and let the car do the work. Alternatively, you can select R (for Reverse).

There’s a lot more to it than that, though, not least because a traditional automatic transmission in a petrol or diesel car has several gears, whereas most electric cars use a single gear.

Why do electric cars have a single gear?

To explain why most EVs use a single gear, let’s start with why petrol and diesel cars have multiple gears. Put simply, traditional engines generate usable power and torque within a narrow band of engine speed, so they require multiple ratios to keep them within this band at different road speeds. It’s why you use first gear to pull away, then fifth or sixth on a motorway.

Electric cars don’t have this problem and can accelerate from standstill to motorway speeds (and beyond!) in a single gear. They leave the factory with a gear that delivers the best blend of acceleration, top speed and range.

MG4 EV

Do electric cars have a reverse gear?

Not as such. Instead, an electric car has a reverse switch, designed to look like a traditional gear selector. Selecting R simply switches the direction that the electric motor (or motors) will spin, enabling you to move backwards.

In addition to R (Reverse), an electric car will have N (Neutral) and P (Park), while some will have different driving modes as well. Examples include S (Sport) for enhanced performance and E (Eco) for when you want to maximise the car’s range.

Do any electric cars have more than one gear?

Some high-performance electric cars, such as the Audi E-tron GT and Porsche Taycan have two-speed gearboxes. The first gear is used for acceleration, enabling faster starts from a standstill. Then the second gear is designed for high-speed cruising.

EV automatic gearbox

Can an electric car have a manual gearbox?

It’s not currently possible to buy an electric car with a stick shift, but that could change in the future. Toyota is developing a simulated manual gearbox for its next generation of electric cars, saying it wants EVs to be ‘fun to drive’.

Early reports suggest that the manual electric car is more than just a gimmick, with the system limiting output in each gear to mimic the power delivery of a petrol or diesel engine. There’s still work to be done before the system is ready in 2026, however.

How do you drive an electric car?

It’s easy to drive an electric car. In most cases, you simply press the ‘Power’, ‘Start’ or ‘On’ button, select Drive or Reverse using the selector, then press the accelerator pedal. From there, it’s just like driving a traditional car, although you will have to get used to regenerative braking, which sends energy to the battery when you are slowing down.

The other feeling you’ll need to get accustomed to is the calmness of the drive. Although an electric car can do nothing about the state of our roads – and you’re no doubt aware of the near-silent driving experience – the biggest surprise may be the wonderfully smooth way an EV speeds up and slows down.

Can you tow a trailer or caravan with an electric car?

Towing with an electric car

Contrary to popular belief, you can tow a trailer or caravan with an electric car. Indeed, figures from What Car? reveal that more than half of the electric cars currently on sale can be used for towing duties.

That said, not every electric car can tow a trailer or caravan, even if an abundance of instant electric torque should make them ideal for the job. It all comes down to whether or not the EV in question has been approved to tow.

This is a process called Vehicle Type Approval. According to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), it provides ‘confirmation that production samples of a type of vehicle, vehicle system, component or separate technical unit will meet specified performance standards’. One of the categories is towing.

Some car manufacturers choose not to go through the process, even if their cars could theoretically tow a trailer. For a family SUV such as the Nissan Ariya, type approval would make sense, but it could be overkill for an electric city car or supermini.

Which electric cars can tow?

Towing with an electric car

At the time of writing (May 2024), the following new electric cars have been approved to tow:

  • Audi Q4 e-tron (1,000kg to 1,200kg)
  • Audi Q8 e-tron (1,800kg)
  • BMW i4 (1,600kg)
  • BMW i5 (1,500kg to 2,000kg)
  • BMW i7 (2,000kg)
  • BMW iX1 (1,200kg)
  • BMW iX2 (750kg to 1,200kg)
  • BMW iX3 (750kg)
  • BMW iX (2,500kg)
  • Citroen Berlingo (750kg)
  • Citroen E-SpaceTourer (1,000kg)
  • Fisker Ocean (1,820kg)
  • Ford Mustang Mach-E (750kg to 1,500kg)
  • Genesis GV60 (1,600kg)
  • Genesis GV70 Electrified (1,800kg)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 (1,600kg)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6 (1,500kg)
  • Hyundai Kona Electric (750kg)
  • Jaguar I-Pace (750kg)
  • KGM Korando (1,500kg)
  • Kia Niro EV (750kg)
  • Kia EV6 (1,600kg to 1,800kg)
  • Kia EV9 (900kg to 2,500kg)
  • Maxus Mifa 9 (1,000kg)
  • Maxus T90 (1,000kg)
  • Mercedes-Benz EQA (1,500kg to 1,800kg)
  • Mercedes-Benz EQS (750kg)
  • MG4 EV (500kg)
  • MG5 EV (500kg)
  • MG ZS EV (500kg)
  • Nissan Ariya (750kg to 1,500kg)
  • Peugeot e-3008 (1,250kg)
  • Peugeot e-Rifter (750kg)
  • Peugeot e-Traveller (1,000kg)
  • Polestar 2 (1,500kg)
  • Polestar 3 (2,200kg)
  • Polestar 4 (1,500kg to 2,000kg)
  • Porsche Macan (2,000kg)
  • Renault Megane E-Tech (900kg)
  • Renault Scenic E-Tech (1,100kg)
  • Skoda Enyaq (1,000kg to 1,200kg)
  • Smart #1 (1,600kg)
  • Subaru Solterra (750kg)
  • Tesla Model 3 (1,000kg)
  • Tesla Model Y (1,600kg)
  • Toyota bZ4x (750kg)
  • Vauxhall Combo Life (750kg)
  • Vauxhall Vivaro Life (1,000kg)
  • Volkswagen ID.4 (1,000kg to 1,200kg)
  • Volkswagen ID. 5 (1,000kg to 1,200kg)
  • Volkswagen ID.7 (1,000kg)
  • Volkswagen ID.Buzz (1,000kg)
  • Volvo EC40 (1,500kg to 1,800kg)
  • Volvo EX30 (1,000kg to 1,600kg)
  • Volvo EX40 (1,500kg to 1,800kg)
  • Volvo EX90 (2,200kg)

The BMW iX, Kia EV9, Polestar 3 and Volvo EX90 are four cars to consider if you’re looking to tow a large trailer or caravan. Note: the list is based on new cars available to buy right now.

Why are some electric cars unable to tow?

Towing with an electric car

Aside from the fact that some car manufacturers choose not to take their EVs through the type approval process, there are other reasons why electric cars cannot tow.

Firstly, the extra weight behind the car would increase the workload for the electric motor(s), reducing the available battery range. This weight would also put significant strain on the car’s braking system.

Secondly, most regenerative braking systems are calibrated to the specific weight of the vehicle, meaning a caravan or trailer could disrupt the car’s electronics.

Remember, even if your electric car can tow a trailer or caravan, the projected range will be lower when you’ve got something hitched up to the tow bar. Be prepared for more charging stops on a long journey.

Which are the best electric cars for towing?

Electric cars performed well at the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Towcar of the Year Awards in 2024. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz was a class winner in the ‘caravans under 1,100kg’ category, while the Skoda Enyaq Coupe was the best in the 1,100kg to 1,300kg class.

Elsewhere, the Polestar 2 was named the winner in the 1,500kg to 1,700kg class, while the Nissan Ariya was named the best electric vehicle tow car.

Meanwhile, the Kia EV6 was crowned the best electric car at the What Car? Tow Car Awards 2023.

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Charging an EV: should you install a three-phase electricity supply?

Single phase or three phase

The majority of homes in the UK use a single-phase electricity supply. This means a maximum charging rate for electric cars of 7kW.

Apart from private homes, however, much of this country is served by a three-phase electricity network. As their names suggest, a single-phase supply uses one wire, while a three-phase connection has three wires – and thus a greater capacity for EV charging.  

You tend to find three-phase supplies in commercial properties, where it’s possible to fit a faster charger – such as a 22kW unit.

How to check your electricity supply

Can I charge an electric car with a domestic plug socket

According to UK Power Networks, the best way to tell if a property has a three-phase supply is by looking at the electrical fuse. A single-phase supply will have one fuse, while a three-phase electricity supply will have three 100-amp fuses.

Here is an overview of the typical domestic installations:

  • Three-pin plug: 2.3kW (slow)
  • Home charge unit: 3.6kW (slow)
  • Home charge unit: 7.4kW (fast)
  • Home charge unit: up to 22kW (fast)

All of the above except the 22kW charge unit can utilise a standard single-phase home electricity supply.

Is a three-phase supply necessary?

Charging a smartphone

Homeowners tend to upgrade their electricity supply when they convert a house into individual flats, extend the property, or install high-powered equipment such as an air source heat pump. The property will receive up to 70kVA (70,000 volt amps) of power.

In theory, a three-phase electricity supply should deliver faster charging times, but much depends on the electric car in question. Some cars are unable to accept a 22kW home charge, so check your handbook or speak to the manufacturer before you upgrade your property.

You also need to factor in the cost. This will vary, but you’ll be looking at anywhere between £3,000 and £20,000. It’s for this reason that many electric car owners choose to stick with a single-phase supply and install a 7.4kW home charging unit, which costs around £1,000 fitted.

Danny Morgan of Smart Home Charge argues that three-phase is overkill for the majority of electric car drivers. He uses a smartphone analogy here: “Imagine charging your smartphone with a more powerful charger overnight while you’re asleep. It may well charge in one hour instead of two, but in both scenarios your phone will be fully charged when you wake up at 7am. You won’t have noticed the time saving.”

Morgan does concede that a three-phase supply makes sense if you’re charging a number of electric cars at the same time, but that is likely to be a rare situation.

Our advice would be to opt for a 3.6kW or 7.4kW home charger, then take advantage of rapid charging when on the move.

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Can I own an electric car if I don’t have a parking space?

Can you own an electric car if you don’t have a parking space?

Charging a BMW i3

The adverts typically show an electric car outside a glassy, futuristic home, plugged into its dedicated charging point on a covered driveway. Well, that’s the dream. But is it the reality?

It can be. If you have a personal parking space and wall box charger, you can simply arrive home and plug in. By the following morning your EV will be fully charged – using cheaper-rate overnight electricity – and you have another day of efficient, quiet and affordable motoring ahead.

The reality for EVs in 2024

Electric cars are generally more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel equivalents. So far, that means it’s mostly the better-off who can afford them. Hence the smart house with its off-street parking and easily accessible charge point.

However, the other reality is this: even today, many electric cars are used by lower-mileage drivers, due to their range or the limitations of the public charging network. That means towns and cities are their natural habitats: places where off-street parking is more of an issue.

What if you don’t have a parking space?

These are the options if you don’t have a driveway or dedicated parking space for your electric car at home.

1.    Run a cable from your house to your car

This isn’t a good idea, frankly. The trip hazard if pedestrians are around is unacceptable. Anyway, you’re probably talking about an extension lead from your home domestic circuit, which is simply too slow for charging an EV – except in emergencies.

2.    Public charging points

A fine idea in principle, so long as you can find one nearby. Yet there’s an issue with access if the charge point is in demand – and you’ll need to move your car once it has charged up, then find another parking space near home. Also, charging from public points has become increasingly expensive. It can cost more per mile than filling up with petrol.

3.    Charging at service stations

Petrol stations are rolling out charging points for electric cars. It makes sense as more drivers migrate to this greener form of energy. Thus, in the near future, you’ll likely be able to recharge your car all the same places you used to buy petrol or diesel. The process will take more like 30 minutes instead of five minutes, though.

4.    Charging while you are shopping

Tesco has worked with Pod Point to install chargers across the majority of its large Tesco Extra stores. You can’t charge for free any more, sadly, but there are fast chargers priced ‘in line with market rates’. Many other supermarkets have chargers on-site now, too.

5.    Charging at work

Some businesses feel they can help staff and boost their eco credentials by installing charge points in office car parks. Just don’t expect to rely on these if lots of employees switch to EVs. It’s all too easy for demand to overwhelm supply.

6.    Buy a Tesla

Things will change in future, but for now Tesla owners have two big reasons to smile. Firstly, their cars go further than most on a single charge. Secondly, the bespoke Tesla charging infrastructure is brilliant. It’s very fast and you’ll usually find a vacant slot when you arrive. There are more than 1,400 Tesla Supercharger stations in the UK – and 50,000 worldwide.

7. Other high-speed chargers

Perhaps stung by the way Tesla hit the ground running with its Superchargers, the Ionity network was set up as a joint venture between Ford, BMW Group, Daimler-Benz and the Volkswagen Group. It’s offering reliable, high-powered and fast charging across Europe – although the electricity rates aren’t cheap.

In conclusion, then, you can own an electric car if you don’t have a parking space. At present, however, most people will probably find the inconvenience associated with recharging outweighs the benefits.

Hopefully by 2035, when new petrol and diesel cars can no longer be sold in the UK, things will be very different.

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What are the differences between a hybrid and an electric car?

Difference between hybrid and electric car

You have probably heard a lot about hybrids and electric cars. Both types of vehicle can be more efficient than a conventional petrol or diesel car, reducing emissions and potentially saving you money.

Here, we will focus on the fundamental differences between a hybrid and an electric car, along with the pros and cons of each.

Cutting to the chase, an electric car offers zero tailpipe emissions, while a hybrid uses a petrol or diesel engine for its primary means of propulsion.

Just to confuse matters, there are two types of hybrid: standard or plug-in hybrid. A standard hybrid might be referred to as a ‘self-charging’ hybrid (Toyota and Lexus often use this term), while a plug-in may be called a ‘PHEV’ (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

The main difference between the two is that in a hybrid, the electric motor is there to increase efficiency, improve fuel economy and provide a small amount of electric range. We’re talking really small, though – typically a mile or so.

As the name suggests, a plug-in hybrid can be plugged in to provide anything between 30 and 80 miles of electric range. Once this range has been used up, the combustion engine takes over.

Toyota Corolla Hybrid

We like to think of a standard hybrid, such as the Toyota Corolla pictured above, as a worthy alternative to a diesel car – particularly now that issues such as particulate emissions have led diesels to fall from favour.

Meanwhile, a plug-in hybrid is a good halfway-house between a conventional car and an electric vehicle. Depending on the length of your commute or school run, it’s quite possible to complete your daily journeys solely in electric mode if you charge up regularly at home. Then you can save the petrol or diesel engine for longer weekend trips.

However, you must recharge the batteries in order for a plug-in hybrid to make sense. If you don’t, you’re simply lugging around a heavy battery pack, which will actually have a detrimental impact on fuel economy.

Take some Korea’s advice

Hyundai Kona Hybrid

Let’s consider the Hyundai Kona (pictured above in Kona Electric guise). It’s offered with three different powertrains: petrol, standard (non-plug-in) hybrid and electric, which are priced as below:

  • Kona petrol: From £26,040
  • Kona Hybrid: From £30,585
  • Kona Electric: From £34,995

The 100hp 1.0-litre petrol version is the least expensive, partly because it features the least sophisticated technology. The 1.6-litre Kona Hybrid develops 141hp, while the Kona Electric is available in two formats: a 48kWh battery with 156hp, and a 65kWh battery with 218hp. We’ll use the 48kWh version for comparison here, as it’s the closest to the other cars in terms of price.

Electric cars are generally more expensive than combustion or hybrid models, but things are starting to change. Relatively affordable electric cars include the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Peugeot e-208 and MG4.

You’ll be lucky to get a mile of pure electric range out of the Kona Hybrid, because the electric motor is there to support the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

The EV’s range of 234 miles is reasonable, although this increases up to a potential 319 miles if you spend £3,600 on upgrading to the bigger 65kWh battery.

Hyundai Kona Electric

CO2 emissions and fuel economy

  • Kona petrol: 131g/km and 48.7mpg
  • Kona Hybrid: 106/gkm and 60.1mpg
  • Kona Electric: 0g/km and N/A

The Hybrid offers lower fuel bills and road tax than the petrol version, although it costs more to start with. The electric car is the only one to offer zero emissions (if you charge using renewable electricity).

Performance (0-62mph and top speed)

  • Kona petrol: 13.3 sec / 105mph
  • Kona Hybrid: 11.2 sec / 103mph
  • Kona Electric: 8.8 sec / 101mph

Performance figures might be less important for a family car like this, but it’s worth noting that electric cars offer smooth and immediate acceleration, making them great for driving in the city.

All versions of the Kona are easy and enjoyable to drive, but the pace of the electric car sets it apart. Some EVs, such as the Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan, can offer performance to rival a supercar.

Hybrid and electric cars: a summary

Electric car plugged in

Price, range, emissions and performance are just some of the things you should consider when deciding whether to buy a conventional car, a hybrid or an EV.

Remember that in a regular hybrid you CANNOT plug-in, with a plug-in hybrid you SHOULD plug-in, and in an electric car you MUST plug-in.

One thing is for certain: fully electric cars are getting better with every passing year. Today, they offer the range, practicality and price to make them a realistic prospect for an increasing number of people.

By continuing to browse the pages of Motoring Electric, you can discover if an electric car is right for you.

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EV v diesel: Would an electric van work for your business?

Nissan Townstar

For decades, diesel power has dominated the world of vans. In a government van survey published in 2021, a massive 97 per cent of all vans were powered by diesel, with 2.7 percent having a petrol engine.

Things are changing, however, with sales of new electric vans hitting record volumes in 2023. The total increased by 21 per cent last year, to 20,253 units – according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Even so, that is still just 5.9 percent of the overall market, with diesel accounting for 91.6 percent of van registrations.

Electric vans are expected to grow in popularity as we edge closer to the 2035 ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans. By then, the choice of electric vans will be better than ever, supported by a robust network of public charging points. Advancing technology also means vans will be able to travel further on a single charge and carry larger loads.

Here, we look at the current pros and cons of an electric van, so you can see if buying one would be good for your business.

LEVC VN5

The pros of electric vans

  • Cost savings: electric vans are significantly cheaper to run than their diesel counterparts, often as little as half the cost on a pence-per-mile basis. The cost savings will be even greater if the van is charged at home using a low-rate tariff.
  • Easier and cheaper maintenance: because electric vans have fewer moving parts, the cost of servicing and repairs should be more affordable. The website WhoCanFixMyCar says a typical cost of an electric vehicle service is £143.75, some £30 cheaper than an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. That will soon add up if you run a large fleet of vans.
  • Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG): Some new vans are eligible for the government’s plug-in grant. The maximum discount for eligible small vans is £2,500, increasing to £5,000 for some large vans.
  • Zero tailpipe emissions: electric vans produce no carbon dioxide (CO2) or nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions while driving, which is better for local air quality. Their position is even stronger if the energy required to recharge the van comes from a renewable source.
  • Exemption from clean air zone charges: electric vans are exempt from the UK’s ULEZ and LEZ restrictions. Electric vans are also eligible for a 100 per cent discount on the London Congestion Charge until 24 December 2025.
  • Strong brand message: making a delivery or arriving at a customer’s door in a quiet and clean van creates a better first impression than turning up in a noisy diesel with smoke belching out of its exhaust. If you promote your business as green and ethical, an electric van is almost essential.
  • Quieter and easier to drive: if you’re old enough to remember when the milkman arrived in the early hours in an electric milk float, you’ll know that electric vans are considerably quieter than traditional vans. Indeed, the sound of the milk bottles clinking in the crates was the loudest noise.
Mercedes-Benz eCitan

The cons of electric vans

  • More expensive to buy: electric vans are significantly more expensive than their diesel counterparts. For example, at the time of writing, prices of the Peugeot e-Boxer Panel Van range from £50,500 to £52,500 before the PiVG. Although it’s not necessarily comparing apples with apples, the diesel Peugeot Boxer Panel Van ranges from £30,500 to £34,500. Similarly, a new Vauxhall Vivaro with a diesel engine will cost between £29,000 and £33,000, while prices of the electric version range from £43,000 to £48,500 before the PiVG. Prices quoted are all excluding VAT.
  • Access to a charging point is required: it’ll be cheaper and more convenient if you have access to a charging point at home or work. 
  • Reliance on public chargers can be a problem: although the infrastructure is improving, having to spend time at a public charging point will eat into your working day. You also need to factor in the possible queues and faulty charging points. It’s more expensive to charge at a public charging point as well.
  • Less choice: according to Zapmap figures, there are 60,000 electric vans in the UK, but there is still a greater choice of diesel vans, especially on the second-hand market.
  • Lower maximum payload: some electric vans offer a slightly lower payload due to the weight of the battery pack, although this isn’t likely to be a problem in small and medium vans.
  • Electric range: while it’s true that the range of a diesel van is limited to the amount of miles you can squeeze out of a tank of fuel, you need to consider the distance you can travel on a single charge. Figures suggest that the range will drop by 14 per cent when fully loaded, while towing will reduce an electric van’s range by 23-31 per cent.

How far can electric vans travel on a single charge?

The table below shows the official range of selected electric vans that are currently on sale:

Citroen e-Berlingo VanUp to 171 miles
Fiat E-DucatoUp to 260 miles
Ford E-TransitUp to 196 miles
LEVC VN5Up to 304 miles
Maxus eDeliver 9146 miles
Mercedes-Benz eCitanUp to 176 miles
Mercedes-Benz eVitoUp to 164 miles
Mercedes-Benz eSprinter277 miles
Nissan Townstar EVUp to 183 miles
Peugeot e-Boxer Panel VanUp to 261 miles
Peugeot e-Partner171 miles
Renault Kangoo E-TechUp to 186 miles
Renault Master E-TechUp to 115 miles
Toyota Proace City ElectricUp to 205 miles
Vauxhall Combo ElectricUp to 222 miles
Vauxhall Vivaro ElectricUp to 230 miles

Figures are based on the official WLTP combined test and will vary according to battery size.

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Can you jump-start an electric car?

Can you jump-start an electric car?

The short answer to this question is ‘yes’ – you can jump-start an electric car. However, the chances of you ever needing to do so are slim.

A lot of people are unaware that the vast majority of electric cars have two batteries: a large lithium-ion battery for powering the electric motor (or motors), and a traditional 12-volt battery that is used for sending power to the accessories. These lead-acid batteries are also found in traditional petrol and diesel cars.

They work in much the same way, too: kick-starting the electric motor into action and powering systems like the climate control, central locking, infotainment system, lights, windscreen wipers and instrument panel. Crucially, they also deliver the power that facilitates the charging of the lithium-ion battery. In other words, they’re an essential part of an electric vehicle.

Preventing a flat battery

Electric car start button

Regular use and long trips will keep the 12-volt battery in good condition. It’s likely to lose charge after two to three weeks of inactivity, although Vauxhall says there will be sufficient energy remaining even after six weeks at a standstill.

It’s important to remember that short journeys with lots of the accessories in use will put a strain on any car’s 12-volt battery, though.

In February 2024, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFL) warned fleet managers that the 12-volt battery on electric vans may unexpectedly go flat, leaving them unable to start their vehicle. A month later, Start Rescue said electric car owners should ‘look after the 12-volt battery to avoid one of the most common causes of call-outs’.

How to jump-start an electric car

Can you jump-start an electric car?

If you’ve ever jump-started a petrol or diesel car, you’ll be familiar with the search for a pair of jump leads. You’ll also need to locate the electric car’s 12-volt battery, which is likely to be under the bonnet or in the boot. Check the car’s handbook if you are struggling to locate it.

Do not jump-start your car using another electric vehicle. You MUST use a petrol or diesel car. You should also ensure that your electric car isn’t plugged in during the jump-start process.

Connect a jump lead to the positive (+) terminal on the electric car’s 12-volt battery, then connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal on the third-party vehicle. Connect the second jump lead to the negative (-) terminal on the third-party vehicle, then the other end to the grounded bodywork of the electric car. Start the third-party vehicle, then put the electric car into its ‘ready’ position. Once the electric car has started, disconnect the cables in the reverse order.

Keep the electric car switched on for around 15 minutes or complete a journey of a similar length. Note: you can also use a battery booster pack by following the instructions on the box or booklet.

Indeed, if you intend to leave your electric car idle for prolonged periods, you could consider a trickle charger, which will prevent the 12-volt battery from going flat. As you’ll see from this list, most car manufacturers recommend the use of a trickle charger.

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Are the batteries in electric cars recyclable?

Can electric car batteries be recycled

So far in 2024, electric cars have accounted for around 15 percent of vehicle registrations in the UK. And with the forthcoming ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars from 2035, it’s clear that EVs will soon become the default choice for car buyers.

This is great news for local air quality and the environment. What isn’t so great, however, is the potential for a huge mountain of used electric car batteries once they have reached the end of their serviceable lives. A battery is expected to last around 10 years before it needs to be replaced.

Fortunately, electric car batteries CAN be recycled. Indeed, car companies are investing millions in the reuse and recycling of these components.

‘Battery waste mountain’

Nissan electric car batteries

A study by the University of Birmingham said ‘recycling technologies for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries are not keeping pace with the rapid rise of electric vehicles’, with researchers warning that ‘the UK needs to act to prevent an electric vehicle battery waste mountain’.

It calculated that the one million electric cars will create a staggering 250,000 tonnes, or half a million cubic metres, of unprocessed pack waste when they reach the end of their lives.

The consultancy Circular Energy Storage estimates that more than 1.2 million tonnes of waste lithium-ion batteries will be recycled worldwide by 2030. One existing facility is the Fortum recycling plant in Finland, which aims to recover more than 80 percent of the materials from lithium-ion batteries.

“By recycling valuable materials in lithium-ion batteries, we reduce the environmental impact of electric car batteries by complementing the supply of cobalt, nickel and other critical metals from primary sources,” said Tero Hollander of Fortnum Recycling and Waste.

A second life for electric car batteries

Volkswagen mobile charging

There are many examples of electric car batteries being given a second life when they are no longer suitable for their original purpose. Second-life batteries are removed from the car, unpacked, graded and repurposed.

For instance, the battery pack in a previous generation Volkswagen e-Golf can store as much energy as a typical household consumes in one day. And 280 used Nissan Leaf batteries were used to provide back-up power to the Amsterdam Arena – home of Ajax football club.

The car manufacturers are getting involved on a larger scale, too. Volkswagen has already used the battery packs from its electric vehicles in a network of portable charging stations. Each station can charge up to four vehicles at a time.

EV batteries at the end of their second life

Electric car battery

In many ways, the second life is simply delaying the inevitable: at some point an electric car battery will need to be recycled. Volkswagen eventually wants to recycle 97 percent of the raw materials in its battery packs.

This is important, as battery production puts a strain on the world’s natural resources. For example, cobalt is a critical material, but there are social, ethical and environmental concerns in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where much of the cobalt for EV batteries is mined.

In Salar de Atacama – a major centre of lithium production – 65 percent of the region’s water is consumed by mining activities, affecting the local farmers.

The challenge, not to mention the endgame, is to close the loop of electric car battery production. Rather than recycling the materials for other uses, the best scenario would be for them to be retained for a new battery.

Tesla board member JB Straubel said the company is “developing more processes on how to improve battery recycling to get more of the active materials back. Ultimately, what we want is a closed loop that reuses the same recycled materials.”

The American company has a battery recycling facility in Nevada where lithium, cobalt, copper and steel are recovered and reused in the production of new electric car batteries.

Under the Waste Batteries and Accumulators Regulations 2009, an electric car manufacturer is obliged to take back a battery for recycling. If your EV is reaching the end of its life, you can contact the relevant car company for more details.

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Why are electric cars less efficient on motorways?

Why are electric cars less efficient on motorways?

UK motorway

All cars, whether powered by batteries, a traditional combustion engine or a hybrid system, are most efficient when driven at a steady speed. Saving energy is all about having a light right foot.

Heavy application of the accelerator pedal will dramatically increase electricity or fuel consumption, even though electric cars can regain power via regeneration when braking.

However, motorway driving, even at a steady speed, can quickly reduce your electric car’s range if you don’t approach it correctly.

Driving an EV on the motorway

Any journey on UK motorways soon illustrates how the 70mph limit is regarded by many as the minimum speed to drive.

Anecdotally, though, speeds on motorways seem to be dropping, with more drivers sticking to the limit. One likely reason for this is the proliferation of speed cameras. Another is fuel economy.

It’s largely down to aerodynamics: the faster you drive, the more the wind resistance – or aerodynamic drag – will work against you. And drag increases exponentially with speed.

Audi e-tron

If you drive at a constant 70mph on a motorway, you might, theoretically, get close to the manufacturer’s stated range for the battery.

Drive at 75mph instead, though, and your electric car’s range could drop by between five and 10 percent. At 80mph, it’s around 10 to 15 percent less than at 70mph.

Not surprisingly, there are big efficiency gains to be had from cruising at lower speeds. At a steady 60mph, you’ll see a significant improvement in range – and you may be surprised at how little difference it makes to your overall journey time.

That said, driving at 60mph in the inside lane of the motorway, dicing with 32-tonne trucks, could be a daunting experience.

Speed is of the essence

As with any car, the way you drive makes a difference to how far you can travel before ‘filling up’.

While electric cars outshine conventional vehicles in urban environments, thanks to their superior efficiency, on motorways it’s more of a level playing field.

So yes, speed really does matter, and if you can keep your head and cruise at 70mph (or less) on the motorway, you’ll achieve the best range.

Driving at lower speeds could also mean fewer stops for charging on a long journey. Truly a case of the tortoise and the hare…

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How do I charge an electric car using solar panels?

Solar panels

You’ve heard of walking on sunshine, but did you know that it’s possible to drive on sunshine? OK, not literally – that would be difficult, not to mention dangerous – but sunshine, or more specifically solar energy, can be used to charge an electric car.

If you’ve got a set of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on your roof, you’ll know that it’s possible to harvest the sun’s rays to power your household appliances. It’s cheaper and greener than having to rely solely on your domestic electricity supply and you can even generate some income by exporting excess energy back to the grid.

Alternatively, you could use this extra energy to charge an electric car. Once you’ve paid for the installation of the solar panels, you’re essentially getting the electricity for free. As a bonus, it’s from a renewable source, which helps to improve your car’s carbon footprint.

How does solar panel charging work?

To charge an electric car using solar energy, you need to install a solar system on the roof of your house. The amount of power generated by the system depends on the available sunshine and how many solar panels you have.

A typical domestic system will consist of 14 to 16 solar panels, but 8 to 12 should be enough to charge an average-sized EV battery. A larger battery will require more power and it’s worth remembering that you’re relying on sunshine to generate power. Cloudy days will lead to disappointment.

Solar panels

It’s a simple process: the photovoltaic cells absorb sunlight as DC (direct current) energy, which flows to an inverter to be converted to AC (alternating current) for use by household appliances. This can be fed directly to the electric car or, if you have a battery energy storage system (BESS), the energy can be stored for use at a later date.

Do you require any special equipment?

Assuming you’ve got solar panels on the roof and a home charging point, the electric car is no different to your toaster, kettle or fridge. Granted, you can’t drive to work atop a household appliance, but your EV will draw power in the same way.

A solar inverter (also known as PV inverter) is usually included in the cost of the solar panel system, but check with your installation company. Prices vary, but the cost is likely to be between £5,000 and £10,000, depending on the size of the system.

At the time of writing, Eon was offering a six-panel (2.61kW) home solar system for £5,785, increasing to £7,000 for an optimised Tier 1 system. A solar battery system should cost around £3,500, but figures suggest that your savings will accrue almost immediately.

The other thing to consider is that using stored energy to charge your electric car is likely to be more cost-effective than exporting energy to the grid. In other words, the payment for your excess energy is less than the money you’d save by using the energy stored in the BESS.

How much energy will each solar panel produce?

Each solar panel will produce around 355W of energy in strong sunlight. By using a 7.4kW home charger – the fastest charger that can be installed on a single-phase home electric supply – you can expect around 30 miles of driving for each hour of charging.

Charging an electric car

A lot depends on the season, weather and position of the solar panels. You’ll almost certainly require a boost from your domestic electricity supply during the winter, but the panels will work 365 days a year, taking advantage of any breaks in the cloud.

It’s also worth remembering that most electric cars are recharged overnight, either because that’s when the owners are home from work or they’re taking advantage of cheaper energy prices. It’s why a home battery system will pay dividends in the long run, because you can’t harvest solar energy when it’s dark!

Click here to check out some of the cost savings associated with using a solar battery, although please note that other energy providers do exist.

Pros and cons of charging an EV using solar panels

There are several reasons why using solar energy to charge an electric car makes perfect sense. You’re not having to rely solely on your energy company, the panels will get to work immediately after installation and they’ll even add value to your home. You’re also using a renewable energy source.

That said, solar panels are expensive, and that’s before you think about the cost of the inverter, solar battery and home charger. You might be eligible for a Green Deal loan, but this will need to be paid back. The other thing to consider is the weather, as solar panels work best in sunny conditions.

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