Electric and hybrid cars
At Arnold Clark, we offer the best new and used electric car deals from a selection of manufacturers including BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Renault and Toyota.
Which electric car should I buy?
There are some things to consider when choosing an electric car such as charging, emissions and road tax. We want to make sure that you choose the car that’s best suited to you and your needs.
If you opt for electric driving, you’ll have three main choices:
| - | Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Hybrid (HEV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Electric only | Combustion engine and electric motor | Combustion engine and electric motor |
| Electricity supply | Battery is charged by plugging into the grid | Battery is charged by plugging into the grid | Battery is charged by the combustion engine |
| Charging point required? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Emissions | Zero CO2 emissions | Approximately 35-55g/km* | Approximately 40-100g/km* |
| Road tax | Low to zero | Low | Lower than petrol/diesel model equivalent |
The benefits of owning a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Zero CO2 emissions
Driving an electric vehicle reduces both direct and lifecycle emissions from vehicle production.
No petrol costs
By not using traditional fuels, you’ll save money.
A smooth driving experience
With fewer moving parts and reduced engine noise, expect a calmer commute in your new EV.
Low to zero road tax
Thanks to reduced emissions, running costs will be cheaper.
Government grants and incentives
With the government keen to meet agreed emissions targets, financial assistance is available to help you make the switch.
No more range anxiety
Some EV cars deliver over 250 miles fully charged, which is sure to soothe any range anxiety you might have.
Electric car charging
There are electric car charging stations across the UK. Questions about the cost of charging, and how long it takes to charge an electric car are common and answers depend on the types of charger your car has. There are three charger point variations:
Slow charging
Slow charging is rated at 3-6kW, meaning you can charge your EV overnight by plugging into a traditional three-pin socket.
Fast charging
Fast chargers are rated at either 7kW or 22kW, depending on their type. You can fully charge a car that’s powered by a 30kWh battery in 2-5 hours.
Rapid charging
Rapid charging of up to 50kW will have your car at 80% charge in just 40 minutes, meaning you can take on long distances hassle-free.
Electric car range
The range of electric vehicles varies depending on the manufacturer. However, with fast-improving technology resulting in more charging points across the UK, and a bigger choice of hybrid vehicles, range anxiety will soon be a thing of the past.
According to insurance aggregator NimbleFins, who ran a test on several EV models available in the UK, the average electric car range is 149 miles.
Browse our best electric car deals
Hyundai IONIQ
1.6 GDi Hybrid Premium 5dr DCT
70 Vauxhall Corsa
100kW Elite Nav 50kWh 5dr Auto [7.4kWCh]
70 Plate Toyota C-HR
1.8 Hybrid Icon 5dr CVT
now open
The way we drive is changing. Electric, hybrid and alternative fuel cars will gradually take the place of traditionally-fuelled vehicles. At Arnold Clark, we’re getting ready for that change.
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Frequently asked questions
How do electric cars work?
Hybrid cars use both electric and combustion motors. Pure hybrids charge automatically through a combination of regenerative braking and an internal combustion engine, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can be charged by plugging them in. A fully electric vehicle only has an electric motor and does not use traditional fuels, and will only charge up when it’s plugged in.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
According to leading electric vehicle charging provider PodPoint, the average domestic electricity rate is about 14p per kWh. This equates to around £11.20 for an electric car with 80kW engine.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
This depends on the type of charger you have, which can either be slow, fast or rapid.
- Slow is rated at 3-6kW and usually will need to be used overnight to reach full charge.
- Fast is rated at either 7kW or 22kW, and takes from 2–5 hours for a full charge.
- Rapid is rated at 50kW, and takes only 40 minutes for an 80% charge.
| Representative finance example - 70 Vauxhall Corsa | |
|---|---|
| £289 | Monthly payment |
| £999 | Deposit |
| 48 | Term (months) |
| 3.5% | Fixed interest rate |
| £23,498 | Cash price |
| £22,499 | Credit amount |
| £12,115 | Guaranteed future value |
| £26,697 | Total amount payable |
| 32,000 | Contract mileage |
| 9.0p per mile | Excess mileage charge |
| 4.9% APR | Representative |