Electric and hybrid cars
At Arnold Clark, we offer the best electric car deals with a selection of new and used from 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
DS Ds 3
100kW E-TENSE Performance Line 50kWh 5dr Auto
Toyota RAV4
2.5 VVT-i Hybrid Design TSS 5dr CVT
69 Plate Kia e-Niro
150kW 4 64kWh 5dr Auto
Electric car news
Need to know more? We’ve compiled everything you need to know about electric vehicles, including insurance, grants and tax.
ScottishPower partnership
We’ve partnered with ScottishPower to create the UK’s first end-to-end electric vehicle package.
Insurance, grants and tax
We’ve brought some of the main points regarding insurance, grants and tax into one place.
DS 3 Crossback E-tense
Striking, stylish and compact, the DS 3 SUV is the first all-electric car from DS. Subscribe today for updates!
The MG ZS EV
Plug-in power that’s oh so stylish. Get the buzz on MG’s all-electric SUV. It’s ready when you are.
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 Brand New 69 Plate Kia e-Niro | |
|---|---|
| £610.85 | Monthly payment |
| £5,174 | Deposit |
| 60 | Term (months) |
| 5% | Fixed interest rate |
| £34,495 | Cash price |
| £29,321 | Credit amount |
| £1 | Completion fee |
| £41,826 | Total amount payable |
| 9.5% APR | Representative |