Getting you on the road to zero emissions

eStart

Your guide to understanding electric vehicles

Whether you're managing a fleet, driving for business or taking advantage of our salary sacrifice scheme, electric vehicles (EVs) are changing the way we move. Understanding how they fit into your life or business is key. This guide will help you explore almost everything you need to know about EVs so you can make the shift to electric with confidence. 

General terms and definitions

Understand the key terms and technology behind zero emission vehicles.

Zero Emission Vehicle - ZEVs include BEVs, FCEVs and some PEVs.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle - PHEVs use batteries to power an electric motor, plug into the electric grid to charge, and use petrol or other source of fuel to power an ICE or other propulsion source.
Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure - The new standard for testing the levels of fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and other pollutants of vehicles. WLTP has replaced older test standards for light duty vehicles in most European countries. WLTP is designed to provide more ‘real life’ consumption and emission figures.
Measurement of electricity used in an hour. Manufacturers use kWh to refer to the size of the battery. Generally the higher the number, the more hours the battery will last, allowing for a greater driving range.
A charger that outputs alternating current (AC), which is converted to direct current (DC) within the vehicle via the onboard invertor.
An EVSE that outputs direct current that flows directly into the battery. This is faster than AC charging because it bypasses the onboard invertor.

Identifying charging cables

Charging cable features

Charging cables have connectors you plug into the vehicle and/ or the charge point. The type of charging connector depends on the vehicle and the power rating of the charge point.

UK 3-pin

  • power rating: 2.3-3 kW AC
  • single phase (standard charge)
  • 5 miles of range per 30 mins of charging (approximate)
  • standard UK domestic electricity outlet
  • not designed for prolonged use needed to fully charge an electric car
  • very slow charging with maximum power output of 3 kW

Type 1

  • power rating: 3-7 kW AC
  • single phase (slow/ fast charge)
  • 12 miles of range per 30 mins of charging (approximate)
  • only available in single phase
  • less common in modern electric cars
  • doesn't have a locking mechanism when car is connected to power supply

Type 2

  • power rating 3-43 kW AC
  • single phase/ three phase (fast charge)
  • 75 miles of range per 30 mins of charging (approximate)
  • is becoming the standard European EV charging cable connector type
  • compatible with both single and three phase electricity supply
  • has an in-built locking mechanism when connected to power supply

CHAdeMO

  • power rating: 50 kW DC
  • three phase (rapid charge)
  • 85 miles of range per 30 mins of charging (approximate)
  • is the older type of charging cable connector for rapid charging
  • is compatible with Japanese vehicle manufacturers
  • the most common rapid charging connector type

CCS

  • power rating 50 kW - 350 kW DC
  • rapid charge
  • 85-200 miles of range per 30 mins of charging (approximate)
  • the most versatile rapid charging connector
  • likely to become the most popular DC connector standardisation
  • enables a higher power rating to support larger ultra-rapid chargers
    ev-battery-charging

    Key benefits of Zero Emission Vehicles

    ZEVs produce no tailpipe emissions.

    ZEVs are quiet due to absence of engine noise.

    ZEVs may help lower fuel and maintenance costs, reducing the total cost of ownership.

    electric-car-battery-being-charged

    ZEVs have fewer moving parts and don’t require oil changes (less waste disposal).

    ZEVs have a higher expected longevity than that of a traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle, with less to go wrong.

    ZEV performance is now at least equal to that of an ICE vehicle.

    EV-charging-with-male-in-background

    ZEVs have a smooth drive, with no gear changes and minimal braking and in most scenarios the performance is described as ‘exciting and fun’.

    ZEV charging costs a fraction of the cost of fuelling an ICE vehicle.

    Enquire now

    Frequently asked questions

    Yes, they can be. ZEVs need to be recharged and must draw that electricity from somewhere. If that electricity supply comes from a coal-burning power plant, the ZEV is still part of a pollution cycle even though it doesn’t emit CO2 from its tailpipe. However, ZEVs can also get electricity from renewable or green energy resources such as hydro-electric or solar power facilities, including home roof top solar.
    Pure ZEVs operate on electric power only. Plug-in hybrid ZEVs can operate on electric power for about 15-30 miles and can then extend their range by converting to a conventional ICE with the ability to quickly refuel at a traditional petrol station. Plug-in hybrids benefit drivers who travel mostly short distances, while also providing peace of mind with the unlimited range potential of a traditional ICE vehicle.
    It depends on the model of the car, but on average, ZEVs can travel between 110 and 250 miles on a single charge. Most people drive less than 30 miles per day which is well within the range of most ZEVs.
    ZEVs are as reliable as ICE vehicles. ZEVs have fewer moving parts and in theory fewer points of failure than ICE vehicles.
    Manufacturers recommend one routine service or vehicle check per year.
    Yes! Our double award-winning eStart ZEV transition plan has been designed to guide you through the transition to electric. The end goal? A smooth journey to sustainable mobility for your business! 
    See all FAQs

    Want to know more?

    Get in touch with us if you have any questions.