Electric cars . . . Energy-efficient tech, endless new possibilities. The future where the motoring world is headed.

But it's also a bit true that you're driving into a world packed with some technical jargon and terminology. 

Read any electric car review, or look at any of the [electric car leasing deals](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/electric-car-leasing) on our site, and you're bound to see stats using kW and kWh. 

In the EV world, **kWh refers to the size/capacity of the car battery**, and **kW refers to the power used to charge that battery**.

Or if we imagine that an electric car battery is a swimming pool, then kWh is the amount of water the pool can hold, and kW is the rate at which water will flow into the pool.

Let’s make a splash and dive into some more detail.
![A site page highlighting kilowatts.](http://assets.leaseloco.com/blog/kWedit.png)
## kW (Kilowatts)

**If you want a more powerful electric car, choose one with a higher kW** 

You probably know about kilowatts from everyday electrical devices (laptop, electric heater etc.), and in terms of electric cars as well, the kW rating is basically a measure of power: the speed of a car or of its EV charger. It's the power output of the electric motor or the power of the charging system. So if an electric car has a motor rated at 100 kW, it can produce up to 100 kilowatts of power when accelerating.

In the same way that a petrol or diesel car's engine performance depends on its horsepower (hp) output, an electric car's power is directly tied to its kW output.

Also, knowing the kW output of a charging stations can help you figure out how long it will take to recharge your vehicle.

The examples below should help give you an idea. Notice how the more premium or 'flashy' electric cars have a higher kW rating:

* Dacia Spring – **48kW**

* Nissan Leaf – **110 kW**

* BYD Dolphin – **150 kW**

* Ford Mustang Mach-E GT – **358 kW**

* Tesla Model Y – **378kW**

And an example of different kW battery options for a vehicle on LeaseLoco: 
![A site page highlighting electric car battery options.](http://assets.leaseloco.com/blog/kW2.png)
## kWh (Kilowatt-hours)

**If you want an electric car with a longer range, choose one with a higher kWh**

kWh or a kilowatt hour is a measure of energy consumption. It represents the total amount of energy consumed or stored over a certain period of time. In terms of electric vehicles, it refers to the battery capacity.

So the more you drive the car after it has been charged, the more you use up electrical power from the battery, meaning the kWh will drop from 54 kWh to 51, 50, 49, etc. etc, with more electricity consumption.

The higher the kWh rating, the more energy the battery can store, and the further the vehicle can travel without you having to plug in on the go.

A higher kWh rating usually means an electric car can travel longer on a fully-charged battery. The bigger the battery is in terms of kWh capacity, the more electricity it can store, and the more electricity it can store, the longer the vehicle's range.

The examples below should help give you an idea:

* Dacia Spring – **39kWh** / **168 miles range**

* Nissan Leaf – **59kWh** / **239 miles range**

* Kia e-Niro – **64kWh** / **285 miles range**

* Rolls-Royce Spectre – **103kWh** / **329 miles range**

* Mercedes-Benz EQS – **108.4kWh** / **453 miles range**

## Will My Electricity Bill Be in kW or kWh?

This is assuming that you've got access to a wall-box and are able to [charge your electric car at home](https://www.leaseloco.com/blog/can-i-charge-my-electric-car-at-home).

Your energy costs on your electricity bill might show the rate at which you used energy in kilowatts (kW) at certain times, but the total consumption will be expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity.
## Summary

So when it comes to kW vs kWh, they both measure energy, but in different ways. What it boils down to is that more kW means faster charging and higher performance (think Teslas and Mustangs), whilst more kWh means better battery capacity and range.

See this in action over on our [electric car leasing deals](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/electric-car-leasing), or if you're unsure about other things charging-related, head over to our [electric car charging guide](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/charging-your-electric-car).

## FAQs

### What is the difference between kW and kWh in electric cars?

Kilowatts (kW) refers to how much power is used to charge an electric car's battery, whilst kilowatt hour (kWh) refers to the size/capacity of the electric car's battery. Generally, more kW means a more powerful electric car, and more kWh means an electric car with longer range.

### Which is bigger, kW or kWh?

kW vs kWh, or asking which one is larger, is maybe not a fair question as they basically measure different things. Kilowatts/kW are units of energy and they measure how much energy is available. But generally speaking, you could say that kWh is the larger measurement as an umbrella term.

### How far does 1kWh get you in an electric car?

On average, a modern electric car has a rate of 3 to 3.5 miles per kWh. On the low end, some will only do 2.5 miles per kW.

Learn about the difference between kW and kWh in electric cars with this comprehensive guide for electric drivers. Understand how these stats impact your vehicle's performance and efficiency.

What is the difference between kW vs kWh?

Filling up with fuel is easy.

Park up, stick the nozzle in, and off you go.

Charging an electric car on the other hand . . .

Actually, not so hard either. Just a bit more to get your head around. We'll be cutting through the jargon and telling you what's really important.

So that you can plug in and never have to visit stinky petrol stations again. (Except for a Twix or a Snickers.)

## Main Types of Electric Car Chargers

**Level 1 Charger:**

Voltage: 120V

Slowest charge, at about 3-5 miles of range per hour

Best for overnight charging

Ideal if you don't need much range or drive a low-range EV

Least expensive

**Level 2 Charger:**

Voltage: 240V

Faster charge, at about 20-60 miles of range per hour

Suitable for both home and public charging

**DC Fast Charger (Level 3):**

Voltage: 400V to 900V

Fastest charge, at about 80% charge in 20-30 minutes

Not typically used for home charging

Commonly found at motorway charging stations

Best for long-distance travel

Most expensive

## Are all EVs Compatible With All Chargers?

Except for Teslas, which make use of the [Tesla Supercharger network](https://www.leaseloco.com/blog/tesla-supercharger-points), pretty much all EVs are compatible with all chargers in the UK, though for non-rapid charging you'll usually have to supply your own cable, which may or may not come with your electric vehicle.

For non-rapid charging, UK electric vehicles will either have the above Type 1 inlet socket or Type 2 inlet socket.

Rapid chargers make use of what are known as tethered cables. In other words, they're permanently connected to and cannot be removed from the charging unit. 
![An electric car charging socket on a wall.](http://assets.leaseloco.com/blog/evcharger.jpg)
## Charging Tips for Optimal Efficiency: Maximizing Your EV's Charging Efficiency

Most EVs have built-in systems to get the most out of the battery and safeguard its health, but having a few healthy habits of your own certainly helps too.

**Plan your route:** Whip out a map, satnav or app and take note of a few electric car charging points along the way, especially for longer trips

**Avoid letting the battery drop too low:** Just like with your mobile phone, 20-80% charge hits the sweet spot. Avoid charging it too often all the way to 100% or letting the battery die at 0%. Frequent, partial charging is good for battery health, rather than one long charge

**Charge during off-peak hours:** Electricity rates are usually lower in the evenings, potentially saving you money when charging at these times. Some charging points also let you reserve a timeslot

**Precondition your car:** If possible, warm or cool your electric car while it’s still plugged in so as to avoid using battery power

## Public EV Charging Locations: How Do I Find EV Chargers?

Maybe you know your local ones, but there's now over 68,000 electric car charging points across the UK at 35,230 charging locations, and [Zap-Map](https://www.zap-map.com/) and [ChargeFinder](https://chargefinder.com/en) are great apps to help you track them down.

You can find Public EV chargers at car parks, motorway service stations, supermarkets, leisure centres and simply at the side of the road.

It's possible that your electric vehicle's satnav will be able to locate nearby ones, or just type in "electric car charging stations" or something similar into Google Maps as an alternative.

## Can I Charge My Electric Car at Home?
![A house.](http://assets.leaseloco.com/blog/homecharging.jpg)
It's absolutely [possible to charge an electric car at home](https://www.leaseloco.com/blog/can-i-charge-my-electric-car-at-home). In fact, it's one of the best ways of doing so.

Whilst you are resting up and recharging in bed, your electric vehicle can too. Instead of you having to faff about going backwards and forwards during the day.

## What Do I Need to Install an Electric Car Charger?

* Access to a driveway or garage (companies won't install the charger if you only have access to off-street parking)

* Wi-fi access for the charge point (and sometimes, but not always, a smartphone to control the charging)

* Suitable home electricity supply (can be upgraded prior to installation at an extra cost)

* A parking spot within reasonable distance of the electricity meter

* Permission from your landlord if you rent the property

### How Much Does It Cost to Install An Electric Car Charger at Home?

It generally costs around £600 to £1000 to install a home charging point, and the same again for a charger itself.

Individual houses can have different requirements though, so best to get a quote first.

But despite that initial cost, home charging works out cheaper than using a public charging point, so you'll save money in the long run.

## Charging An Electric Car at Work

You probably spend about 8 to 9 hours a day or 90,000 hours of your life at work – might as well use that time to charge your electric car whilst it's sitting doing nothing.

An increasing number of businesses now incentivise employees to get behind the wheel of an EV by offering them free charging stations at work. Might want to check if yours is one of them.

Most workplace charging stations are Level 2 chargers, topping you up with 20-60 miles of range per hour, which should allow your electric vehicle to get back up the full charge over the course of an 8-hour workday. However, you might need to take your own cable to the units.
![An electric car being charged outside a workplace.](http://assets.leaseloco.com/blog/workevcharging.jpg)
## Can You Turn On An EV While Charging?

Technically yes, but you won't be able to move/drive the vehicle whilst its charging, and the power steering will be disabled.

The onboard systems can still be used, so you'll be able to turn on the heating or some music if you have nothing better to do and find yourself sitting about during the charging time. (Might want to get a playlist on the go, you could be waiting for a while!)

## How Do I Pay for Charging My Electric Car?

If you're charging at home, it's obviously going on your electric bill.

If using a public charging point, some let you simply swipe or tap your car and pay via contactless. You may or may not need to download a dedicated app.

Some stations charge per hour, per kilowatt-hour, or they might offer subscription plans.

If charging at work, it'll most likely be free.

## Common Myths About EV Charging

### Myth #1 - 'Electric cars take forever to charge'

**DEBUNKED** – Charging with a level 1 charger might feel like watching paint dry, but with the proper equipment, many EVs can charge up to 80% charge in under an hour through DC Fast Chargers

### Myth #2 - 'Charging stations are hard to find'

**DEBUNKED** – It's far from perfect, but the UK's network of public charging stations is still considerable, and it's expanding all the time. And like we say, plenty of gadgets to help you find them

### Myth #3 - 'Charging an EV is expensive'

**DEBUNKED** –The truth is that due to lower fuel costs and tax rules, on average [electric cars are £528 cheaper to own and run than petrol cars](https://pod-point.com/guides/electric-car-vs-petrol-car-cost-comparison-in-2024?srsltid=AfmBOooD89HiVzdHRvw389CqudwwWnhWbWvN4CNr6RIi80JyR0853i0F)

### Myth #4 - 'You Can’t Charge an EV in the Rain'

**DEBUNKED** – OK, not as stupid as it sounds. After all, electricity doesn't tend to react well to water. Luckily, EVs and charging stations are built to withstand extreme kinds of weather, and the charging ports and cables are water-resistant

### Myth #5 - 'Electric cars don’t have enough range'

**DEBUNKED** –This may have been true in 2008, but EVs have come a long way since then (quite literally!). The average EV range is now estimated to be around the 300-mile mark, with many higher-tech models offering significantly more. And because charging infrastructure is expanding, you're bound to find a charging point at the end of all those miles

## Can Electric Cars Charge Themselves?
![The Knight Rider autonomous car.](http://assets.leaseloco.com/blog/autonomouscar.jpg)
Yes and no.

Technically, any non plug-in hybrid can recharge their batteries somewhat whilst on the move through what's called regenerative braking, but it'll only add a bit more range and is no substitute for actual charging.

So don't take the phrase 'self-charging electric vehicles at face value. They haven't been invented yet.

Speaking of inventions . . .
## Future Trends in EV Charging Technology

It's fair to say that the future is green, so with innovations like ultra-fast chargers, wireless charging and vehicle-to-grid technology all on the horizon, the electric life's only going to get easier. 

**Ultra-Fast Charging**

Exactly how it sounds, this aims to significantly reduce electric car charging time. Existing fast-chargers can get your electric car to 80% in 20-30 minutes, but the next generation of chargers could cut that time down to a whopping **5-10 minutes**.

**Solar-Powered Charging Stations**

With the push toward renewable energy, solar-powered charging stations will likely become more common. Obviously, these would harness energy from the sun to power EVs, reducing dependency on traditional power grids and offering a truly natural charging solution.

**AI and Smart Charging Networks**

The Rise of the Machines applies here just as much as anywhere else. With the expansion of EV infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence and smart charging systems are going to play an important role in optimizing the use of charging networks. These will smartly manage electricity flow, prioritize charging needs and integrate with smart grids.

**Autonomous Vehicle Charging**

You've heard about self-driving vehicles. Well, how about self-charging vehicles? Yep, as autonomous vehicle technology gets better and better, EV charging could become fully automated. In other words, they'll drive up to a charging station, plug themselves in, then charge without any input from you. Downside is that this technology could still be a long way down the road.

## Summing Up

There's a lot of facets and dos and don'ts when it comes to charging your electric vehicle, as well as faster (and slower) ways of doing it. But as the technology continues to evolve, it's only going to get more efficient, and electric cars more affordable.

So, ready to join the electric revolution with an [electric car lease deal](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/electric-car-leasing)?

## FAQs

### How do I pay for charging my electric car?

You pay for charging your electric car at a public charging station by simply tapping your card to pay via contactless, or swipe your credit card. Some charging stations let you download a dedicated app as a way of paying.

### How do you charge an electric car at home in the UK?

You can plug your EV into a regular outlet at home (i.e. level 1 charging). The quickest way to charge an electric car at home though is with a **dedicated EV Home Charger**, or you could plug your electric vehicle into a standard domestic socket using a home charging cable.

### Can you charge an electric car at home with a normal plug?

Yes, **you can charge an electric car at home using a regular domestic 3-pin socket**, but a dedicated home EV charger is a much better – and faster – option. These typically deliver around 7kW of power.

### Is it cheaper to charge an electric car at night?

It is generally cheaper to charge an electric car at night. This is the time when people are less likely to be using energy from the grid, so nocturnal charging can seriously bring down your costs.

Get tips on how to charge your electric car efficiently and safely. Learn about different charging options and considerations for charging at home, work, and on the go.

Charging Your Electric Car – A Comprehensive Guide

# How Long Does It Take to Charge an Electric car?

As you might already know, there's many benefits to getting behind the wheel of an electric vehicle. These include less maintenance costs; a smooth, noiseless drive; not to mention an environmentally-friendly way of getting from A to B.

But for a lot of drivers (yourself included, perhaps), there's one potential stumbling block: how long do they take to charge?

We admit, it can get a little complex, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer here. Electric batteries and charging points come in various shapes and sizes.

Luckily, we're to make it all that little bit less complicated. So for all your charging-time needs, please do read on!

## Electric Car Charging Speed Calculator

It all comes down to one simple formula:

**Battery size (kWh) ÷ Charger power (kW) = Charging time (hours)**

For example, it would take a 100kWh battery 40 minutes to go from empty to full using a 150kW charger. But if the charger only delivered electricity at 50kW, it would take as long as two hours (as 100 divided by 50 = 2).

## Charging Speed at Home

Home is where the heart is, and it's safe to say that being able to plug your car in overnight and wake up to a fully-charged vehicle would be the ideal situation for most of us.

Unfortunately, depending on where you live, getting access to a home plug-in point isn't always possible. If it is, then you can either use a domestic three-pin plug socket or get a wall-box installed. A domestic socket will get the job done, but a wall-box will deliver faster and safer charging. Without one, it could take longer than a day to charge a vehicle with one of the bigger batteries.

Most homes are compatible with a 7kW charger, and you're generally looking at a cost of at least £700 to get your home charging point set up.

## Public Charging Points

At the last count, there were around [22,000 electric car charging locations across the UK](https://www.zap-map.com/statistics/#points).

You can find them at supermarkets, workplaces and service stations, to name just a few locations. And the best news is that the number's growing all the time, particularly as the country prepares for the [2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-historic-step-towards-net-zero-with-end-of-sale-of-new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-by-2030).

7kW outlets are some of the most common for public charging points. These typically give your electric vehicle 20 or 30 miles range per hour.

Of course, most things cost money, and use of a public charger usually isn't free. Certain supermarket charging points may not cost you, but others will likely require you to subscribe to a particular provider or use a pay-as-you-go method.

If there isn't already a dedicated charging point at your workplace, it might be worth asking your employer if it's possible to get one. That's because there's a [Workplace Charging Scheme](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/workplace-charging-scheme-guidance-for-applicants) government grant which can help cover the costs for businesses looking to install chargers. The grant covers up to 75% of the total costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points (inclusive of VAT).

## Rapid Charging Points

**Expected charge time: 20-60 minutes.**

These chargers are usually rated at 50kW (but can reach up to 150kW or more), so you'll be able to charge a typical electric vehicle from empty to 80% in less than an hour.

Rapid chargers use one of two special connector types (known as CCS and CHAdeMO). They're found on most fully-electric vehicles.

And the good news is that fast-charging technology just keeps getting better. It's fast becoming a more popular method of charging, particularly for domestic use.

## Slow Charging Points

**Expected charge time: 6-12 hours.**

Usually running at about 3kW, you might still find these chargers at public charging points, but more often than not they'll be the portable type featuring a three-pin plug for use with a domestic electricity supply.

To take just one example, you can expect a Nissan Leaf with a 40kWh battery to achieve a full charge in under six hours when using a 7kW or under 2 hours for a 22kW charger.

If you don't cover many miles, then slow charging gives you an easy way to top-up the car’s cells overnight. The slow charge rate means that less heat is generated in the battery, which can help prolong its life.

## Tesla Supercharger Speed

**Expected charge time: under 40 minutes.**

If you [lease an electric car](https://www.leaseloco.com/electric-car-leasing), you'll have access to an exclusive global network of chargers. As the biggest and best electric car brand around, Tesla boasts 2,000 stations with 20,000 chargers across the world. Most of them are rated at 150kW.

It does come at a cost, though. Although drivers of older [Tesla models](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/tesla) enjoy free access to the supercharger network, new customers can expect to pay around 28p per kWh.

Unfortunately, vehicles from other manufacturers with a CCS charging port aren't compatible with Tesla's supercharger network, though there is a chance that could change in the future.

## Factors That Affect Charging Speed

There's always exceptions to the rule, but generally speaking, the bigger your car battery, the more power it delivers and the longer it will take to charge.

Here's the five main factors which affect charging speed:

* Size of battery: The bigger your vehicle’s battery capacity (measured in kWh), the longer it's going to take to charge.

* Maximum charging rate of vehicle: Your electric vehicle will have a maximum charge rate for its battery. For example, a charge rate of 7kW won't be made any faster by using a 22kWh charge point.

* Maximum charging rate of charging point: Likewise, the max charging rate of the actual charge point is going to play a part. For example, even if your vehicle can charge at 11kW, it's only going to charge at 7kW on a 7kW charge point.

* Battery percentage (empty vs full): It goes without saying that if you're charging from empty, it's obviously going to take a lot longer than if you were charging from 50%. The first 80% of capacity fills up much more quickly than the last 20%.

* Environmental factors: Research shows that extreme heat has a negative effect on electric vehicle battery health, reducing its capacity over an extended period of time. This results in shorter ranges and the need for more frequent charging. (To help remedy this, we'd recommend parking in the shade.)

In a similar way, colder temperatures can also have a negative impact, meaning the vehicle becomes less efficient and more miles are added per time charging. A colder ambient temperature makes charging times slightly longer, especially when using a rapid charger.

## What is Top-up Charging?

Top-up charging is when you charge your electric vehicle during times that it's parked, whether that be outside a supermarket, a gym or your place of work. That's instead of letting the battery go to zero and having to recharge from empty to full.

This 'on the go' method of charging can help you get the best of both worlds, combining daytime top-up charging with overnight home charging as an effective way to keep your electric vehicle ready 24/7.

## Save Time by Planning Ahead

If you're going on a holiday or road trip using your electric car, you can plan your journey ahead by searching for the public charging points en route.

Thankfully, the UK is well-supplied with an extensive network of public chargers, but you can always use tools like [Zap-Map live map](https://www.zap-map.com/) to check which particular ones will be most ideal. These search engines can also let you know if certain chargers are not working. There’s even a handy route planner tool which allows you to select filters such as driving range, average speed and elevation.

## Summary

So, long story short: when it comes to electric charge times, it's complicated. How long it takes to charge can depend on what battery size your electric car has, what charging points you have access to and how much battery you've already used, among other factors.

BUT . . . as you've seen, there are different options available. If a home charging point isn't possible for you, then go with a public one. If you don't want to do one big charge at night, then top up throughout the day.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

(And if you've yet to begin your electric journey, you can always check out the best lease deals on electric cars and vans.)

## FAQs

### How long will an electric car run on a full charge?

The average distance on a full charge is around 211 miles, although the [Mercedes-Benz EQS](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/mercedes-benz/eqs) can stretch to around 453 miles.

### Do electric cars charge while driving?

Unfortunately, as of 2023, no electric cars can be charged whilst driving. That would defeat the point in having charging stations! A manual connection to an external charger is required.

### How fast is a 7kW charger?

A 7kW charger can top up most batteries from 10% to 80% in less than eight hours.

### Can you charge an electric car in 10 minutes?

Not yet, but a recent breakthrough in battery technology could make it possible in the not-so-distant future.

Learn about the different charging speeds and methods for electric cars, including home charging, public charging points, and rapid and slow charging options. Understand the cost and time involved in charging your electric vehicle to make informed decisions.

Learn about the different charging speeds and methods for electric cars, including home charging, public charging points, and rapid and slow charging options.

Understanding EV Charging: Time, Speed, and Cost | LeaseLoco

Understanding Electric Car Charging: Time, Speed, and Cost

* Ranking the longest range electric car 2022
* Includes models from [Tesla](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/tesla), [Mercedes-Benz](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/mercedes-benz) and [Audi](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/audi)
* All can travel at least 230 miles of range

Electric power is great and all, but like with petrol and diesel fuel, it has a nasty tendency to run out just when we need it most. (If you want to know about the different types of electric vehicles, why not take a look at our [guide on EV types](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/types-of-evs)?)

Adding to that problem is the fact that electric charging points aren't always the easiest things to locate, and charging your battery can take much longer than simply filling up at a gas station.

Bottom line is: if you want to be travelling non-stop across the country for long distances, you're going to need an electric car that has a long range (the maximum number of miles it can go on a single charge).

Luckily, advances in battery technology mean that EV's range is always on the up, thereby making 'range anxiety' truly a thing of the past.

Almost . . .

## What's the Typical Electric Car Range?
Fun fact:
* a gas-powered car is capable of covering an average distance of 300 miles on a full tank.

Another fun fact:
* on a full charge, most electric cars are capable of covering an average distance of 194 miles, which isn't really a lot shorter when you think about it. Plus they're much cheaper to run, and that's a recipe for electrical success right there . . .

Yep, there's worse things you can do, than get an electric car. Especially in a modern motoring world that looks to be constantly making the shift towards safer and greener electric and hybrid technology.

And believe it or not, from the year 2030 the UK government is banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in an attempt to reduce the nation's overall net contribution towards climate change. As a result, most electric cars are now widely available across the length and breadth of the country.

Of course, at the end of the day, an average is just an average, so there's plenty of electric cars out there that will last either a lot longer or a lot shorter than the average range of 194 miles.

With that in mind, let's take a look at that all-important question: what are the longest range electric cars?

Vamos!

## 15. [Nissan Leaf](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/nissan/leaf) - up to 239 miles

* Cost to buy: from £29,790. £7000 deposit + £220.00 per month. Total Cost £17,500
* Or lease with LeaseLoco from £300.00 per month (inc. VAT) with zero deposit. Total cost £14,400

The Nissan Leaf might not be the first vehicle that springs to mind when it comes to electric cars, but it has been around for 12 years - in other words, long before the current batch of crossovers and saloons started swamping the market.

Indeed, the Nissan Leaf has been something of a pioneer in the electric car game whilst also looking like a 'normal' family car that anyone could be happy to just pick up and drive. It's both practical and affordable. With a maximum range of 239 miles, the leaf just makes the cut for this list.

## 14. Chevrolet Bolt EV - up to 247 miles

* Cost to buy: From $32,000 (US)

Updated from 2017, the latest 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EV shares roughly the same specs, but with a newer, more inviting interior design. It comes with a 10.2" touchscreen infotainment system that has all the standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There's also a nifty one-pedal driving mode that's activated by pressing a button one-pedal-driving mode—activated via a button on the center console—that increases regenerative braking to the point where you rarely need to use the brakes to slow down.

## 13. [Audi RS e-tron GT](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/audi/rs-e-tron-gt) - up to 282 miles

* Cost to buy: From £114,150. £20,000 deposit + £1313.00 per month. Total Cost £83,000.
* Or lease with LeaseLoco from £1,487.44 per month (inc. VAT) with £1,700 upfront. Total Cost £71,500

This five-seater sedan comes with a low centre of gravity and a stunning interior. a sedan with a low-slung silhouette and a stunning interior. Particularly impressive is its fast acceleration and how smooth it feels on the road.

Boot space is what lets it down, as the loading capacity of the Audi e-tron GT is much less than that of, for example, the Tesla Model S or the Mercedes-Benz EQS electric cars. That being said, the Audi e-tron GT makes up for it with its stellar appearance and quality performance, like practically any Audi. Boasting a 298 mile range

## 12. [Skoda Enyaq iV 80](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/skoda/enyaq) - up to 329 miles

* Cost to buy: From £40,970. £5,000 deposit + £526.00 per month. Total Cost £30,240.
* Or lease with LeaseLoco from £587.00 per month (inc. VAT) with £872 upfront. Total Cost £29,000.

Skoda's first all-electric car, the Skoda Enyaq iV, operates on a dual-motor set-up and runs on four-wheel drive. Outer appearances aside, it's not small by any means and comes with a large boot space for all of your everyday needs.

When it comes to powertrains, you've got two choices: the Enyaq iV 60 with a 58kWh battery pack delivering a range of 256 miles; and the Enyaq iV 80 with a larger 77kWh battery that delivers a much longer range, being able to rack up a very healthy 331 miles on a single charge.

## 11. [Polestar 2 Long Range](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/polestar/2) - up to 335 miles

* Cost to buy: From £41,900. £5,000 deposit + £461.52 per month. Total Cost £27,128.
* Or lease with LeaseLoco from £513.71 per month (inc. VAT) with £612.71 upfront. Total Cost £25,270.

Essentially the first proper electric car from what is Volvo's spin-off brand, the Polestar 2 is a major rival of the Tesla Model 3.

When it comes to the Polestar 2, you have three options: either a standard or long range single motor or a long range twin motor setup, with the 78kWh battery option being the top of the bunch in delivering the highest range of 335 miles, whilst the standard 64kWh option notches it down a bit by delivering a reduced maximum range of 273 miles. Both are capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in 7.4 seconds. Equip the long range dual motor with the performance package and you can get those 0 to 60 times down to 4.2 seconds.

## 10. [Volkswagen ID.3](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/volkswagen/id3) - up to 336 miles

* Cost to buy: From £38,815. £7,167.11 deposit + £390.15 per month. Total Cost £25,894.
* Or lease with LeaseLoco from £357.94 per month (inc. VAT) with no deposit. Total Cost £17,187.

Having won Best Family Electric Car at the carwow 2021 Car of the Year awards, the VW ID.3 is rightly regarded as the Volkswagen of the modern era. It's available in three different battery sizes, each offering fast charging rates and outstanding range on a single charge.

Volkswagen designed the VW ID.3 with a view to competing with more established models like the Renault Zoe, the Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Kona Electric, and compete it certainly does.

## 9. [Tesla Model X](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/tesla/model-x) - up to 360 miles

* Cost to buy: From £81,990

The third Tesla on the list (they make great electric cars), the Tesla Model X further adds to the growing list of electric SUVs, coming with plenty of the expected Tesla technology to keep both driver and passenger(s) occupied.

The most distinctive feature of the Tesla Model X electric SUV is its upwards-opening rear Falcon doors, giving you easy access to the back rows of seats capable of seating up to 7 people. They look futuristic almost to the point of being alien-like, and certainly bring the Model X up in terms of practicality.

Better yet, it's the fastest accelerating SUV ever - managing to go from 0 to 62mph in just 2.5 seconds, despite a 2.5-tonne weight. That's assuming you're driving the standard dual-motor variant. It's worth nothing that the Tesla Model X Plaid version drops the range ever so slightly to 340 miles of range.

## 8. [Tesla Model 3 Long Range](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/tesla/model-3) - up to 360 miles

* Cost to buy: From £45,990
* Or lease with LeaseLoco from £567.02 per month (inc. VAT)

Touted as Tesla's affordable electric car, the dual-motor AWD Tesla Model 3 in its long range version is not only spacious but also a top performer in general, made to rival the likes of the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series, and the Mercedes C-Class - all best-sellers in their own right.

The Tesla Model 3 certainly lives up to that competition, being the second best-selling car of 2021, with only the Vauxhall Corsa ahead of it in the rankings. It really tells you how popular electric cars have become, and despite some minor reservations surrounding the steering and build quality, the Tesla Model 3 is certainly one great electric car. A 0 to 62mph time of 4.2 seconds is quick enough to shame some serious sports cars, and it also handles brilliantly for what is essentially a practical family saloon.

## 7. [BMW i4](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/bmw/i4) - up to 367 miles

* Cost to buy: From £51,905
* Cost to lease: From £569.52 per month (inc. VAT)

You can rest assured that none of the German manufacturer's traditional efficiency is lost with its electric car models, and that's no different with the BMW i4. Throw in the spacy interior and you've got yourself a real winner.

Two versions of the BMW i4 were released: the more basic eDrive 40, and the more performance-based i4 M50 model. Due to its large 84kWh battery, the eDrive 40 version can run for 367 miles on a single charge, whilst the i4 M50 sacrifices that kind of excellent range for extra power and performance.

## 6. [Ford Mustang Mach-E](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/ford/mustang-mach-e) - up to 379 miles

* Cost to buy: From £42,530
* Cost to lease: From 586.64 per month (inc. VAT)

Being Ford's first electric car, the Ford Mustang Mach-E doesn't quite muster up the same level of V8 power as its more traditional Mustang counterparts. In spite of that, it's capable of going from 0 to 62 in just 3.7 seconds, packing in a healthy dose of Mustang's famed drag-strip potential into the bargain. And when fitted with rear-wheel-drive and the 88kWh battery, the Mustang Mach-E can last all the way up to 379 miles from a single charge.

It comes with all the standard kit, and for those so inclined, the Mach-E does give you the ability to simulate a fake V8 engine sound in the cabin by selecting the 'Untamed' driving mode out of the three available options.

It's electrifying!

## 5. [BMW iX](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/bmw/ix) - up to 380 miles

* Cost to buy: From £93,905
* Cost to lease: From £790.00 per month (inc. VAT)

The BMX iX has gotten some stick for its exterior and outlandish front grille. Okay, if we're being honest, a lot of stick. Then there's the fact that it's an SUV, which automatically rules out a lot of drives who want something more contained.

Yet this bulky electric car definitely wins points back for its comfy, refined interior, and beneath the outer skin is a powerful drivetrain that promises 380 miles from a single charge, at least with the xDrive50 version. That's thanks to two electric motors and a 105.2kWh battery pack – achieving a combined 516bhp altogether.

## 4. [Mercedes-Benz EQE](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/mercedes-benz/eqe) - up to 394 miles

* Cost to buy: From £76,000
* Cost to lease: From £1,037 per month (inc. VAT)

The Mercedes-Benz EQE electric saloon may resemble its Mercedes-Benz EQS counterpart, but it's smaller and less expensive than that model.

It packs a punch in the comfort and refinement department, but its limited practicality means it is left trailing behind Tesla models and the conventionally-powered Mercedes-Benz E-Class. For one thing, you don't get the same 'kick' on the accelerator as you do with the Tesla Model S. By contrast, the Mercedes EQE is much more relaxed.

It's due to be on sale later in the year.

## 3. [Tesla Model S](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/tesla/model-s) - up to 405 miles

* Cost to buy: From £73,990

405 miles on a single charge . . . Is that awesome range or what?!

Launched in 2012, the Tesla Model S has the capability of going from 0 to 60mph in just 3.1 seconds in supercar-like acceleration. Or, if you want even better speed and acceleration, the Model S Plaid version sacrifices 9 miles of that range for a greater top speed of 200+mph and the ability to accelerate to 62mph in less than two seconds - a fact which makes it the fastest-accelerating car ever produced. Those performance figures make the plaid model one of the best electric cars to this day.

Not that you'd want to sacrifice range for speed, of course, but it does give you an idea of the sort of family the Tesla Model S belongs to. You'll be driving non-stop from Edinburgh to London in no time! The inside isn't bad either, with typical quality-made Tesla technology, including but not limited to a jet fighter-style steering wheel and an Autopilot system. Practicality is still high on the list as well, with the Model S leaving room for 894 litres of luggage space and comfortable seating space for 4 adults.

## 2. [Mercedes-Benz EQS](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/mercedes-benz/eqs) - up to 453 miles

* Cost to buy: From £99,995
* Cost to lease: From £1,188.58 per month (inc. VAT)

Nothing like a bit of good old range anxiety, eh? Well, it's safe to say that's almost a thing of the past with the Mercedes EQS. Essentially an electric limo, the Mercedes EQS on its top-spec EQS 450+ model is capable of a more than impressive range of 485 miles – a figure that really sets the standard when it comes to modern electric cars. And it has the largest car battery on sale today at 107.8kWh.

The best part is that it's chock-full of high-tech kit, including a new ‘Hyperscreen’ infotainment display that practically takes up the whole dashboard. Typical Mercedes-Benz interior quality for you there.

Only downside is: the high asking price means that this maybe isn't one for the masses.

## 1. Lucid Air Dream Edition R - 520 miles

* Cost to buy: From £125,000

Modelled on the Mercedes S-Class, in its top spec this impressive electric saloon boasts a record-breaking range of 520 miles, meaning it certainly lives up to its 'dream' title and making it the best range electric car.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the R in the name stands for 'range', with less emphasis being put on the handling and performance by the manufacturers. That's opposed to the P version, with P standing for 'performance'. Equally unsurprisingly, that version delivers excellent performance but at the cost of poorer range, working out at 471 miles on a single charge. So if range is what you're after, plump for the R version!

Summing Up

* Longest-range electric car under £40,000: the Skoda Enyaq iV 80 - 331 miles
* Longest-range electric car from £40,000 to £60,000: the Ford Mustang Mach-E - 379 miles

## Leasing With LeaseLoco

With the increasing move towards battery-powered cars and electric vehicles brought about by the UK Government's drive for an electric vehicle revolution, more choices in the electric car market are rapidly becoming available. There's a wide range of different battery capacities and sizes, price points and models now there for you to choose from.

Whether you are looking for an SUV, a sports car, or something else entirely, we have a number of deals available to suit your needs.

On that note, here are the top three lease deals that we have on offer on the electric car market right now, regardless of range:

* [Volkswagen up!](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/volkswagen/up)
* [Nissan Leaf](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/nissan/leaf)
* [Lexus UX 300e](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/lexus/ux)

Or for our full range, feel free to search through the entire list of [electric car lease deals](https://www.leaseloco.com/electric-car-leasing) on our site. 

let's take a look at that all-important question: what are the longest range electric cars?

The Top 15 Longest Range Electric Cars - Leaseloco

The Top 15 Longest Range Electric Cars

In a modern motoring world that looks to be constantly making the shift towards safer and greener electric and hybrid technology, an electric car is definitely not a bad way to go. That's particularly the case considering that, from the year 2030, the [UK government is banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-takes-historic-step-towards-net-zero-with-end-of-sale-of-new-petrol-and-diesel-cars-by-2030) in an attempt to reduce the nation's overall contribution to climate change. As a result, most electric vehicles are now widely available all over the country.

You probably don't need telling that electric cars are pretty simple to grasp in their bare essentials. As the name suggests, they are, well . . . electric! Still, there's various other ins and outs to this class of vehicle that you might not be so sure of, whether that's to do with running costs, range anxiety, charging availability, and various other bits and bobs that it's important to be aware of.

As luck would have it, we're here to give you the lowdown on all of those.

Arriba!

## What is a BEV?

A battery electric vehicle (BEV) is the purest and greenest of the three main types of electric vehicle in existence because, as opposed to hybrid plug-in and regular hybrid cars, it's completely electric and runs solely on a battery pack and electric motor. It's no surprise then that they're super eco-friendly and make drastic cuts when it comes to harmful tail-pipe emissions, meaning that they produce very limited C02 fossil fuels whilst in use, unlike more or less every other kind of vehicle. Despite that, like pretty much everything in this world, they still aren't completely CO2 free.

One of the most notable differences between a BEV and its petrol or diesel counterpart is that a fully electric vehicle is incredibly quiet to drive which, depending on your temperament, can be either a good or a bad thing! Whatever the case, though, it's sure to grow on you after a few hours of smooth, noiseless driving. Adding to that already-pleasant driving experience is the fact that the vast majority of electric cars and vans are automatic drives that make use of regenerative braking.

And if you're wondering what regenerative braking is, that's when the battery charges every time you hit the brake pedal.

As well as the standard electric vehicles which we're covering, you've also got other electric or partially-electric vehicle types:

* [BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-bev-battery-electric-vehicle)
* [PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-phev-plug-in-hybrid)
* [HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-hev-hybrid-electric-vehicle)

Of course, BEVs sit at the top of the 'electricity scale', with HEVs being the least electric out of the three.

## How does a BEV work?

Wondering how electric car batteries work?

Wonder no further.

In order for a battery electric vehicle to function, the electric car battery needs charging up in order for the vehicle to store that all-important electrical power. This battery power fuels the electric motor and, when charged, the energy is released in the regular day-to-day running of the car when you drive it or when you use any of its features such as the heating or lighting.

It works almost like a scaled-up version of the lithium-ion batteries inside your mobile phone, which utilises roughly the same technology. Only, instead of using a single battery, battery electric vehicles use a battery pack that's made up of thousands of individual cells all working together in unison.

Whereas conventional vehicles that run on diesel and petrol come with an internal combustion engine (ICE), a gearbox and a fuel tank, a BEV only comes with a battery and an electric motor, meaning that you won't have to worry about them emitting an awful lot of harmful tailpipe emissions.

In terms of chargers, you can use a level 1 or a level 2 EV charger for home charging. Alternatively, you could use more powerful level 3 chargers which are designed for commercial charging stations.

But enough of the science . . . Let's move on to identifying the main perks of these vehicles, which is after all what we're here for.

## Pros and Cons of Battery Electric Vehicles

After all, if you are new to electric vehicle leasing, then it will probably be useful to get to know a bit more about the good and bad sides to a BEV vehicle before you decide to commit or not commit.

### Pros of Battery Electric Vehicles

####  Eco-friendly

With a battery electric vehicle, you can sit back, relax, and drive your fully-electric car in the safe knowledge that you’re reducing your own carbon footprint and producing very limited CO2 emissions. This then begs the question: apart from solar panels, what better way is there to be environmentally friendly than to treat yourself to a brand new electric motor car?

#### Less running costs

The UK government's Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy highlights the fact that, despite typically costing more upfront, chargeable electric cars that make use of an electric motor are generally a lot easier and cheaper to get back up to speed than if you were filling up a standard petrol or diesel car at a petrol station. No paying seventy or eighty quid for a fresh charge! That being so, opting for electric power could be a way for you to save more money in the long run.

#### Less maintenance costs

Since there are a lot less parts to all electric vehicles than other kinds of vehicle that don't run on electric motors, there's also a lot less that can go wrong with them, meaning you'll be spending less of your precious time on servicing and maintenance worries.

Which means even more savings for you!

#### Tax benefits for business leasing

You won’t need to pay any company car tax if you take out a business lease with an electric vehicle or certain hybrid vehicles that produce tailpipe emissions below a certain level. This is in accordance with a tax rule that's been introduced by the UK Government as a way to increase the number of electric cars and vans on the nation's roads.

### Cons of Battery Electric Vehicles

#### Requires continuous charging

Obviously, with electric battery-powered vehicles, you won’t be able to just pop over to a local petrol station and 'fill up' the electric motor as you would with conventionally-powered diesel and petrol cars. Instead, you'll need to find a suitable charging point, which could potentially involve installing a wall-box charger.

In addition, waiting for the charging process to finish can often be quite tedious. Ever wanted to watch paint dry?

Yeah, us neither.

#### Higher cost to buy

Along with hybrid cars and plug-in hybrid cars, electric cars often cost more to buy or lease upfront than their conventional petrol or diesel equivalents. However, you'll more than make up for this in the reduced running costs that come with all electric cars. By 'running costs' we of course mean not having to pay for a fresh tank of petrol or diesel with each charge.

#### Long distance drives can prove difficult

Electric car battery life and 'range anxiety' is often a concern for some users. As a BEV can only be charged to meet its maximum battery range, you might find that you run out of battery power and need to stop to find a charger en route.

They're a bit harder to find than petrol stations!

## What's the Difference Between BEVs and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

A hybrid electric vehicle bridges the gap between fully electric vehicles and conventional cars that run on petrol or diesel. As well as a battery pack, hybrid vehicles also come with an internal combustion engine. Once the electric charge has been expended and the battery power is depleted, the vehicle then switches over to the engine as an alternative source of power.

## What's the Difference Between BEVs and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)?

Same again, except that, unlike with regular hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids recharge through being plugged in at your home or at public charging points.

The other difference between BEVs and plug-in hybrids lies in the size of the larger battery pack. A PHEV has a smaller battery pack than a BEV, usually managing to last around 30 to 40 miles on their electric power before giving out.


## Leasing with LeaseLoco

With the increasing move towards battery-powered cars and electric vehicles brought about by the UK Government's drive for an EV revolution, more choices in the electric car market are rapidly becoming available. There's a wide range of different battery capacities and sizes, price points and models now there for you to choose from. So, whether you are looking for an SUV, a sports car or something else entirely, we have a number of deals available to suit your needs.

Here are the top three lease deals that we have on offer on the electric car market right now:

* [Volkswagen up!](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/volkswagen/up)
* [Nissan Leaf](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/nissan/leaf)
* [Lexus UX 300e](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/lexus/ux)

Or for our full range, feel free to search through our entire list of [electric car lease deals](https://www.leaseloco.com/electric-car-leasing) on our site. 

## FAQs

### How much is a battery for an electric car in terms of cost?

In the unlikely event that you need to replace your electric car battery, it's handy to know that the average cost of an electric car battery in 2021 was around £87 per kilowatt-hour.

If your electric car or van's capacity isn’t specified in kilowatt-hours, then chances are it’ll most likely be listed in terms of ampere hours (Ah). Ampere hours are a measurement of the vehicle's battery whereas kilowatt-hours measure the energy delivered.

### How long does it take to charge an electric car?

The act of fully-charging battery electric cars could take just 30 minutes or it could take as long as half a day. How big your battery pack is and how fast your charging point is are all factors that can change the time required.

### How safe are electric car batteries?

There are a few cases of an electric car battery catching fire, but it's really rare. And usually it's caused by external accidents and incidents rather than by the battery itself.

Rest assured that electric car manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure that electric vehicle batteries are as safe as possible for you to use, fitting in things like smart management systems to stop overheating and other problems.

### Will an electric battery ever die?

Yes, but not for a long time. The current prediction is that electric car batteries will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Also, you might be pleased to learn that most manufacturers set a five to eight-year warranty (or around 100,000 miles) on the batteries which they provide you with, just in case the worst should happen. It's natural for a battery to lose some of its potency from repeated overuse across an extended period of time – a process which can be avoided or delayed if you take good care of the battery.

Once electric car batteries lose their capacity to power an electric vehicle, they can still be put to good use as repurposed batteries, such as by contributing to a battery storage system and powering a home or a building. A battery energy storage system stores energy from batteries that can be used at a later time.

All part of the beauty with electric car batteries!

### Are Electric Cars Environmentally-Friendly?

One hundred percent!

Well, almost . . .

As we've already mentioned, electric cars and vans aren't totally emissions-free (barely anything is), but they're close enough and are still the best way to go if you really care about the environment and want to reduce your carbon footprint.

### What are the four types of electric vehicles?

There are four types of electric vehicle to consider: battery electric vehicles, [plug-in hybrid electric vehicles](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-phev-plug-in-hybrid), [hybrid electric vehicles](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-hev-hybrid-electric-vehicle) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. There are a number of differences between these including range, charging and design and each will have their advantages and disadvantages. Read more of our [electric and hybrid car leasing guides](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing) to find out which one is right for you.

If you're looking to find out more about battery electric vehicles, this guide has everything you need to know.

What is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)? | LeaseLoco

What is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)?

In a modern motoring world that looks to be constantly making the shift towards safer and greener electric and hybrid technology, you may well find yourself asking: what is a hybrid car? Or, more specifically: what is a hybrid plug-in car?

Or, if you know the answer to that, then maybe you want to know more about: how do plug-in hybrid cars work?

If you're one of those people, then not to worry! With this guide, we'll more than cover the basics so that you'll be better-placed at navigating your way around this exciting technology.

## PHEV Meaning

A PHEV is a type of electric car or van that runs on both a battery and an electric motor as well as a petrol or diesel engine. A PHEV typically gives you around thirty to forty miles running time on its battery-powered electric motor, after which point you'll have to switch to the petrol or diesel power source from the internal combustion engine.

This means that PHEVs can be great if you're planning on doing a lot of city driving, whilst also saving you lots of money on fuel due to the electric battery. And because they run on a petrol or diesel engine as well, they are also good for traversing long distances as you can drive hundreds of miles and still be able to fill up your hybrid car at a petrol station by the end of it.

## Pros And Cons of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

In order to help you decide whether they are the right type of vehicle for you, let's take a look at the key advantages and disadvantages of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

### Pros of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

#### Able to fuel for long journeys

Whilst you'll still need to find a place to charge your vehicle, just like with a fully battery-powered electric car or van, what you also have to bear in mind with a PHEV is being able to find a petrol station when the power from your electric battery pack runs out and your hybrid vehicle switches to its internal combustion engine. This handily removes the ‘range anxiety’ that you'd get with fully electric cars which rely exclusively on battery power, whilst also meaning that you can drive for longer times and distances through the combustion engine.

#### Zero emissions for shorter drives

If you’re driving your PHEV car or van for short distances around the town or city and are only making use of its electric motor in 'electric mode', then not only will you be saving on fuel consumption, but you also won’t be producing any harmful tailpipe emissions - which is of course great for our environment!

#### Cost efficient

The upfront cost for buying or leasing any kind of electric vehicle, including hybrid cars, can be a bit more expensive than with conventional petrol and diesel cars. On the flipside, it does cost more to power your vehicle through petrol and diesel than it does through electricity. So, in the case of a hybrid, you will be making some savings after you actually start leasing it, especially if you're only planning to use it for city driving and not long distance-driving. For example, with the [Hyundai IONIQ PHEV](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/hyundai/ioniq), it can cost less than £1 to charge it’s battery, delivering a maximum electric range of around 30 miles.

### Cons of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

#### Extra weight

The battery pack that's included with plug-in hybrid cars can weigh quite a bit and is bound to affect your driving experience, especially once all of the electric battery has been used up. Users often describe a hybrid car as feeling 'heavy'.

#### Requires charging facilities

In order to get the full benefits of fuel-saving costs that come with a plug-in hybrid, you will need to have regular access to a charging point so that you can recharge the battery at regular intervals. Whilst we can expect to see more charging points pop up across the UK, finding a charging point can often be a drawback for some would-be users.

#### Higher price to buy or lease

As with all electric vehicles, you will likely pay more for your PHEV upfront than you would with a petrol or diesel car, but this is counterbalanced by low running costs. You will be making savings when it comes to fuel and maintenance, assuming of course that you aren't doing many longer journeys.

## What are the Differences Between PHEVs and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)?

Compared to standard hybrid electric cars, a plug-in hybrid car has a larger battery pack with its electric motor, meaning that it can run solely on electric power for a greater distance. And whilst a plug-in hybrid car can potentially travel up to 40 miles on its battery, a regular hybrid can only manage a couple of miles before the internal combustion diesel or petrol engine kicks in and you're having to resort to petrol or diesel. The other main difference of course is that you can plug-in a PHEV to a charging point and recharge it’s electrical power from there. That's unlike an HEV, which only charges itself through regenerative braking.

## What are the Differences Between PHEVs and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs)?

As mentioned, a PHEV can run for a set number of miles before having to switch to its diesel or petrol engine. That's different from fully electric cars which have an electric battery and motor and can only function on this type of electric power. This means that the battery is significantly bigger in BEVs than in PHEVs, giving them a range of anywhere from 100 to 300 miles depending on the exact vehicle model. In saying that, there do exist pure electric vehicles with a range of over 400 miles, such as the [Mercedes EQS](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/mercedes-benz/eqs) which can go for up to 485 miles on certain models.

A PHEV is certainly a step towards a [fully electric BEV](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-bev-battery-electric-vehicle), whilst still giving you some of the norms of a petrol or diesel car by being able to fill it up at a petrol station and not worry about limited mileage. So, if you are thinking that a PHEV might be suitable for you, the options and model variants are growing and LeaseLoco has some incredible lease deals available.

Feel free to search through our Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle deals right now. 

## Leasing With LeaseLoco

Looking to search and compare the hottest hybrid electric vehicle lease deals? LeaseLoco has the hottest deals on the market, helping you bag a bargain on a brand new car or van for low fixed monthly payments with high-quality leasing companies. 

If you are looking for some more information about electric car leasing then we have a handy EV & hybrid page and more helpful leasing guides for you to read through at your pleasure!


## FAQs

### Are all hybrid cars plug-ins?

Not at all. As discussed, there are also [hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-hev-hybrid-electric-vehicle) which do not have any plug-in charging capabilities and only charge themselves through regenerative braking.

### Is a plug-in hybrid car worth it?

That depends on you! A plug-in hybrid vehicle can be a great option if you want the benefits of both electric and petrol and diesel cars but without having to commit fully to either one or the other. It can be a great stepping stone if you're looking to go fully electric in the future and want to discover the many benefits such as fuel savings and low CO2 emissions. You will also still have that back-up option of popping over to a petrol station for fuel to keep you going on those longer, arduous journeys.

### Which is better: PHEV or fully hybrid?

Again, in order to work out which electric vehicle is ‘best’ for you, you'll need to understand all the pros and cons of each and decide what suits your personal needs best – think about costs, technology, range of vehicles, charging accessibility etc. We cover details of all three types of electric vehicles in our helpful electric leasing guides.

### What happens if you don't charge a plug-in hybrid?

If you don’t charge a plug-in hybrid, the car will still be able to work and function perfectly fine due to its alternative gas engine that will automatically kick in. That being said, it’s worth noting that PHEVs aren't really designed to run without their electric battery in place, as often the fuel economy figures and miles-per-gallon for plug-in hybrids aren't always the best. That being the case, determining your capacity to charge the car is definitely still a factor worth looking into.

### How often do you need to charge a plug-in hybrid?

Depending on how far you plan to drive each day, you may only need to look to charge your car every other day or every other night, or it could be as long as every few days. If your car can pack in between thirty to forty miles of electrical power, with your round-trip commute and a daily trip to the shops being equal to this, then you would probably need to charge it most evenings to fit in with that regular commuting pattern. If you have a charger at home, the best thing to do is charge it overnight and use the electric grid during off-peak hours at a convenient time for you. 

If you're looking to find out more about plug-in hybrid vehicles, this guide has everything you need to know.

What Is A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle | LeaseLoco

What Is A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?

In a modern motoring world that looks to be constantly making the shift towards safer and greener electric and hybrid technology, you may well find yourself asking: what is a hybrid car?

Or, if you know the answer to that, then maybe you want to know: how does a hybrid car work?

After all, fully electric cars are a little easier to grasp in sheer concept (they're, well, fully electric . . .), but hybrids occupy a sort of grey area in the mind between fully battery-powered electric vehicles and your standard-powered petrol and diesel vehicles.

We're here to help clear up the confusion!

## What is a Hybrid Car?

Unlike fully electric cars and vans, a hybrid car or van runs on a conventional petrol or diesel engine as well as an electric motor and battery pack. They're a halfway house between fully electric vehicles and the more conventional, standard-powered cars fuelled by petrol and diesel engines, the idea being that you can get the best of both worlds with a hybrid.

## How do Hybrid Cars Work?

Hybrid cars run on both electricity and a petrol or diesel engine. They're powered by a small electric battery which can selectively power the engine, along with a normal-sized fuel tank. This fuel tank provides the internal combustion engine (ICE) with either petrol or fuel, just like with a standard car. However, as the electric battery is small, a hybrid car can only run on electrical power for a couple of miles at low speeds. Once the electric power runs out when driving, the hybrid car will then switch over to the ICE engine. The basic idea is that you switch to the ICE power source after the electric battery has run out.

It's worth noting that not every hybrid car is the exact same. Some models make use of a gasoline motor to generate electricity and recharge the battery for their batteries, whilst plug-in hybrid cars are powered when you plug into main electrical sources, such as on walls or at charging stations. Other hybrid cars are also different in that their battery is charged only by capture of excess power which is then converted into electricity. The excessive energy that is normally wasted during a vehicle's idling time is then deposited into the battery for further use, like with regenerative braking. Regenerative braking occurs when you slow down and the kinetic energy that's generated is then converted into battery power instead of being lost in the brakes.

If you're driving a pure hybrid and not a plug-in hybrid, you won’t be able to plug the battery in and charge it yourself through an external electrical supply. Instead, the battery recharges itself through a regenerative braking system and also through the ICE engine.

Depending on your needs, hybrid cars can be especially suited to city driving when driving for short distances at low speeds, with improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, whilst also having the back-up of a diesel or a petrol engine if you want to head out of town and travel for much longer distances.

## Pros And Cons Of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Well, now you know a little bit about them, but you might still be unsure as to whether a hybrid electric vehicle is the right match for you. To remedy that, here we're laying out the pros and cons of hybrid cars to help you arrive at a final decision.

### Pros of Hybrid Vehicles

#### No ‘range anxiety’

Ah, what would an electric or part-electric vehicle be without a bit of good old range anxiety? Many users worry about making the move to an electric car and not having enough charge to make it to a specific place or location before running out of battery, especially as some areas across the UK are still suffering from an acute lack of charging stations.

However, with a hybrid vehicle, this is less of a worry as you can simply fill up your tank at a petrol station and there's no need for plug-in charging.

#### Ideal for city driving

If you’re mostly using a hybrid car for city driving, then you're likely going to experience much better fuel economy as a result - perfect if you want to save fuel. With stop-start city driving, your electric battery is going to last longer as it recharges every time you push down on the brake pedal - in other words, most of the time! That's going to save you money on fuel costs and it also means less tedious trips to the gas station to constantly fill your tank up.

#### More eco-friendly

Okay, so hybrid cars are never going to be as eco-friendly as a pure electric vehicle, but they will still run much cleaner than a conventionally-powered petrol or diesel vehicle. As you’re using less oil and gas when city-driving via the hybrid's electric power, you will be reducing your fossil fuel emissions as a result, which is of course a welcome contribution towards reducing the planet's harmful CO2 emissions!

### Cons of Hybrid Vehicles

#### Not economical for long-distance driving

As the gasoline engine on a hybrid is a lot smaller than that of conventional cars and vans, a hybrid car is most efficient when travelling for short distances at low speeds, such as in towns or cities. Because of that, you'll find that a hybrid isn't the best choice when you want to drive at high speeds for longer periods of time and at greater distances. You may also find that a hybrid isn’t as powerful and simply ends up using more gasoline power. 

#### Still responsible for some fossil fuel emissions

As we talked about before, whilst a hybrid isn't as harmful to the environment as the expenditure of a diesel or petrol engine, hybrid cars are still responsible for emitting harmful CO2 when the electric battery runs out and the vehicle has to switch to the alternative source of fuel.

#### Higher upfront costs

Like any electric or partially-electric vehicle, a hybrid car typically tends to be more expensive for you to buy or lease than it’s petrol or diesel alternatives. On the flipside of that, hybrids and electrics don't constantly burn through fuel so quickly, so you can look to make up for initial high upfront cost in continuous fuel savings.

## Leasing With LeaseLoco

Looking to search and compare the hottest hybrid electric vehicle lease deals? LeaseLoco has the hottest deals on the market, helping you bag a bargain on a brand new car or van for low fixed monthly payments with high-quality leasing companies. 

If you are looking for some more information about [electric car leasing](https://www.leaseloco.com/electric-car-leasing) then we have a handy [EV & hybrid guide](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing) page and more helpful leasing guides for you to read through at your pleasure!

## FAQs

### What is the meaning of HEV?

HEV is simply the abbreviation for 'hybrid electric vehicle', which is one of the 3 main types of electric vehicle that uses an electric battery or an electric motor, possibly alongside a petrol or a diesel engine.

### What's the Difference Between Hybrids and Plug-in Hybrids?

Obviously, the first key difference is that you can't charge the battery of a pure hybrid with a plug-in electric socket. A pure hybrid also has a significantly smaller battery and electric motor than a plug-in hybrid vehicle, so this means that while a plug-in can travel up to 40 mile on electric power, a pure hybrid can only last a couple of miles at low speeds before it has to switch to the alternative source of fuel from the internal combustion engine.

### What's the Difference Between Hybrids and Battery Electric Vehicles?

The biggest difference between hybrid cars and pure [battery electric cars](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-bev-battery-electric-vehicle) is that a fully electric car only has an electric motor and battery, whereas hybrids also have a gasoline engine as well. The battery pack will be significantly bigger than that of a HEV (and a PHEV too) giving a much further range. Hybrid cars and plug in hybrid cars will run on it’s ICE engine one it’s electric power has ran out, so it will still produce fossil fuel emissions and is not as eco-friendly as a fully electric vehicle.

If you're looking to find out more about hybrid vehicles, this guide has everything you need to know.

What Is A Hybrid Electric Vehicle? | LeaseLoco

What Is A Hybrid Electric Vehicle? (HEV)

[Electric cars](https://www.leaseloco.com/electric-car-leasing) have seen a massive spike in popularity over the last few years, with more and more people opting for electric power and a greener fuel source as opposed to the more traditional petrol or diesel engine. That's especially true in light of the fast-approaching 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars that emit harmful gases from their tailpipe. The ban is part of an attempt by the UK government to lessen the nation's overall contribution to climate change. However, you'll still be able to use such a car beyond 2030.

But if you're buying a new car or van before that point in time, it's going to have to be an electric vehicle of some sort. Yet you might not be sure about the different types of electric cars and the different types of electric vehicles on offer, as well as the exact difference between hybrid cars and electric cars. Indeed, the opening up of new and greener technology also brings with it a minefield of complex terminology.

If you're as equally confused as many other people, then we invite you to read on and take a dive into this exciting new area of modern technology to determine which type is right for you.

## What Are The Different Types Of Electric Vehicles?

There are three main types of electric cars and vehicles: Battery Electric Vehicles, Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, and Hybrid Electric Vehicles. 

### 1. [Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-bev-battery-electric-vehicle)

#### Pros

* Zero emissions
* Makes no noise
* No high refuelling costs
* Long range

#### Cons

* Long charge times

These are your thoroughbred, pure electric vehicles and cars. As fully electric vehicles, they run solely on electric power in the form of a battery pack and an electric motor. As such, the only fuel source is electricity and they produce zero emissions when driving. Because they aren't conventionally powered, fully electric cars and vehicles are remarkably quiet when on the move. You only noise comes from wind resistance and the tyres, so you'll just about be able to hear a pin drop.

Obviously, you don't 'fill up' a battery electric vehicle the same way as you would a petrol or diesel car. Instead, you've got to use a charger. It's similar to charging your phone: you plug it in, charge it up, and then the car is powered by the charged battery. As for where you charge it, people normally get a wall-box charger installed at their home. Or, alternatively, there are plenty of public charging stations which are becoming increasingly available. 

Some leading examples of a battery electric vehicles are the [Kia e-Niro](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/kia/e-niro), the [Tesla Model 3](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/tesla/model-3) and the [Polestar 2](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/polestar/2).

[Search more BEV's](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/search/58d90a24c7c6a7c014274aa0c565e011)

### 2. [Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-phev-plug-in-hybrid)

#### Pros

* Fairly long range
* Retains feel of a diesel/petrol vehicle

#### Cons

* Requires more charging

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is a halfway house between a pure-bred battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. The main difference with the one which we've already covered is that it's powered by a battery pack, electric motor AND a petrol or diesel engine. The electric battery power usually offers around 30 miles worth of driving, which is less than the average battery electric car. However, you then have the option to tap into the petrol or diesel engine for greater driving range and longer journeys. That means that, in addition to its electrical nature, a plug-in hybrid electric car still retains some of the benefits of conventionally-powered cars and vehicles.

To charge the battery pack, simply plug it in with a charger and charge it as you would a normal battery electric car. A plug-in hybrid vehicle may also charge slightly through regenerative braking, but that won’t charge the electric battery fully. And, of course, once you've run out of battery power altogether, you'll have to switch to your alternative source of power and fill up the tank in the same way as with petrol or diesel cars. With that safety net in place, it's pretty much a middle point between full hybrid and fully electric cars and vehicles.

Some examples are, the [plug-in hybrid IONIQ](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/hyundai/ioniq) and the [Toyota RAV4](Toyota RAV4)
[Search more PHEV's](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/search/218202e93cd2a48626fd59e0c7ddb905)

### 3. [Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)](https://www.leaseloco.com/guides/hybrid-and-electric-leasing/what-is-a-hev-hybrid-electric-vehicle)

#### Pros

* No need for plug-in charging
* Ideal for stop-start city driving

#### Cons

* More CO2 emissions
* Poor fuel economy when driving long distances

Similar to before, a hybrid electric vehicle has both a battery pack and an electric motor in addition to a petrol or diesel engine. The main difference is that you don't plug them in to charge via an external source, and they're the closest thing to a diesel or petrol car out of the three electric vehicle types we've covered. They're not as environmentally-friendly as battery electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids, but they still produce less CO2 than conventional diesel or petrol cars.

As mentioned before, you won’t be able to charge hybrid vehicles yourself with a charger. Instead, the batteries receive their energy through regenerative braking. This is energy that would typically be wasted when slowing a car down to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE) of the car. Hybrid electric vehicles will usually be able to run for a couple of miles on their fully electric battery, meaning that they can be a great choice for city driving at relatively low speeds.

Some examples are the [hybrid Kona](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/hyundai/kona) and the [hybrid KIA Sportage](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/kia/sportage).
[Search more HEV's](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/search/28900d5822690be1ea362a882699f463)

## Which Type Of Electric Vehicle Is Right For Me?

The type of electric car that is right for you will obviously depend on a number of personal preferences and circumstances. A fully electric BEV is the best option if you want to go for zero emissions and save money on fuel costs, as well as help the environment, which is always a good thing! You’ll also experience a smooth and quiet drive like no internal combustion engine car could provide. On the downside, no noise and zero emissions comes at a cost, as constantly charging your fully electric car or vehicle can sometimes be a pain.

A PHEV is ideal if you want to make the leap towards electric driving but without having to rely fully on an electric battery, as you've got a fuel or diesel tank as back-up. The electric battery allows you to travel up to 30 miles without touching your fuel, and if you need it, you can simply pop to a petrol station to fill up your car. All of that can mean big savings on running costs. 

Thirdly, an HEV also provides a good balance between saving money on fuel, but without the need to constantly charge your car. Finally,

In addition to those general points, you may also want to weigh in the following factors when considering an EV:

### Budget

Electric vehicles, and particularly fully electric BEV's, can often have a higher list price attached to them and so leasing one usually works out more expensive than leasing a conventional engine petrol or diesel vehicle. However, the overall running costs for an electric vehicle can also work out significantly cheaper.

### Range

What would owning an electric vehicle be like without a bit of good old range anxiety? Range refers to how far an electric vehicle can go on a single charge, and whilst the majority will have enough range for your average daily commute, you may want to have a think about how many miles you can do each day and the sort of range that's most realistic for you. It's worth pointing out that some electric vehicles do offer rapid-charging, but if you don't want to rely solely on a chargeable battery, a PHEV is probably the way to go.

### Access to a Charging Point

You can never underestimate the logistical challenges. Whilst there are an increasing number of electric vehicle charging points around the country, you'll need to consider whether a home charging point might be better for you than public charging facilities. If you live in a flat in a tightly-packed area of a city with no means of installing a wall-box charger city in flats, then a hybrid vehicle could be an option to consider. 

Of course, when deciding on an electric vehicle, you may also just like the look of a specific model due to its looks and features – and that’s important too!

## What is a Range Extender?

Range extenders still run on electricity but have a small petrol or diesel engine that's used to recharge the batteries and improve a vehicle's range. As we now know, range is always an issue, so the aim of range extenders such as the [BMW i3](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/bmw/i3) REX is to give you an extra 70 to 100 miles of range once the batteries are used up, offering greater flexibility when it comes to charge times.

They're preferable over pure hybrids for those longer motorway journeys. However, the extra engine weight means they aren't particularly economical when generating power, so the overall range is still likely to be less than that of a pure electric car or van.

## Leasing With LeaseLoco

You’ll find all vehicle types available to lease at LeaseLoco. If you’re thinking that one of these electric vehicle types sounds good for you, then why not head straight over to our search pages to search and compare the hottest lease deals on the market right now:

[Battery Electric Vehicles](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/search/58d90a24c7c6a7c014274aa0c565e011)

[Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles ](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/search/218202e93cd2a48626fd59e0c7ddb905)

[Hybrid Electric Vehicles](https://www.leaseloco.com/car-leasing/search/28900d5822690be1ea362a882699f463)

We have plenty of additional information on [electric vehicles](https://www.leaseloco.com/electric-car-leasing) if you’d like to be a little more prepared before starting your search. Or if you have any particular queries at all, our live chat team will be more than happy to help out!

There are different types of electric vehicles, but what are the differences? Find out in this guide.

Hybrid & Electric Leasing