FAQs
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Tesla Model 3
I pre-ordered a Tesla Model 3 and am waiting for my deposit to be refunded
I've got my Tesla Model 3 but as the online Tesla account's not set up properly I can't use their Supercharger network yet
The online account should work automatically, but we've seen a few instances where the online account or the Tesla app don't set up correctly straight away.
Electric car basics
What is an EV?
An EV is an Electric Vehicle. An Electric Vehicle is a car that uses only a battery and a motor to drive. You charge it up and the electricity is used to power the motor. Electric vehicles have been around for longer that traditional ICE cars, but with the advent of modern battery tech, we now have enough energy density in a battery for electric vehicles to become practical.
Define energy density
How good something is at storing energy, for example, airplane fuel has a really high energy density. This means it creates a lot of power for the amount of space it takes and for its weight.
What is AC/DC?
Alternating Current and Direct Current. Alternating Current, as the name suggests allows electricity to flow in both directions, Direct Current only travels in one direction. They both have different characteristics and each work better in certain situations.
What is 'Regenerative Braking'?
What does Kwh mean?
I've heard about 'Range Anxiety'. What does it mean?
Range Anxiety is a term used to explain the feeling of worry you might have if you don’t think you can reach your destination. This is sighted a lot as the main reason why people don’t want to buy an electric car. We will show you why this is a thing of the past.
What's V2G (or Vehicle to Grid)?
Vehicle to Grid is a system that allows your car to give energy back to the national grid and power your house. It was developed by Nissan after the Fukushima disaster. They realised that after people were left without power in their houses, that in another disaster their cars could power their house. This has a vast array of applications.
How do I drive an electric car?
Just like a normal automatic ICE car, expect the car has no gears, it makes the drive incredibly smoothly. The only thing you might need to get used to is Re-Gen braking. This is as simple as releasing the throttle.
How do I charge a car?
In the morning, just like your phone, you will have a full charge. This means whenever you leave the house you have more than 100 miles in the tank.
What if I want to go on a road trip, holiday or long distance journey?
You absolutely can, our team have taken cars as far as the Middle East, the Arctic Circle and have driven EVs in America, Canada, the Alps, the Scottish Highlands, across Scandinavia and through the desert. We know a thing or two about going long distance! The easiest way of doing this is when you leave the house with a full charge then drive about 200miles. Stop at a DC charging Unit (see AC/DC in jargon busting) which allows you to charge in the time you would spend in a service station. Some vehicles and charging combinations will allow you up to charge 120miles in 20mins. These are all over the UK, and most new electric vehicles know where they are already, meaning you tell your car you are going to Edinburgh, it will make sure you get there without running out.
Are they better for the environment?
A lot is spoken about how electric cars are better for the environment. They absolutely are no matter how you look at it. Even if they are charged using electricity created from coal (which the UK is drastically cutting), an electric car can go 4 times as far for the same amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. They create no tailpipe emissions so they greatly reduce inner city air pollution. When you buy through Octopus, you have access to a completely renewable energy tariff which means you are driving without contributing to climate change either.
Do I need special insurance?
All cars need insurance and electric vehicles are no different. Most big insurance providers can cover you but you are more than welcome to ask us and we can happily get you a list of people we know can insure your vehicle.
Are maintenance costs high?
What's a tethered or untethered charger?
A tethered charger have their own cables hardwired in
How should I drive my car in cold weather?
With EVs having near-instant torque, it’s important to be gentle when accelerating in wet/icy conditions. Try to use regenerative braking as much as possible, as this won’t lock the wheels. Also be aware that, when the road is wet, your car’s range may be slightly reduced due to increased resistance against the tyres caused by standing water. A way to help mitigate this is to increase your tyre pressure, but you should never over-inflate your tyres.
Octopus
How can I drive a car?
Octopus EV arrange events all across the country, were we educate and empower people to make the decision to switch to electric vehicles. Fill in the contact form below and we will let you know when we are near you and you can drive an electric vehicle.
Who are Octopus Electric Vehicles?
Octopus EV is part of the larger Octopus Energy Group. It has been created to further Octopus' vision of sustainability and love of disruption, believing our planet needs better, our customers deserve better and our souls thrive for better.
Car leasing
What is leasing?
Personal car leasing is also known as PCH - personal contract hire. It can also be referred to, when a company is looking at leasing a fleet of vehicles for example, as BCH (business contract hire).
What is Salary Sacrifice?
An employee benefit scheme, that allows you to access a fantastic range of electric vehicles, has no up front cost and offers a vast array of tax and personal benefits by the employee paying for the vehicle from the salary before tax is taken into account.
What are the benefits of leasing?
With leasing, you pay for the depreciation of the vehicle over a set term rather than paying for the entire car. This generally means lower monthly payments making this option a cost effective way to drive a brand new vehicle.
Can I buy the car at the end?
Very simply, no.
What is a PCH, PCP and HP?
A PCH is a personal contract hire, also known as a lease.
What is an EV?
EV stands for Electric Vehicle.
Charging
How do I get a charger at my house?
When you purchase a car from Octopus EV we can make sure your home is set up for your new car. We will arrange for a charging unit to be installed at your house and for your energy to be switched to renewable energy and a tariff that helps you save money if you charge your car overnight.
Do I have to change my electricity provider?
Your vehicle can be charged using any electricity provider. However, we do recommend you look into changing your tariff to something more EV friendly.
What is OctopusGo?
What is the Octopus Agile tariff?
Does cold weather impact charging your electric car?
In the cold, battery efficiency can decrease. A good thing to do is to heat your car to temperature whilst it’s plugged in before setting off, either by using it’s app or by manually setting it. This will get the battery to working temperature, making it easier for the battery to give and receive energy. A cold battery will also reduce your range, which is something to bear in mind when planning your journeys during the colder months.