Owning a Toyota Electric Car
Benefits of driving an EV
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Zero tailpipe emissions
With no emissions at the tailpipe, in comparison with conventional cars, electric cars help to contribute to a cleaner environment.
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Quiet journeys
As electric vehicles are powered by a battery rather than an engine, you can drive them in near silence, providing a peaceful drive.
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A smooth drive
Electric vehicles are automatic meaning no gear changes and smooth, efficient acceleration.
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Regenerative braking
The battery converts energy from braking or deceleration, which in turn helps to extend range and improve overall efficiency.
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Spacious interiors
With no space taken up by an engine, you can enjoy a spacious interior with plenty of legroom and boot capacity.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
In comparison to a conventional car, driving a Toyota electric car, or plug-in hybrid can save you money in running costs. Most people charge at home for every day journeys, only needing to charge elsewhere when they go on longer trips. This is convenient and can be cost efficient too, particularly when you take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs.
Our charging cost calculator can help you to estimate how much you are likely to spend.
Charging your electric vehicle
Charging an EV takes longer than fuelling a conventional vehicle, but instead of stopping at a petrol station, you can enjoy the convenience of charging at home most of the time.
You may need to charge your EV at a public charger on longer journeys, with the number of chargers across the UK increasing every month, a bit of forward planning makes this easy.
Electric vehicle range
The distance you can expect to travel in your EV before recharging, is known as range.
As with any vehicle, you need to think about when you will refuel your car, EV owners tend to charge at home and work most of the time which easily becomes a habit.
There are a number of factors which influence your range, some of which you can impact to maximise efficiency.
Tips for driving an EV
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Charge often
Most EV owners choose to charge at home the majority of the time. Although you can plug-in to a domestic 3-pin plug, the best way to do this is through a dedicated charger, which is faster, and you can enjoy benefits like scheduled charging.
Charging at home is also cheaper than public charging, particularly when you choose a dedicated EV, or off-peak energy tariff.
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Plan ahead
When planning a longer journey, ensure you are fully charged before you travel, pre-heating or cooling the cabin whilst still plugged in to maximise efficiency. Consider where you will stop on the way if you need to recharge. This can be part of the fun – choose somewhere scenic to stop and enjoy a break from driving whilst your car tops up.
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Efficient Driving
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden acceleration or braking to maximise range.
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Range awareness
As with any vehicle, keep an eye on how many miles you have left on the clock, and ensure you top up your battery accordingly.
The MyToyota App
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EV Coaching
Learn how to get the most out of your bZ4X through coaching tips on how to drive more smoothly and efficiently to further maximise your driving range.
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Pre-conditioning
Using climate control you can set your preferred cabin temperature in advance - all from the comfort of your smartphone. This handy tool can be used whilst the car is still charging, meaning its a great way to maximise efficiency.
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Remote charging
Enjoy the ultimate convenience of remotely monitoring your charge level and personalising your car's charge schedule.