Sales FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding EVs. There is often uncertainty around topics such as battery life, charging infrastructure, range, and cost-effectiveness.
However, as the popularity of EVs continues to rise, addressing these questions is essential to ensure consumer confidence and to help reduce carbon in the environment:
“The range isn’t enough”
Many people are misinformed regarding range. Range ‘anxiety’ is much publicised in the media, which leads to many people questioning range and whether an EV powertrain is right for them.
In fact, with most EVs offering over 300 miles of range (according to the SMMT), an EV powertrain will suit the majority of people. Many are missing out on the great benefits of this quiet, powerful and enjoyable powertrain – not to mention the possible cost savings!
Therefore, it’s important to think about your actual daily mileage and any occasional long-journey needs – often people are surprised at just how well a BEV fits their lifestyle! Once you understand range and have confidence it will be enough, you can then balance the daily benefits (eg.convenience of charging overnight/low running costs) against the occasional need to charge in public.
Statistically, in the UK:
“There aren’t enough chargers”
The UK’s public charging network is growing fast! It’s easy to see all of the charge points near you, on your regular routes and at your favourite destinations with apps like Zapmap or the Toyota Charging Network, which also offers convenience and cost saving when charging in public.
Good to know:
- As of May 2024, there are over 62,500 public charge stations – over 45% more than there were in May 2023. The number of chargers is growing quickly – you can view the latest stats here.
- Charging is already available at 97% of motorway service areas, with more than 800 rapid or ultra-rapid chargers in these locations (Source)
- In 2024, government will invest over £70m installing charge points at motorway locations and provide £381m for local authorities to widen infrastructure across the UK (Source).
“How long do the batteries last?”
Battery degradation in EVs is very low and with far fewer moving parts than a petrol or diesel car, the potential for wear is much lower. A study of over 6000 EVs has shown that on average, battery degradation across all brands is approximately 2.3% a year (source). At this average degradation rate of 2.3% per year, an EV battery would take 15 years to decline to 70% maximum charge.
- Toyota’s confidence in the quality of the battery is reflected in a guarantee it will retain at least 70 percent of its capacity up to 10 years or one million kilometres (620,000 miles) driven (subject to an annual Toyota EV health check, terms and conditions apply).
- bZ4X batteries are developed with excellent protection, to ensure reliability and peace of mind, balancing performance with durability, safety, affordability and quality:
- Generous battery ‘buffers’ protect from over-charging and over-discharging, maximises performance whilst optimising battery health
- Thermal management – bZ4X monitors each of the 96 liquid-cooled battery cells individually, checking for signs of abnormality or degradation.
- Rapid charge power limitations to 150kW to ensure reliability and peace of mind, balancing performance with durability, safety, affordability and quality.
- The bZ4X has the longest battery warranty available, with Service Activated Warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles (8 years/100,000 miles as standard).
“EV’s are unsafe in an accident/ catch fire”
- There is no evidence to suggest that fires in EVs are more likely. A study in Norway (a big adopter of EVs) between 2016 and 2021, showed that petrol/diesel vehicles were involved in 4 times more fires than electric vehicles. (Source)
- According to the AA, BEVs are inherently safer than ICE vehicles. This is because they don’t have to store and distribute highly combustible liquids like petrol or diesel. (Source: www.theaa.com)
- The bZ4X has a 5-star NCAP safety rating.
- The bZ4X has been designed as an EV and has a specific platform with additional rigidity and safety around the battery.
“EVs break down. What happens when I run out of charge”
- Of all BEV breakdowns attended by the AA, just 2.3% were down to batteries having no, or limited charge (Oct ‘22 to Oct ‘23).
- The AA have predicted that in 2024, this will be even more rare, just 1%, due to the growing and more reliable charging infrastructure. (Source)
“Insurance is very expensive for BEVs”
- Premiums for all vehicles have risen substantially over the last year. BEV insurance is typically higher on average than for an ICE vehicle due to increased repair costs. (Source)
- Insurance costs are based on individual circumstances and differ for all, however an increased insurance cost is far outweighed by the benefits of zero road tax, lower fuel and servicing costs and potential tax incentives (where applicable).
“EVs are bad for the environment”
- Over the complete life-cycle, the scientific consensus is overwhelming; CO2 emissions from a battery car will be cleaner and lower than its petrol or diesel equivalent. (Source)
- Burning fossil fuels to make and drive electric cars will still cause emissions, but at a lower level than combustion engines. This situation will improve further as electricity production shifts to ever greener sources.
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are ahead in reducing greenhouse gases with 40‑50% less emissions compared to conventional petrol cars, depending on the model chosen. (Source)
“What happens to the batteries when they are finished with, will they be sent to landfill?”
As part of our wider commitment to the environment and our goal of achieving carbon neutrality, Toyota recognises the importance of reusing and recycling all batteries in its electrified vehicles and has developed the ‘3R’ plan.
The three ’R’s represent ‘Reduce’, ‘Rebuild and Reuse’, and ‘Recycle’.
Reduce: Toyota is developing batteries that are resource-efficient and long-lasting during their first phase of life, so that customers can have peace of mind as they drive their cars over their term of ownership.
The bZ4X battery has been designed for durability in this way, which is reflected in the strength of our market leading warranty.
Rebuild and Reuse: We are able to rebuild batteries, to provide them with a ‘2nd life’ as automotive batteries, and also to reuse them, through re-packaging for various other applications (eg. storing solar power).
Recycle: Finally, when batteries have reached their end-of-life stage, Toyota’s aim is to recycle them in a sustainable way that both mitigates the amount of CO2 emitted and allows as much material as possible to be used for new battery production.
As part of Toyota’s own environmental action plan, the Battery ‘3R’ initiative is being introduced throughout Japan, Europe, the U.S., China and Asia. (Source)
Faircharge ‘Little Book of EV Myths’
Independent company Faircharge have teamed up with Zapmap, the RAC and other motor industry organisations to dispel EV myths and help consumers understand the real environmental benefits EVs can bring.
Below is a link to their ‘little book of EV myths’ with many useful and insightful facts:
Little Book of EV Myths