Have you thought about switching to electric?
Have you thought about switching to electric?
With the news that the sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned in the UK from 2030, many drivers are already beginning to think about making the switch to electric.
And when it comes to charging your electric vehicle (EV), there is more than one way to do it.
Below, we take a look at how much it'll cost to charge your electric vehicle at home, at work and on the go.
First thing’s first, if you buy an electric vehicle, some manufacturers may supply two charging cables, the first option being a three-pin socket and the other being a Type 2. You will require at least a Type 2 if you want to both public and home charge your electric vehicle.
Type 2 variants are for cars compatible with fast chargers. Meanwhile, CCS and Chademo are for cars that are compatible with rapid chargers.
Charging at home can be the most convenient and cost-effective way of charging your new electric vehicle. The main thing to consider is if your home is suitable for a charger; for example, do you have dedicated off-street parking where the cables pose no obstruction to the public walkway?
You can also check when your off-peak charge time is to avoid paying more than you need to. Plus, there are government grants you can take advantage of for home charging points, so there are plenty of cost-saving options.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
Most drivers will charge their electric car overnight to ensure they have a full battery the next day.
Fully charging a 60kWh electric car will cost around £15, giving you roughly 200 miles of range. However, please remember that energy prices vary and can fluctuate. It's always best to check your electricity bill or contact your provider to find out your current cost per kWh.
Public charging can be used when traveling long distances, topping up when out or if home charging is not an option.
There are lots of great websites and apps available to help you find your nearest charging point – these also allow you to filter by different connector types, networks, location, access and payment options, including free-to-use chargers.
Public charge points at supermarkets or car parks are often free to use for the duration of your stay.
Some businesses around the UK have already installed chargers at the workplace and will offer them to employees for free.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a grant that businesses can use to reduce the cost of installing EV charge points for their staff by up to £14,000.
There are many public charging providers, most of which have two different costs for use – one if you are a member of that network, and one for visitors. Members can usually benefit from lower tariffs.
In theory, electric car economy can be calculated by using a car’s battery capacity and its official range.
For example, an electric car with a 40kWh battery pack and a 100-mile range would have an economy/consumption figure of 2.5 miles/kWh.
To estimate the cost of home charging, you need to apply the following formula: capacity of battery (kWh) multiplied by the price per kW of your electricity supplier, giving you the estimated total cost.
A full charge of an entry-level Hyundai IONIQ 5 sporting a 58kWh battery and an electricity tariff of 22p/kW would be: 58 kWh x 22p = £12.76.
The Arnold Clark Innovation Centre opened last year on Dumbarton Road in Glasgow’s West End with the aim of educating visitors about the benefits of alternative fuel vehicles and why they are becoming so important.
There are more than 60 vehicles on site available to test-drive, from plug-in and self-charging hybrids to fully electric vehicles.
There are no sales at the site, which is specifically an innovation, information, and educational centre.
You can also learn about the different types of charging and generous government tax and grants available if you're thinking of moving to electric.
We have also recently opened a second Innovation Centre in Stafford, England.
