Switching to an electric or plug-in vehicle can be daunting for, because it feels like there are so many things to think about. It raises questions such as, are manufacturers creating affordable electric cars? Will the car have enough power for long-distance driving? Is it worth making the initial investment financially?

It’s sometimes easier to stick with what you know, but there are plenty of money-saving incentives that come with switching to an electric vehicle. From tax exemptions, government funding, and savings on fuel costs, there has never been a better time to weigh up the benefits.

There are a few things worth considering before you buy:

What are the charging options?

EV charging infrastructure has had heavy investment in recent years, to support the increasing demand for charge points across the UK along with the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles.

The type of charge point required depends on how, when and where you choose to charge your vehicle battery, as well as the type and range of the vehicle you own. Options include:

• Home charging
• Public charging
• Fast charging 
• Rapid charging

Unlike petrol and diesel cars, the cost of charging electric vehicles can vary due to charging tariffs, charging times, and the type of charge point being used.

Home EV Charging

To calculate the cost of charging a vehicle at home, you’ll need to establish how much you currently spend on your electrical supply. The following formula can then be used to calculate individual car charging costs:

Battery size (kWh) x Cost of electrical supply (pence per kilowatt-hour) = Cost of charging an electric vehicle (from 0-100%)

If it helps, the average cost of medium energy consumption per household in the UK, is 15p per kWh (energy provider dependent).

Current home charging tariffs available to homeowners at the time of writing (November 2021) include:

• Fixed 24-hour charging. The cost of kWh is consistent, regardless of the time of day. 
• Peak-time charging. The charging of vehicles between the hours of 8 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 10 pm. Costs will be at their highest during these times, but can vary according to the local electrical supplier.

Please note that as of May 2022, EV charge points will be pre-programmed to switch off during these hours to ease the amount of pressure on the UK’s National Grid.

• Off-peak charging. This is usually the cheapest charging tariff for EV drivers due to the reduced demand on the National Grid. However it depends on the individual suppliers.

Homeowners who switch to an electric vehicle and off-road parking, are also eligible for government funding towards the cost of their charge point installation for a limited time only. Click here to find out more. 

Public EV Charging

There are over 42,000 public EV chargers distributed throughout the UK, making it more accessible than ever. However, as most of them are privately owned, there is no set tariff or calculation for pre-empting the cost of public vehicle charging. 

Charge point manufacturers are working to minimise this concern by integrating smart technology into their charge points, giving users more control over their costs and usage with the use of RFID cards (a credit/debit substitute) and apps.

The smart technology allows users to set spending limits and/or stop charging at the tap of a button as well as helping you to locate charge points throughout the country.

Some supermarkets, including Tesco, are already offering their EV customers free public charging and we expect this to grow, as more shopping centres and attractions across the country implement this. 

Fast/Rapid EV Charging

The fast and rapid charging options are usually used by the public, as they can charge vehicles in less than an hour. However, it’s probably the most expensive option, so not so appealing for those driving short distances.

Charging stations with rapid chargers can cost a minimum of £12 to charge a standard size battery and are mostly found on motorways, providing a convenient solution for those making long-distance journeys.

Electric Vehicle Energy Tariffs

Energy providers are giving specific EV charging tariffs to drivers making the switch using 100% renewable electricity. Some of the top providers include:

• EDF Energy GoElectric is currently charging 4.5p per kWh. Using tidal, wind and solar power to provide their customers with energy. Click here to get a quote.
• Octopus Energy is charging 5p per kWh between 12:30 am and 4:30 am. Throughout the day, their rates can vary, however their peak time charging expenses are capped.
• The British Gas Electric Drivers tariff offers cheap off-peak charging between 12 am and 5 am with a fixed rate until July 2023. Click here to get a quote.

Want to know more about charging an electric vehicle at home or work? Contact us on 03333 444570.