The cost of charging an electric car in the UK varies by a number of factors. Similar to diesel and petrol transmissions, the location of the charge point in the UK influences the cost. Conversely, ‘fuelling’ electric vehicles is comparatively cheaper against the liquid alternatives. Further, the cost is different between using EV charging points at service stations against overnight domestic charging.
Electric cars have become incredibly popular over the last few years, which has encouraged more accessibility to EV charging points. AV car owners, the government, councils and employers have invested in thousands of nationwide charge points; from shopping centres to in your own garage. When it comes to public points, availability and cost vary from place to place. The cost of using public EV charging points is also dependent on the network it is connected to and the payment method to use it (such as pay-per-session or via subscription).
In this post, we look at the cost to charge an EV and all the different places where you might expect to see a charging point.
Different Types Of Electric Vehicle Charging
The cost of using a charge point is swayed by the grade of power output delivered by the charging device. For example, a slower charging point like lamppost charging might cost (both in time and money) for the greater duration of use. Meanwhile, fast charging (often found in car parks) or even rapid charge (such as motorway service stations) may cost more for convenience, though far less time is spent waiting for your car to fully juice.
Slow Chargers
The elementary charger that you will be supplied with which will allow you to charge overnight using a 13A 3-pin plug. Generally, a full charge will take a good eight-hours to complete, especially on a system that pumps out 3kWh of current.
This is a great option if you have a garage or your car is left somewhere safe overnight (like a driveway) and you have convenient access to an EV charging point through the day. It is likely you will need to top up throughout the day, particularly if you’re likely to embark on longer or more frequent journeys.
Fast Chargers
These work twice as fast to get your EV battery to maximum capacity. Rather than the humble 13A, these chargers operate at a current of up to 7kWh and 32A. These points are most often found in car parks, at businesses, and also at home. The government’s
OLEV scheme
cuts the £1000 price tag it costs to install an electric vehicle charging point at home by up to £500 (making EV an ever-attractive option in 2020).
Rapid Chargers
This option is available for those vehicles with more advanced electronics and will take up to 120kWh surging to the battery. Naturally, Tesla is such a brand that commands such power; the Model S owning the ability to reach 80% charge between 20 – 40 minutes.
Battery Capacity and Power Affects EV Charging Cost
There is a myriad of choice when it comes to electric vehicles, and inevitably these come with their pros and cons. As an example of home charging (with an average cost of 14p per kWh), it might cost £14 to fully charge a Tesla Model S 100D 13.8kWh battery to generate a 320-mile range. On the other hand, it would cost £2.04 to reach full power on a Citroën C-Zero 16kWh battery with a range of 93 miles.
It boils down to necessity; a driver spending much of their day on motorways for their job will prefer the comfort and convenience of a Tesla. Someone who generally requires dexterity across the city will prefer the cheaper, more compact Citroën.
There is an influx of manufacturers battling to deliver the best electrical model for each class of vehicle. This means that consumers are presented with a huge supply of filters by which to discover their perfect vehicle. While this process is easy, finances inevitably play a part. Battery capacity will impact how financially viable an electric car is to an individual over time. (Making car ownership ever more accessible is the option of leasing. Click
here
for the best lease deals in 2020).
Cost Of Electric Vehicle Charging By Location
Generally, the cheapest location is through generous employers who allow the workforce to charge their EVs at work by a purpose-built network on-site. The next most economical location is at home, especially overnight where electricity is cheaper still.
While out and about or working your way across the extensive road network, apps ensure finding EV charging points is effortless and convenient. Once you have supplied a debit or credit card number, you are charged based on time and power used. Like a liquid alternative, electrical energy costs more at motorway services. Unsurprisingly, they slap on a premium for the privilege of convenience.
On the other hand, the app-controlled Pod Point rapid charger option is a particularly attractive option while touring the city or hitting up the gym. Pod Point is a pioneering brand that was founded over a decade ago. It has set up a network of charging bays at the location of well-known business chains (like Lidl, Tesco and David Lloyd), which delivers an enormous amount of convenience. This option is reflective of convenience with a 100-mile range costing about £6-7.
Methods Of Payment For EV Charging
Apps will generally request payment details for your card that will be charged for time and amount of power used. They also make finding and using a charging point easy and straightforward. Some locations allow you to pay for your charge via an authorised app. Handy tip: the Zapp-Map app helps you find charging points along your route which allows you to keep going on your journey. It will provide pricing and location (however, it isn’t a method of payment).
Though apps are fantastic, many major UK public charging networks still only take RFID (radio frequency identification) charging cards, which require a membership. To use networks such as Polar, ChargeYourCar and Shell Recharge, you will need to register with their appropriate membership scheme first.
The Final Vote Of Confidence
Electric vehicle charging costs are undeniably cheaper than diesel and petrol counterparts, though, when it comes to practicality there is still a long way to go. In any circumstance, positive moves to support a greener environment are worth the effort. While the motoring industry transforms, and a greater percentage of electric vehicles consume the market share, the cost of electric vehicle charging will inevitably become cheaper and more accessible.
In the meantime, Cars2buy aims to make car leasing cheaper still, by discovering the best possible leasing deal that matches your requirements. Click
here
to find your perfect lease deal to match a brand new EV!