How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
Did you know that charging an electric car can actually be cheaper than refuelling a petrol/ diesel vehicle?
There are many factors to consider when charging an electric car from location, time and different types of charge points. In this article, we will go through the different types of charge points so you can decide the most cost effective and accessible methods for you.
Charging your EV for Free
Did you know that 15% of all chargers are free to use? Zap Map surveyed its charging network in July 2023 and found that 3,568 chargers out of 42,000 were free to use. Scotland provided the most free chargers followed by the south east, with supermarkets the source of the most free charging locations followed by car parks.
Go to https://www.zap-map.com/free-ev-charging-points-where-are-they/ to discover more about these free charging opportunities.
How much does it cost to charge your EV at Home?
Charging at home at optimal times will be the cheapest way to keep your EV topped up. Many energy companies offer lower rates at off-peak times meaning drivers can get access to cheaper charging between midnight and 7am. Taking advantage of your electric car’s companion app will allow you to programme when it starts charging, allowing you to stay cozy in bed with the car ready by the time you leave the house. Avoid charging between 8am and 11am and 4pm and 10pm on weekdays which are considered peak hours.
Smart chargers can reduce energy consumption.
From 1st July 2023, all home and workplace EV chargers must have smart charging capabilities which ensures chargers can measure and transmit records to enable drivers to view their charging history. Having access to this data can help you plan when you charge to take advantage of the cheapest rates. This will also benefit the National Grid as it adapts its supply of electricity to the world of EVs.
Want to know how to get a home EV charger? Find out here.
How does the new Energy Price Cap affect my home charging costs?
Drivers are still trying to work out the impact of fluctuating energy costs. Previously, the Government’s Energy Price Guarantee helped regulate soaring prices, but from 1 October 2023 this will be replaced by the Energy Price Cap run by Ofgem. In short, the average domestic consumption of gas and electricity is capped at £1,923, a figure that will be updated every three months to ensure prices are fair.
Looking specifically at electricity, this translates to a fall from 30p per kWh to 27p per kWh. This will make charging at home cheaper than earlier this year.
To find out more about the EPC, the Ofgem website has a guide: https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/energy-price-cap
Cost to charge your EV away from home
There are currently over 42,000 public chargers at more than 15,000 locations in the UK, highlighting the growing network available. There are lots of free-to-use maps and apps such as Zap Map, which will show you where charging points are located – especially handy when in unfamiliar territory – including on-street charging and even new all-electric charging forecourts. Some maps, such as Zap Map, will also show you if these charging points are in use, or out of order, so you can plan ahead for an easy journey.
How long does it take to charge?
This depends on what type of car you have, the type of charger you are using and where you are charging it, but it could take you as little as half an hour. When it comes to working out how long it will take to charge your car, there are 3 main types of electric car charging points that you need to know about – rapid, fast and slow.
Find out more >>How much does it cost to publicly charge your EV?
In much the same way as charging speeds, charging costs can vary for public EV charging depending on:
- How much charge is required
- The cost of electricity for each network
- What type of public charge point you want to use
As a rule, the faster the charging speed, the more you will pay, as rapid charging costs more than fast charging. Be aware that drivers generally pay more for motorway charging just as drivers at the wheel of a petrol or diesel car pay more money for their fuel.
Charging at home is usually the most economical means of filling the battery. It will add to your annual household electricity bills, however, this will be offset by the amount that you will be saving on the cost of petrol or diesel.
Zap Map can help you find your nearest chargers no matter where they are. Check it out here: https://www.zap-map.com/live/
Charging at Work
The government is encouraging businesses to offer EV charging as it’s the ideal place to plug-in away from home. With the vehicle stationary for much of the day, it makes for the most convenient way to take advantage of more cost-effective slow chargers. Additionally, this is a great solution for those without the ability to install a home charger. Some businesses also offer free ‘at work’ charging which is worth taking advantage of.
Installing a Home Chargepoint
Getting a home charger installed is the most convenient way to charge your car and fortunately it’s not as complicated as you might think. If you have a garage or driveway it’s likely you’d be eligible for an installation. Find out more about getting a charge point installed at your home.
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