How much does it cost to charge an EV?
The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies depending on the model, make and specifics of the vehicle. It also depends on the type of charge point.
Type of charge points
Slow chargepoints
Slow chargepoints are often the cheapest to use and are suitable when vehicles are parked for several hours. This could be at a workplace or at home overnight.
Fast chargepoints
Fast chargepoints can be found mainly in public areas such as supermarkets or service stations. They are ideal when vehicles are parked for a few hours.
Rapid chargepoints
Rapid chargepoints are the quickest way to recharge a vehicle, typically recharging a vehicle to 80% in around 30 minutes. However, rapid chargepoints can be the most expensive to use, and they cannot be installed at home.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Charging at home
If you are new to EVs, its likely you will need to install a charger point in your home to use as the main charging option. With the rise in energy costs, it’s important to remember that the energy used in charging your EV will be included in your normal electricity bill
Before you get an electric vehicle, you may want to think about how it will impact the cost of your home electricity bill. It is therefore essential to shop around to make sure you are on a suitable electricity tariff.
Are there any Government grants available?
Currently, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is offering four grants to help fund electric cars and EV chargers:
- Plug-in Car Grant (PICG) - discount when buying a brand new low-emissions car
- Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) - grant contributing to the cost of charging point installation at home
- Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) - helps businesses with the upfront cost of charger installation
- On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) - support for local authorities looking to install on-street residential car chargers
Charging on the go
There are over 42,000 charging points across the UK, with more being adding all the time to keep up with rising demand. The cost of charging your electric car at a public charge point depends on the charge point network and the location of charge points.
There are thousands of free electric car charge points in the UK, often located in supermarkets, shopping centres, public car parks, hotels and sometimes service stations. Remember there may restrictions such time limits or purchase required.
If you are a Tesla owner, then the Tesla Supercharger Network has points across the UK which are often free to use for older vehicles. Newer Tesla owners, who bought their vehicle after January 1st 2017, may only receive a set number of free hours of charge.
You can search for charge points on a range of websites including: Zap-Map , ChargePlace Scotland , Plugshare and Open Charge Map
Charging at home vs on the go
The cost of charging your EV at home verses at a public charging point will vary. Below is a guide. Please be aware this will change with rising energy costs.
Charging electric vehicles at work
If your business leases a fleet of electric vehicles its likely you will require charge points at your workplace. Even without leasing, more and more companies are installing charge points as the popularity of EV rises.
Looking for a business lease? We can help. View our latest EV business deals.
Cheaper than fuel
Good news – electric vehicles are likely to cost you less over the course of ownership. Here’s why:
- Now that vehicle tax is based on carbon dioxide emissions, pure electric cars are exempt from paying for the first year.
- Even with energy prices rises, fuel economy is better with EVs
- Lower emissions – better for now and for the future
- Less maintenance and reliable
- Quieter performance and often high spec
Lease an EV with Planet Leasing
As electric vehicle leasing experts in Essex, Planet Leasing are the go-to for both commercial and personal EV leases. Worried about the rise in energy prices and charging an EV? Call our experts today who can talk you through your options.
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The contents of this article are for the purpose of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice upon their own particular circumstances.
