We know that venturing into the EV world can be a daunting prospect. There are many questions surrounding the type of vehicle, the costs involved and how best to charge the vehicle. We have put together some FAQs to help you answer any questions you have.
What EV’s are available?
There are now over 40 different makes and models of electric vehicles available to buy in the UK. With more and more being added to the market each year, there is plenty of choice to suit your requirements.
How much does an electric car cost?
The cost varies depending on the size of the vehicle and the spec. An entry level EV cost between £17,000 - £25,000
Mid-range EV cost between £28,000 - £40,000
Top end EV cost between £60,000 - £100,000
Will I run out of charge?
Most EV’s have a range of at least 130 miles. Some have ranges upwards of 300 miles. Ensuring your car has the adequate charge is the same principle of making sure a petrol or diesel has enough fuel to make a journey. Most EV’s provide you with at least three separate warnings of when battery power is low, giving the driver adequate amount of time to find a chargepoint, to top up.
How much will it cost to fully charge my EV?
This differs depending on the range your car can do on a full charge. However on average it will cost you £4-6.50 for 100 miles of charge if you are charging at home. You would expect to pay slightly more on public chargepoints where rates start from 0.20p per kWh of charge.
Put into perspective an EV with 300-mile range would cost the driver £15 to charge at home. For someone driving a petrol or diesel it would cost roughly £30-40 for 300 miles of driving.
Can I have a car charger fitted at my house?
Providing you have access to off street parking; you can have a chargepoint installed at your home. For a typical household on a single-phase supply, you can have up to a 7kW charger fitted (which chargers a vehicle in 6-8 hours) or properties with a three-phase supply you could have an 11 or 22kW charger fitted (which chargers a vehicle in 2-4 hours)
How much does it cost to install a domestic charger?
The cost varies depending on the available space in you consumer unit and the location of the charger in relation to your consumer unit. Installation costs start from £400.
Are EV’s more reliable?
Cheaper to run and less parts mean they are more reliable and simpler than conventional cars.
How long does it take to charge an EV?
There are four types of chargers available:
· Slow chargers (up to 3kW) take between 6 – 12 hours
· Fast chargers (7kW to 22kW) take between 5 – 8 hours
· Rapid chargers (43kW to 50kW) take between 30 – 45 minutes
· Ultra-fast chargers (150kW to 300kW) take between 20 – 40 minutes
Can I access all types of chargers?
Most modern chargers have a Type 2 plug. At rapid and fast chargers, the most common types of plugs are CHAdeMO and CCS plugs. When looking for an EV it is best to check what type of plug comes with the charging lead in the car and what sockets it will accept. Not all cars will charge at a rapid/fast rate, despite it being plugged into a rapid charger. It can only draw in so much power relative to the size of battery it has.
What is the battery life of an EV?
The battery life will differ per vehicle, but most manufacturers offer an eight year or 100,000 – 150,000-mile warranty on EV batteries.
Can I overcharge an EV?
Although manufacturers have added technology and built-in precautions from overcharging an EV, it’s recommended that to get maximum efficiency out of your battery you should charge it to 80-90% and then let it run down to 10% before attempting to charge it again. This is a similar principle that's advised when you purchase a new mobile phone.
Does an EV need an MOT and Service?
Yes, an EV does still need to pass an MOT. They will also need a service, however with no engine or oil required, a EV service isn’t as costly as it is with a conventional vehicle.
Hopefully the answers to these questions have helped you with any queries or worries you had. If you require further information on EV chargers or EV's please don't hesitate to contact us, via our website or give us a call - 01522 699578.