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Everything you need to know about charging an electric car
As the government deadline for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles creeps closer, the shift towards electric vehicles is gaining momentum. According to Zap Map, as of June 2024, there are over 1,145,000 fully electric cars and a further 670,000 plug-in hybrids on UK roads.
Although the conservative government postponed the ban on sales of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 to 2035, Labour promised to reinstate it if they were successful at the General Election – so watch this space!
Switching to an electric vehicle offers several appealing benefits. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, significantly reducing one's carbon footprint. Electricity is also generally cheaper than petrol or diesel, and electric cars are exempt from road tax, helping drivers to save money on running costs.
One major difference with electric vehicles is the need to charge them rather than fill them up with fuel. Many people feel anxious about switching to a car that requires regular charging. However, advancements in technology mean that electric cars can now go further than ever without needing to stop and charge up. Additionally, the charging infrastructure has expanded vastly, making now an excellent time to consider making the switch.
We've put together a guide on everything you need to know about charging an electric car to address all your questions and concerns and help you navigate the transition with ease.
How do electric cars work?
Ever wondered how an electric car works compared to your traditional fuel-powered car? Instead of using a traditional internal combustion engine, electric cars run on a battery and electric motor. They store electric energy within a rechargeable battery and then use it to power the electric motor.
There are a few different types of electric cars: fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid. Both fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles can be plugged into an electric car charging point, but a hybrid cannot. Only the fully electric car produces zero emissions as it runs solely on electricity, whereas hybrids and plug-in hybrids both use a combination of electricity and fuel. The hybrid is the least fuel-efficient of the three options, only able to cover small distances running on electricity before its fuel engine kicks in. This is because hybrids self-charge by recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost using a regenerative braking system.
How often do electric cars need charging?
Those who have never driven an electric car before often have concerns about how often they will need to stop and recharge an electric car, particularly during long journeys.
The frequency with which electric cars need recharging has improved dramatically over recent years as car manufacturers have focused on advancing electric vehicle technology. According to Kia, most new electric vehicles can travel at least 200 miles on a single charge. However, it's not unusual for electric vehicles to have a range of over 300 miles. Most people will find that an electric car can easily cover their daily driving needs.
How to charge an electric car at home
While it is possible to own an electric car without a home charging point, charging your vehicle overnight at home is the most convenient and reliable way to stay charged up.
An electric vehicle home charger is generally much faster at charging than plugging into a standard socket and yet slower than a commercial charging point. It's important to note that although it is possible to plug your electric car into a standard socket using a suitable cable, it is not meant to be a permanent solution. Your standard home socket may not be able to handle the high loads of regularly charging an electric vehicle, and doing so puts you at risk of overloading your home's electrical circuit. As well as being potentially dangerous, charging your vehicle using a standard three-pin plug is extremely slow, so it is usually only recommended in emergencies.
Wallbox chargers
If you want the convenience of charging your electric vehicle at home daily, you will need to have a wallbox charging point installed on the outside of your house or in your garage. Wallbox chargers are wired into your home's electricity supply and are capable of charging your car much faster than your standard socket. A standard home electricity socket has a capacity of 2.3kW, while wallboxes can deliver either 7.4, 11, or 22kW, depending on your needs and your home's electrical system. Your wallbox will need to be installed in a location close by where you can easily park your car.
How much do wallbox chargers cost?
The cost of installing an EV wallbox at your property really depends on the installation service and type of wallbox you choose. Generally, it will cost between £450 for a standard 7kW charger and £1,000 or more for a high-end fast charger. Some people, including renters, flat owners, and landlords, may be eligible for a government grant to help with the cost of installing an EV charging point.
Where else can I charge my electric car?
If you don't yet have an EV wallbox at home or if you're going on a long journey, there are numerous options for charging an electric vehicle while away from home. The network of public charging stations is rapidly expanding; you can quickly locate a charging point near you or along your route using an app or online directory like Zap-Map, PlugShare, or ChargePoint.
Public EV charging stations are widely available in car parks, supermarkets, motorway service stations, park-and-ride locations, and public roads. Companies like BP Pulse, Pod Point, and Tesla Superchargers operate extensive networks across the country. Additionally, it is becoming increasingly common for hotels, shopping centres, leisure centres, and cinemas to offer EV charging points, allowing you to charge your vehicle while you use their facilities.
It's also worth checking with your employer whether they offer an EV charging point. Many businesses are installing EV charging points as part of their commitment to sustainability. These chargers are typically available for employee use and, in some cases, for fleets of company vehicles.
There are different types of public EV chargers, some of which will take longer to charge your vehicle than others. A standard EV charger charges at a similar speed to a home wallbox charger. Depending on how much charge you have left, it can take a few hours to charge your vehicle at one of these points fully. This kind of charger is often found in long-stay car parks. In comparison, a rapid charger is much more powerful and can fully charge your car in 15-20 minutes. This kind of charger is often found in retail parks, pubs, or service stations.
According to Zap Map, the average cost of charging an electric car on the public charging network in June 2024 was 57p/kWh on a slow/fast charger and 80p/kWh for rapid/ultra-rapid charging.
Electric cars on offer at LetsTalk Leasing
If you're looking for a smart and affordable way to drive an electric car, leasing one from Let'sTalk Leasing could be the perfect solution for you. Take a look at some of our top electric car lease deals and be inspired to electrify your ride.
The fully electric Mini Cooper is a compact hatchback that offers all the iconic style and fun of the traditional Mini combined with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
Available to lease from LetsTalk Leasing from £310.86 exc. VAT/month.
The BMW iX1 is a versatile, dynamic, and tough SUV with plenty of mod cons and high-end features that make it a pleasure to drive.
Available to lease from LetsTalk Leasing from £418.32 exc. VAT/month.
The Fiat 500 is a popular 3-door vehicle that combines retro appeal with modern style and technology. This stylish, nippy vehicle is compact and very economical to run.
Available to lease from LetsTalk Leasing from £336.15 exc. VAT/month.
The Renault Scenic E-Tech is a classic family car with a spacious, versatile interior and innovative technology for an eco-friendly drive.
Available to lease from LetsTalk Leasing from £449.29 exc. VAT/month.
The MG 4 is an affordable, all-electric hatchback that combines practicality with a sleek and sporty design, making it an attractive option for eco-conscious drivers looking for value without sacrificing performance or style.
Available to lease from LetsTalk Leasing from £268.96 exc. VAT/month.
https://www.letstalkleasing.co.uk/electric-hybrid-leasing
Our lease deals are flexible, affordable, and hassle-free, making it easy for you to join the electric revolution, reduce your carbon footprint, and start saving money on your vehicle running costs. When you choose LetsTalk Leasing, you can customise your vehicle and tailor your lease contract to suit your budget and mileage needs.
LetsTalkLeasing can provide independent impartial advice on all aspects of Electric Vehicles so please get in touch with any specific enquiries you have, we are available on 0330 056 3331 or via email contact@letstalkleasing.co.uk .
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