How much does it cost to charge and run an electric car?
There are many benefits to owning an electric vehicle – but how much does it cost to charge and run one?
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Lower maintenance costs and cheaper electric charging mean your electric vehicle (EV) will be cheaper on the road, and, as the used car market gets more populated with electric models, you should be able to grab yourself a good deal.
You’ll usually find that the overall maintenance costs of your electric car will be cheaper, as there are fewer oily engine parts that need looking after.
Sure, you’ll still need to keep on top of servicing and upkeep, but the switch to an electric motor usually makes for an easier job.
Charging your electric car doesn’t need to be expensive either. There are ways to keep costs low (usually lower than fuel and sometimes even free!) to get an efficient drive.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car?
The cost of charging your EV will depend on how you choose to charge it – there are a few charging options on offer that all differ in price.
You might even be able to charge for free in some locations – which isn’t something you could ever say about filling up with fuel!
Charging at home
If you know you’re going to be doing the majority of charging at your home, it might be worth investing in a home charging point.
These are designated chargers that are built to give your EV a quicker and easier charge, without the hassle of plugging into your home sockets.
You can still charge via the standard charging cable if installing a charging point fitted isn’t an option.
This works best for those who have off-street parking like a driveway, as you might not want to have your charging cable running across a pedestrian path or car park.
It’s also a good idea to shop around for the cheapest electricity tariff and charge at off-peak times (usually overnight or the early hours of the morning), as this will help keep costs low.
On average, you can usually expect to pay around £15 for one full charge. This will vary depending on how often you’re driving and the type of car you use, plus the type of charger.
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Charging on the go
Charging while out and about is a great way to get an extra boost for your EV, and might even mean you can charge for free.
Places like shopping centres and supermarkets will often have charging points that are free to use while you’re shopping, and your workplace might also offer free charging.
You might find another charger somewhere local to you that will work as an alternative to home charging.
Some places are fitting chargers to lampposts, and there are grants available for local councils to fit more chargers in their area.
Finding charging stations on the go is important as well, so using apps or maps/navigation systems to find the most affordable in advance is a great tip.
You’ll usually find rapid chargers at these stations, which work out to be a bit more expensive (usually around £11 for 30 minutes of charging).
How long does it take to charge an electric car at a charging station?
Charging an electric car at a charging station is a great way to top up on the go, and can quash any worries about running flat on longer journeys.
There are lots of different charging options while you’re out and about, but a 50kW rapid charger can add up to 100 miles to your EV in less than 35 minutes.
That’s enough time to grab yourself a cheeky snack, stretch your legs, and be ready to get back on the road.
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