Electric vehicles are fast becoming commonplace on any road in the UK. If you’re thinking about making the switch to an electric car, you probably have a million and one questions. Wondering how much it costs to charge your electric car at a public charging point? Or how to install an electric charging point in your home? You’ve come to the right place!
Here, with the help of Northern Powergrid, we cover some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding electric vehicle charging in the UK.
Electric vehicle charging questions answered
Can I install an EV charging station at home?
As public interest in EV charging stations grows, more and more people are considering the benefits of home points. In fact, there has been a 133% surge in the number of searches for installing your own personal charging station. As long as you hire a professional to install your car charging point, you’re able to install one in the comfort of your own home.
Electric car charger installation has become much more accessible in recent years. This has enabled people to install EV chargers in their own homes, enjoying the benefits of quick and easy charging at all times of the day or night.
It will be a legal requirement for all new homes to have an EV charging port as of 2022. This will encourage people to use electric vehicles ahead of the ban on diesel vehicles in 2030. The rule only applies to new builds, but you might be tempted to install your own anyway.
Not only will this be convenient for the general public but encouraging the use of electric vehicles may have lasting effects on the environment. On average, one electric car can save 1.5 million grams of C02 every year. So, they are an important part of creating a brighter, greener future.
How much does charging an electric car cost?
There’s no doubt that electric cars are an environmentally friendly alternative to diesel vehicles, but how much do they cost to charge? The answer is a little complex, but here are the basics.
The cost of charging your electric vehicle at home is dependent on a few variables, such as the size and weight of your chosen vehicle. On average, you should expect to pay anywhere between £710 and £1,150 for every 9000 miles.
If you’re eager to go electric, you can even apply for an EV charging infrastructure governmental scheme. The scheme can reduce the cost of installation by 75 per cent. It may not apply to any of your chosen suppliers, so it’s always best to check.
More often than not, charging your electric vehicle will be cheaper than paying for diesel or petrol. If you use any Rapid or Ultra Rapid electric chargers, however, you might find yourself paying more than standard fuel prices. To avoid these inflated prices, use standard charging stations instead.
In 2021, there were 5,350 free charging stations around the UK. You’re able to find these in a number of places, such as supermarkets. Tesco, for example, has 600 free charging points across 300 locations, so it’s always worth checking.
There are also free charging stations provided by local councils in Leeds, Bridgend, and Woking. In the absence of these, you will be required to pay a fee.
This is where it becomes complicated. The price varies significantly depending on where you’re charging your vehicle. If you’re in the South of England, you might be paying an extra 10 per cent compared to those in the North. On average, however, expect to pay anything between £0.20 to £0.63 per kWh in England.
These are the most commonly asked questions about electric vehicle charging. Overall, there's no doubt that there are lots of charging stations around the nation. But if you’re not able to access one now, the rapid growth of the sector means that there will be one near you soon. For more information, visit northernpowergrid.com
Looking to make your home more eco-friendly as a whole? Check out our 18 tips to make your kitchen eco-friendly and our eco renovation guide too.