It is expected for electric vehicles to overtake fossil-fuelled cars by the end of the year; with more new drivers inclined to switch to carbon-free solutions. For an electric car, it is important to understand how charging works and what the different types are. Check out this helpful guide on what you should know about charging your electric car and the different charging solutions available.
Public Charging
As more electric cars are being manufactured and purchased, it makes sense for public charging stations to become more frequent throughout the UK. Once you begin to notice them, it is hard to miss them in major cities. Typically at shopping centres, entertainment complexes, or places with major parking spaces, they are used whilst the driver is off somewhere else.
Currently, there are 42,000 charging points in the UK. However, these are mainly in cities; with London having the most. But what about smaller towns, or villages? Remember, if you have to use charging stations, make sure where you are driving has these charging points. Especially through more remote locations. Even in busier locations, drivers may find there aren’t enough available charge points to satisfy all the electric vehicles.
What Should I Know About EV Charging?
For the most part, EVs and their chargers are typically compatible throughout the UK. However, non-rapid charging will typically require a driver to supply their own cable. These cables are supplied once the car is purchased and stored inside the vehicle. Typically, these are used for charging solutions that are alternative choices to stations. For example, for portable EV chargers or home charging points, the driver would take out their cable when they would like to charge their vehicle.
Rapid Chargers, or “tethered cables” are permanently connected to the charging unit and cannot be removed. Similar to petrol stations, these cables are used at charging stations to be used by any passing vehicle. In the UK, these are primarily either CHAdeMO or CCS; with the driver selecting the most suitable. It’s important to know what your electric car is compatible with. No one wants to be running low on charge and not being able to connect their device.
How Much Does it Cost To Charge?
The cost all depends on how long you are wanting to charge and what charger you are using. To charge an electric vehicle to 80% at a public rapid charger would cost between £7 and £10. However, depending on your location, this can also affect the price. For example, in the South, drivers are paying around 32p per kWh. This compared to Northern areas where the charge is around 25p, will easily total up to the overall charging cost.
For an included price, portable EV chargers are starting to become the more popular choice; with the prices similar to or less than installing a home charging point. Ideal for anyone that isn’t lucky to have a drive or off-street parking. These chargers will let drivers decide where they can recharge their electric car.
Elite Electric Vehicle
Portable EV chargers are a great cost-effective method of charging vehicles. Not having to rely on charging stations, for which may have long queues and wait times, you as the driver, get to decide how long each charging session is. Instead of being confined to other drivers. Also, with portable chargers, “range anxiety” that every electric vehicle driver feels is eliminated. You don’t have to plan your route around available charging stations; your charging solution will be with you in your electric car.
At Elite, we offer temporary and permanent charging solutions for an electric car. Whether this charging at an event or travelling through off-grid locations; you want a reliable charger to ensure you remain fully connected no matter the area.
For more information on our services, or to receive a quote, fill in our online form. Or, follow us on Instagram. Our social media team posts regular content on the benefits of portable EV chargers; all direct to your feed.