When first considering an Electric Vehicle, initial concerns focus on the accessibility of chargers and how long it takes to charge. Many drivers of traditional fuel vehicles may be surprised to find out that the latest Electric Vehicles can allow you to drive up to 199 miles on a full charge. With more than 60,000 charging points currently across the UK, read on to find out more about how to charge an Electric Vehicle smartly and cost efficiently as possible.
Drivers of Electric Vehicles have two basic options. Either they charge at a public charging point or at home, ideally overnight at the end of the day so that it is ready for their commute the next morning.
Home charging is typically the cheapest option, with off-peak energy tariffs also offering the opportunity to take advantage of cheap electricity overnight, for example. Charging at home also takes away any anxiety related to the accessibility of charging points or whether one will be available when you need it at busy times.
If you want to recharge your vehicle at home, you could charge it from a standard three-pin plug, but having a home charger installed at your property makes charging much more practical, not to mention faster!
The length of time it takes to charge depends on the size of the vehicle’s battery and the power output of the charger. A small city car, such as the Fiat 500 electric, can be recharged for up to 30 miles in as little as five minutes (based on using a fast charger), making it the perfect choice for urban driving, whether you have a charging point at home or need to make use of the public network. For larger vehicles it will take longer.
Based on the average energy consumption of an Electric Vehicle in the UK, a home charger uses approximately 2.48kWh per day to replenish the range – obviously this is dependent on the distance driven that day as a greater distance requires a longer charge to replenish.
As a very general rule, refuelling a petrol or diesel car costs on average between 19p and 21p per mile. In contrast, recharging your Electric Vehicle can cost as little as 3p per mile, working out about £17 for a full home charge for a typical Electric Vehicle with a 60kWh battery and an approximate 200-mile range.
Home charging is usually the cheapest option; however, some workplaces offer their employees the benefit of free charging so that their vehicles can be charged while they’re on the premises or in the office all day.
While the power costs involved in home charging are low compared to traditional fuels, the initial outlay involved in installing a home charge point must be factored. As a rule, this costs around £800 for a standard installation, although grants may be available to help with this and it can depend on how many Electric Vehicles are in the household.
When it comes to faster and more efficient charging, the key is getting the Electric Vehicle that best suits your needs. Leasys offer a range of electric vehicles for business and private customers, as well as providing helpful detailed information on electric mobility and how to charge your Electric Vehicle in the most effective way.
To help create a tailor-made package for you, talk to one of Leasys’ expert consultants who will be able to help you find the right vehicle for your needs. Every Leasys Electric Vehicle lease also includes services such as roadside assistance and a dedicated driver helpline. Optional cost-effective service and maintenance packages that include tyre replacement and windscreen support are also available. For more information visit Charging your Electric Vehicle | Leasys
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