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The EV revolution is coming, but how much does it really cost to charge your EV?
Electric cars have become increasingly popular in the UK over the years, as more people look for eco-friendly and sustainable modes of transportation. One of the advantages of electric cars is their lower fuel costs compared to petrol or diesel cars. Thinking of joining the craze or have you already made the switch, find out below;
The cost of charging an electric car can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the charging method used, and the cost of electricity in the area. Generally speaking, the cost of charging an electric car is much lower than the cost of filling up a petrol or diesel car, and can result in significant savings over time.
One of the most common ways to charge an electric car is through a home charging station. The cost of installing a home charging station can vary depending on the specific make and model, but typically ranges from £500 to £1,000. Once the charging station is installed, the cost of electricity will depend on the rate you pay for electricity from your energy provider. According to the Energy Saving Trust, the average cost of electricity in the UK is around 14p per kWh (kilowatt hour).
Based on this average rate, charging a Nissan Leaf for example with a 40 kWh battery from empty to full would cost around £5.60. This means that the cost per mile would be approximately 4p!
When charging away from home you are unfortunately at the whim of the local charging station, for example there are three types of charging stations: slow, fast, and rapid. Slow chargers are the most basic type of charging station and can take several hours to charge an electric car fully. Fast chargers can provide a full charge in a few hours, while rapid chargers can provide an 80% charge in around 30 minutes.
Not many people know but when charging at home one way to reduce the cost of charging an electric car is to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Many energy providers offer lower rates during certain times of the day, typically overnight. This can be a good option for those who have a home charging station and can charge their car overnight. It’s worth checking with your energy provider to see if they offer off-peak rates.
Overall, the cost of charging an electric car in the UK can vary depending on several factors, including the make and model of the car, the charging method used, and the cost of electricity in the area. However, in general, the cost of charging an electric car is much lower than the cost of filling up a petrol or diesel car, and of course price aside you can be safe in the knowledge that you are producing lower carbon emissions than traditional petrol and diesel cars.