The 3 most common Electric Car questions answered

Are you charging your Electric Vehicle in the UK? Here is what you need to know about charging EVs

Electric vehicles are becoming as popular as a Love Island winner and so if you’re thinking about switching to EV, you probably have your questions. Whether you’re wondering about the price or the accessibility of charging stations, you’ve come to the right place. The Modems are here to answer some of the most commonly asked questions surrounding electric vehicle charging in the UK.

How many EV charging stations are in the UK?

Research shows an average of 420,000 electric vehicles on UK roads as of February 2022. To meet the rising demand for electric cars, the UK government has pledged to increase the number of public charging stations by more than tenfold. This means that there will eventually be 300,000 charging points across the nation.

If you’re looking for your nearest EV charging station, you’ll be happy to know that there are currently 31,507 points ready for public use throughout the UK. The number of charging points has increased by 35 percent from April 2021 to April 2022, and it’s expected to continue to rise.

Are you wondering where your nearest point is? Use the EV map function here.

Can I install an EV charging station at home?

As long as you hire a professional to install your EV charging point, you can install one in the comfort of your home.

EV charger installation has become much more accessible in recent years. 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.

How much does EV charging cost?

The answer is a little complex, but here are the basics.

In 2021, there were 5,350 free charging stations around the UK. You’re able to find these in several places, such as supermarkets. The availability of free charging stations depends on your location. To name a select few, there are free charging stations provided by local councils in Leeds, Bridgend, and Woking. You will be required to pay a fee in the absence of these.

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 percent compared to those in the North. On average, however, expect to pay anything between £0.20 to £0.63 per kWh in England.

The cost of charging your electric vehicle at home depends on a few variables, such as the size and weight of your chosen car. On average, you should expect to pay between £710 and £1,150 for every 9000 miles.

If you’re eager to go electric, you can apply for an EV charging governmental infrastructure scheme. The scheme can reduce the cost of installation by 75 percent. 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. However, if you use any Rapid or Ultra Rapid electric chargers, you might find yourself paying more than standard fuel prices. To avoid these inflated prices, use classic charging stations instead.

Are Electric Cars better for the planet? (Bonus Question - you’re welcome)

Encouraging the use of electric vehicles may have lasting effects on the environment. One electric car can save 1.5 million grams of C02 annually. So, they are essential to creating a brighter, greener future.

*Our answers were sourced with the help of Northern Powergrid.