Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere these days! They’ve gained immense popularity and are now a serious option for anyone considering a new car. So, are you ready to hop on the green bandwagon and go electric?
By 2025, it’s predicted that electric car sales will surpass those of traditional petrol/diesel vehicles. And guess what? In just seven years, the government plans to say goodbye to new petrol and diesel cars altogether (though you’ll still be able to buy used ones).
Now, we know that the lack of charging points has been holding back many potential EV owners. But is this concern valid? If you’re curious about making the switch or simply want to learn more about EV charging, this article is tailor-made for you.
Types of chargers
Alright, here’s the deal: charging an EV isn’t as straightforward as popping into a petrol station and filling up. There are three types of chargers: rapid, fast, and slow, and they can make a huge difference in charging time. We’ve also got ultra-rapid chargers, but they’re not widely available just yet. Rapid chargers can juice up your battery to around 80% in under an hour, while a slow charger might take up to 12 hours.
As you’d expect, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers can be found at petrol stations and motorway service stations, while slow chargers can be spotted on residential streets, usually attached to lamp posts.
Where to charge
Currently, the most popular spots for charging are at home, your workplace, or public charging points.
Government grants
If you’re a homeowner or landlord, you’re in luck! There are various government grants that can either offer a lump sum toward installation costs or a 75% discount on the total purchase and installation expenses (whichever is lower). And hey, employers can also apply for workplace charging schemes to set up charging points for their staff.
National funding
Not everyone has the luxury of a driveway or ample space for a personal charging point. That’s why local councils are being granted millions of pounds to install more charging points across the country. Plus, they’re required to have charging strategies in place to enhance EV charging in the years to come.
Free charging points
Now, if you’ve been an EV driver for a while, you might be familiar with those magical free charging points scattered around your area. But if you’re new to the EV phenomenon (or have simply been ignoring it), pay attention. There are approximately 4,000 free charging points across the country, usually found at supermarkets, tourist attractions, and some car parks. Oh, and if you’re lucky enough to reside in Scotland, you’ve got the most free charging points in the entire UK. How cool is that?
