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To calculate the range of an electric vehicle (EV), you can divide the battery's capacity by its energy consumption per 100 miles, then multiply by 100. However, the actual EV range is influenced by various factors, including driving style, use of heating, battery age, terrain, and temperature. It's important to note that the full capacity of an EV's battery isn't always accessible to help protect the battery's lifespan. To estimate an EV's range more accurately, you can use online tools like an EV range calculator.
There are many charging solutions available for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs).
As EVs and PHEVs grow ever-popular, so does the expansion of public charging points. Currently, there are 42,000-plus public connectors all around the UK, in more than 15,500 locations. These charging points vary in terms of the output they offer and the amount of time it takes to fully charge a vehicle, with options ranging from a 50kW super-fast charging point to more standard 3kW options.
Finding a suitable charging point out in public is becoming simpler by the day, with the UK-wide network adding more and more locations. At present, you will be able to visit petrol stations and service stops, supermarkets and selected car parks that offer charging solutions. And, when using the services of Zap Map, you can always easily locate the nearest point of charging, making it simple to plan routes or top up when on the go.
You can charge your EV or PHEV at home using a standard three-pin power supply. This, however, is the slowest charging solution and will often require you to keep the vehicle on charge overnight when electricity costs are least expensive. There’s also the convenience of being able to charge from the comfort of home - something that is unavailable to those living in built-up urban environments without off-road parking.
An alternative solution to the standard three-pin plug is to have a dedicated charging point installed at home. A dedicated wallbox will deliver much quicker results, and buying electric car charging stations for domestic environments is a worthwhile investment. Until recently, government grants were available to help fund the installation of such charging points, but with the cost being up to £800, there is undoubtedly a cost effective solution available.
Regardless of cost, it’s important you have a charging point installed by an OLEV professional who will be able to safely fit the system at your property.
For most people, their vehicle remains idle throughout the working day, meaning that being able to use this time to charge your vehicle is a preferred choice. As with home charging, you can charge your car at work using a three-pin power source. That said, many workplaces provide rapid-charging facilities. Indeed, government help is available for businesses, such as the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS), which is provided by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEZ).
At present, workplaces are limited to a maximum of 20 charging points, but this limit is likely to be removed in the coming years. Various charging options are available, ranging from slower charging to rapid facilities; regardless of the charging point selected, it should be installed by a fully authorised OLEV installer to ensure safety and compliance.
There are currently two standardised charger types in the UK and Europe. There is also CHAdeMO, A DC fast charging standard developed in Japan, although this is an older connector that is no longer used, but can still be adapted to use modern charger types.
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle varies based on the battery's size, the charger's type, and the battery's current charge level. You can determine how long it takes to charge an electric vehicle by dividing the battery capacity by its charging power. For example, a 60kWh electric car will take 8.5 hours to charge from 0-100% using a 7kW home charger.
Hopefully, we’ve answered most if not all of your questions regarding EV charging. If not, please check our frequently asked questions below – and don’t hesitate to contact your local Smiths Motor Group team if you require further assistance.
The cost to charge an electric vehicle (EV) in the UK varies based on the charging location. Charging at home is typically the cheapest, with an average domestic electricity rate of about 24.5p per kWh, meaning a full charge for a 60kWh battery costs around £15, providing roughly 200 miles of range. Public charging costs more, especially for rapid chargers (43kW to 50kW), averaging around 78.12p per kWh, so charging a 64.8kWh battery from 10% to 80% would cost about £40 for approximately 168 miles of range. Ultra-rapid chargers (100kW, 150kW, 350kW) are faster but pricier, with costs ranging from 16p to 69p per kWh. Charging costs can also vary by time of day and the specific charging network, with some networks offering membership plans to reduce costs.
Rapid charging for electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK delivers power at 43kW to 50kW, enabling quick recharges. Typically, a rapid charger can boost an EV battery to 80% in 30-60 minutes. These chargers are commonly found at motorway service stations, petrol stations, and supermarkets, making them ideal for long-distance travel.
The UK is expanding its network of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers (100kW, 150kW, 350kW) to support the increasing number of EVs. Tools like Zapmap can help locate nearby charging points.
A Type 2 charger, also known as a Mennekes charger, is a common charging connector for electric vehicles (EVs) in Europe and many other parts of the world. It features a distinctive round shape with seven pins, allowing it to carry three-phase power. This type of charger is designed to provide faster charging compared to Type 1 chargers, making it suitable for both home and public charging stations.
Type 2 chargers are widely used due to their compatibility with a variety of EVs and their ability to support higher power levels, which can significantly reduce charging times. They also come with an in-built locking mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal or tampering with the charging cable.
A CCS charger, or Combined Charging System charger, is a widely used standard for fast charging electric vehicles (EVs). It combines both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging capabilities into a single connector, making it versatile and efficient.
The CCS connector includes the standard Type 2 connector for AC charging and two additional pins for high-power DC fast charging1. This allows for much faster charging times, with some CCS chargers capable of delivering power up to 350 kW.
CCS chargers are commonly found at public charging stations and are supported by many major EV manufacturers, including Nissan, Renault, and Hyundai. This makes them a popular choice for EV drivers looking for quick and convenient charging options.
A fast charger (22kW) uses 32 amps.
A cable length of 7.5 metres is a good size: not too long, not too short.
This means charging when electricity demand is at its lowest (i.e. off-peak) – at night, for example.
