If you have recently purchased, or are thinking of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), then it is vital you learn about how to charge your car. The practice is pretty simple – all you need to do is plug it in and patiently wait. Your electric car can be charged at home, but also at one of the many public charging stations. With electric cars becoming more popular, electric charging points are beginning to pop up all over the UK. Some of these are free, and some charge a small fee to use.
Depending on what car you have, and how much driving you do, will depend on how often you need to charge your electric car. It is reported that currently, electric cars have an average of 200-300 miles on them, so if you are not planning on travelling far, then you won’t need to charge your electric car as often. Regardless, it is helpful to know where you are able to charge your electric car in case you ever choose to or need to top up on a long journey.
Benefits of Car Charging
With a growing choice in EVs and charging points, it is clear there are a plethora of benefits.
Accessible
With the surge in EVs being manufacturers and charging points popping up all across the country, EV charging has never been more accessible. There are vehicles and charging points to suit all needs and budgets.
Environment
Electric car charging works wonders for the environment. This is because they do not require petrol or diesel, which emits toxic gases. EVs can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and improve the air quality in your community, positively impacting the health and quality of life of those around you.
Discounts
By owning an electric car, you are able to receive discounts or exemptions from certain charges, typically Clean Air Zones. If you regularly drive to London, this can save you a fortune, as you will be able to travel through the congestion zone and Ultra Low Emission Zone for free. You are also able to charge your EV at many of the free points all across the UK, rather than spending money on petrol, which costs only seem to rise.
Quick and Easy
EV charging can be quick and easy to use. As demand increases, infrastructure grows and new technology is adopted, there are more fast, rapid and ultra-rapid charging points being installed all across the UK. In 2021 alone so far, there were 14,789 fast-charging points, 3686 rapid charging points, and 1126 ultra-rapid charging points installed, slowly increasing not only the volume and convenience of charging points but also the speed EVs can be charged at.
EV Charge Points in North East England
In North East England, there are now over 1,000 charging point connectors in the region, which equates to approximately 6.7% of the UK’s distribution of charging points.
On the interactive map below, you will be able to see the EV charging points in North East England. Bookmark this page for whenever you are out and about and need a charging point.
How Many Electric Charging Points are There in the UK?
At this moment in time, you can find more than 42,000 car charging points across the UK, which is already more than the number of petrol stations available. In order to meet the government’s demand from the planned ban in 2030 on the sale of petrol and diesel cars, it has been suggested that the UK will have to introduce up to 10 times more charging points.
Are Public Electric Car Charging Points Free?
Public electric car charging points differ in pricing. Some are completely free and are often located in supermarkets, car parks or petrol stations. This is a great way to save you money and can be done while you are already out and about, for example, you can charge your car while you shop at the supermarket.
Some public electric car charging points cost money. This will either be in the form of an RFID card, which is similar to a debit card and is found on older charge points that have to be ordered online in order to use, or an app-enable charge point, whereby you are put on a tariff.
If you wish to charge your electric car with a rapid charger, which is most commonly found at motorway service stations, the fees are slightly different. Some are free, whereas some points are put onto their own tariff dictated by the operator. For example, there are many Tesla charging points across the UK that are free, whereas Pod Point’s charge approximately 25p/kWh at Lidl, which if you were to charge for 30 minutes, giving you 100 miles of range, would cost you approximately £6-7.
How Long does it Take to Charge an Electric Car?
The length of time it takes to charge an electric car will entirely depend on how fast your charging point is, the make and model of your vehicle, and how big your battery is. It can take anything from 30 minutes to 12 hours, however, it doesn’t mean it will take this long every time, as many drivers will keep it topped up, as opposed to charging it from empty every time. For the average electric car, housing a 60 kWh battery and a 7kW charging point, it can take around 8 hours from empty to full. With a 50kW rapid charger, in 30 minutes you can add approximately 100 miles of range.
The fastest way to charge an electric car is with a rapid charger, which can provide your vehicle with approximately 60-200 miles of range in only 20-30 minutes.
Looking for a Home Electric Charging Point in North East England?
Contact EV Solutions to find out more.
A home charger is a convenient and cost effective way to keep your electric car charged and ready for all journeys. Speak to one of our specialists today who will be able to advise you on the best products suitable for your home and compatible with your vehicle.
