the ins and outs of electric cars

Mat Thomson, co-founder of Love my EV, tells us everything we need to know

Many people think an EV [Electric Vehicle] will cost them more. But while they do have higher ticket prices, their overall cost is often the same as an equivalent petrol car, or even cheaper. For those who do an average mileage (7,000 mile per year), the lower running costs soon pay back the extra outlay. Maintenance costs are lower and EV drivers pay no road tax or other congestion charges. The biggest savings, however, come from the fuel, where prices can drop to as little as 1p/mile if charging overnight at home. The government runs a scheme that offers a £500

grant to households to install an EV charger. This scheme finishes next March for owner-occupiers. After this, the market should open up to new installers, so costs could fall significantly. Look for members of trade schemes, like the EVCC, to ensure that you are getting a professional installation. Filling an EV is much cheaper than weekly trips to a

petrol station, but an electric car can add as much as an extra 50% to a home’s electricity use. However, when an electric car owner makes the switch to an Ev-specific energy tariff, while the cost of their bills will still increase, it does so to a much lesser extent.

Importantly, when drivers switch not only to an EV but also an Ev-friendly energy tariff, the automated purchasing of energy at off-peak prices helps to keep the cost of fuel considerably lower than that of a traditional car. Overnight charging also makes EVS even more sustainable, as energy is being purchased and used when there is the most available share of renewable supply on the grid. You’ll need a smart meter to get one of these tariffs, so remember to book an installation before your new EV arrives. The range you get from each full charge varies depending on the temperature outside and more significantly on your driving style. Newer EVS can do over 200 miles between charges, which is more than enough for most drivers. There are currently around 60 different EV models available with another 60 coming to market over the next year. The main consideration for the consumer is the size of the battery. But in new models, there’s a growing difference in the speed of the ‘on-board charger’, which determines how fast you can recharge on the road. The choice can be overwhelming. You need to look at what you want from a car within budget and ensure it suits your needs for every journey. lovemyev.com