Estimates show that there could be more than one million electric vehicles on UK roads by 2022. And yet, while switching to electric can save drivers money on fuel, emissions tax and benefit in kind payments, the cost of charging an EV is a primary concern for many consumers.
To help dispel some common myths, the experts at myenergi have put forward their top tips to help keep costs down.
- Install your own home charger
Rapid charging at motorway service stations provides around 100 miles of range for approximately £6.50, with some services charging an admin fee of up to £3.50 on top for each transaction. It comes as no surprise then that the majority of EV drivers who have access to off-road parking, choose to charge their vehicle at home.Dedicated home charging points not only provide faster, usually cheaper and saver charging options, they also add value to your home. In 2018, the government announced that charging points will be mandatory for new build houses as part of its Road to Zero strategy. If your house currently does not have a charging point, there are grants available from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) which will cover 75 per cent of the cost of installation up to £350.
Myenergi’s zappi is super easy to use and the easiest of all to install. With its unique PEN-fault technology, zappi eliminates the need for installing costly earth rods and takes just a fraction of the time to be up and running. Unlike some EV chargers on the market, zappi is ready to be used straight out of the box. It also has a built-in LCD screen, which displays key energy monitoring data such as grid import.
- Switch to an EV tariff (also known as Time of Use Tariffs, Flexible Tariffs)
Previously, most EV owners who home charge were utilising Economy 7 or 10 tariffs overnight. However, research carried out by Citizens Advice1 highlights that this could increase the household electricity bill by as much as 50 per cent.
On a standard day rate, the cost of charging an EV at home from empty to full (around 200 miles on a 60kW battery) would cost in the region of £7.80. With an EV tariff in place, this cost could be halved. However, EV tariffs also have to be managed more closely in order to utilise them effectively and ensure charges are set, during periods where electricity is at its cheapest. With a myenergi account, customers will have all the tools to be able to automate charges in line with fluctuating tariffs, to ensure they are always charging for the cheapest prices.
- Renewable energy While EV tariffs are great, having your own source of energy, such as installing PV panels or domestic wind turbines, can reduce bills considerably. myenergi’s zappi smart EV charger comes with optional charging modes to utilise 100 per cent of self-generated green energy – trimming return on investment for both the panels and your EV.
- Find local free charging points Doing your homework and finding free local charging points could also help save on costs. Some employers now offer free charging for employee vehicles while at work, while some supermarkets and car parks allow for free charging for the duration of your visit.
- Use an app Modern EV systems are more sophisticated than simply plugging in until fully charged. Using a compatible app to manage your charging will help keep the battery in its best possible condition. myenergi’s zappi can be paired with a free supporting app, allowing users to utilise economy charging tariffs, engage the boost system and monitor energy usage.
- Check, maintain, service A well-running engine will be less of a drain on the vehicle’s battery. Following the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals will maintain maximum efficiency.
Myenergi co-founder and CMO, Jordan Brompton commented: “More and more drivers are switching to electric vehicles and want the convenience of charging them at home. zappi is a British built, smart charger which enables users to charge their EV either from the grid or using surplus energy from their at home PV panels or turbines.”
For more information about myenergi, or the solar compatible zappi EV charge point, visit myenergi.com/zappiquote/.