Electric vehicle ownership is growing in the UK. Below we have pulled together some information dedicated to shedding light on the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) and debunking common misconceptions. From significantly lower lifetime greenhouse gas emissions to substantial savings in ongoing operational costs, EVs are paving the way for a more sustainable and economical future.
EV charging made simple. Search for charge points, plan a journey and pay for charging. Wherever you go.
Small changes to when you use energy can mean big savings. Charge your electric vehicle for less.
How will the electricity grid handle the additional demand for electricity when more people are charging EVs?
80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain will now be zero emission by 2030.
Whilst an electric vehicle (EV) may have a comparable initial price to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, the long-term operational savings are substantial. The fuel advantage is significant, with EV charging costs ranging from 1-10p per mile, allowing you to drive 100 miles for as little as £1 based on your energy tariff.
Utilising smart charging during low-demand periods on the electricity grid further reduces costs. With energy suppliers such as Octopus Energy, this is facilitated by automatically charging at the most cost-effective times, optimising energy consumption and minimising expense
The main advantage of electric vehicles lies in their potential to enhance air quality in urban areas.
Pure electric vehicles, lacking a tailpipe, generate no carbon dioxide emissions during operation, thereby making a positive contribution to reducing air pollution in towns and cities.
Maintaining electric vehicles is, in fact, simpler and more cost-effective compared to petrol or diesel counterparts. The streamlined design of an EV with fewer movable components leads to significantly reduced maintenance expenses.
Additionally, all EVs incorporate regenerative braking, meaning the energy lost during braking is harnessed to recharge the vehicle's battery, resulting in less wear and tear on the brakes.
Petrol and diesel vehicles rely on fossil fuels extracted from the ground and refined, demanding substantial energy resources.
On the contrary, the energy needed to charge an electric vehicle is considerably cleaner, particularly with the increasing presence of renewable energy in our electric grid. This is especially true for customers on a green tariff with their energy supplier.
The electric engine delivers seamless acceleration and deceleration, creating a quiet and enjoyable driving experience.
The surprising quietness of an electric vehicle is a testament to the advanced technology employed to enhance the vehicle's smoothness and efficiency.
Fact: Pure electric vehicles typically have a range of between 150-250 miles, with some models capable of travelling even further on a single charge. If you are concerned about running out of battery, most EVs can cover up to 197 miles before needing a recharge. Considering the average UK driver only travels 18 miles daily, most people would only need to charge their electric vehicle on a weekly basis.
Fact: With over 50,000 electric vehicle charging points in the UK, the nation has a well-established and expanding public charging network. Quarterly statistics from Zapmap indicate a 68% surge in ultra-rapid charge points since September 2022.
Projections suggest the UK may reach approximately 100,000 charging devices by August 2025. For longer journeys, planning ahead and using charge point maps like Zapmap or Charge Place Scotland is recommended to ensure availability and reduce waiting times.
(How many EV charging points are there in the UK - Zapmap (zap-map.com))
Fact: Although the initial expense of an electric vehicle is generally higher than that of a fossil-fuel powered counterpart, it is essential to consider more than just the upfront costs.
Over time, the ongoing running expenses for an electric vehicle are significantly lower compared to a traditional vehicle. Charging an EV costs approximately one-fourth of what it would cost to fuel a conventional vehicle.
Fact: The lifetime greenhouse gas emissions of a new battery-electric vehicle are only one-third of those from an equivalent new petrol vehicle, considering factors such as battery production and disposal.
The environmental footprint of electric vehicles continues to decrease as electricity generation becomes progressively cleaner.
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lifecycle-analysis-of-uk-road-vehicles)