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Glyn Hopkin, a renowned Automotive Dealer Group...
Why Should EV Owners Install a 7kW Wall Charger at Home?
Installing a 7kW wall charger at home is a practical and cost-effective step for any electric vehicle (EV) owner. Surprisingly, many EV owners still rely heavily on the more expensive public charging network, missing out on the benefits that a home charger provides. Here’s why making this upgrade is well worth considering:
1. Save Money on Charging
A home charger allows you to take full advantage of EV-specific energy tariffs, some of which enable you to fully charge a long-range EV for as little as £10. Over time, the savings on charging costs can easily recoup the relatively modest installation expense, making this a sound financial decision.
2. Unmatched Convenience
With a 7kW charger at home, you can simply plug in your car overnight and wake up to a full charge every morning. There’s no need to rely on public chargers, queue up, or plan detours just to top up your battery.
3. Long-Term Value
Electric vehicles are already more economical to run than petrol or diesel cars. Home charging enhances this advantage, ensuring that your EV ownership remains both convenient and cost-efficient in the long term.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact
Charging at home, particularly with an EV-friendly tariff or renewable energy, lowers your environmental impact even further compared to using public charging points, which may draw from mixed energy sources.
5. Addressing Barriers to Installation
Of course, not all EV owners can install a home charger—those living in flats or areas without off-street parking may face challenges. However, there are ways to address these:
6. Avoid High Public Charging Costs
Public fast and rapid chargers, while convenient in certain situations, are among the most expensive ways to charge an EV. Regularly relying on these can quickly erode the cost benefits of owning an electric car.
Investing in a 7kW wall charger is a smart way to make EV ownership as economical and stress-free as possible. It’s a straightforward upgrade that delivers convenience, savings, and peace of mind.
EV-specific energy tariffs are specialised electricity plans offered by energy providers, designed to make charging your electric vehicle (EV) more affordable. These tariffs provide reduced rates during off-peak times—periods when overall demand for electricity is lower.
How Do EV Tariffs Work?
Modern EVs are equipped with smart charging features that allow you to set a charging schedule via the vehicle’s infotainment system. This means you can plug in your car and automatically begin charging when your tariff is at its lowest rate. Additionally, many energy providers offer apps that let you control and optimise charging times for maximum savings.
How Much Can You Save?
In the UK, providers like British Gas and Octopus Energy offer EV-specific tariffs with rates as low as 7.5p per kWh during off-peak hours. This translates to significant savings, allowing you to fully charge even large EV batteries for a fraction of the cost compared to standard electricity rates or public charging. Similar tariffs are available in other parts of Europe and the US, so it’s well worth shopping around.
Tips for Maximising Savings
By switching to an EV-specific energy tariff and charging during off-peak hours, you can significantly lower your energy costs and make EV ownership even more economical.
Should You Invest in EV-Specific Tyres?
Absolutely. Rolling resistance, alongside factors like cold weather and aerodynamic efficiency, can significantly impact an electric vehicle's (EV) range. Research by tyre manufacturer Michelin shows that rolling resistance alone accounts for 20% of a vehicle’s overall energy consumption—equivalent to one in every five full battery charges being lost to tyre inefficiency.
To address this, premium tyre brands are stepping up. Michelin is focused on reducing rolling resistance across its entire range, while manufacturers like Hankook have developed lightweight, low rolling resistance tyres specifically designed for EVs.
Investing in EV-specific tyres, or premium tyres designed to reduce rolling resistance, can deliver measurable efficiency gains. These tyres are engineered to optimise performance, extend range, and improve overall energy efficiency, making them well worth the investment.
While budget tyres may seem like a cost-saving option, they often fall short in performance and efficiency. Choosing high-quality tyres designed for EVs will not only save energy but also enhance the overall driving experience, making them a smart choice for any EV owner.
Why Is Highway EV Charging More Expensive Than Home Charging?
Highway or motorway charging is significantly more expensive than charging at home, especially if you have access to a favourable EV-specific energy tariff. Public charging networks, particularly those at service stations, often charge premium rates for the convenience they provide. In some cases, highway chargers can cost over £1 per kWh, making a full top-up for larger EVs more expensive than refuelling certain high-performance petrol cars.
Why Are Costs Higher?
How Can You Save Money?
While highway chargers are convenient in emergencies, thoughtful planning and a bit of flexibility can help you avoid these costly options and keep your EV charging expenses manageable.
How Can Single-Pedal Driving Extend the Range of an Electric Vehicle?
Single-pedal driving, a feature in many electric vehicles (EVs), allows drivers to maximise efficiency and extend range by harnessing regenerative braking. This system recovers energy typically lost during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. Here’s how it can help you get more miles out of your EV:
1. Maximise Regenerative Braking
When driving in stop-start traffic or around town, use the highest level of regenerative braking available. By slowing the car through the regen system rather than the brakes, you recover energy and extend range at no additional cost. It’s an effective way to make the most of every kilowatt in your battery.
2. Optimise Coasting on Highways
On highways or motorways, reducing or switching off regenerative braking allows the vehicle to ‘coast’ when you lift off the accelerator. This prevents unnecessary energy loss from slowing down, especially when you’ll need to speed up again shortly.
3. Adopt an Efficient Driving Style
Single-pedal driving works best when paired with an overall efficient driving approach:
By mastering single-pedal driving and adopting these efficiency-focused habits, you’ll come closer to achieving the manufacturer’s claimed range, extending your EV’s capabilities and reducing the need for frequent charging.