Charging

Question 1

Are charging cables easy to steal?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

Most new hybrid and electric cars use a ‘Type 2’ connector, which locks to both the vehicle and the charging point while it’s in use making it very difficult to remove without the vehicle’s key. However cable thefts do occur in the UK, due to their 2nd hand value when sold.

Question 2

Are there any specific energy tariffs for my electric vehicle?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

There are several EV Energy tariffs specifically designed for owners of electric vehicles to help them charge at home in the most cost-effective way. These tariffs are tied to each electric vehicle registered at the home and will give discounted kWh rate when used for charging the vehicle.

Some tariffs are only available at certain times of the day while others are flexible and are just tied to the vehicles. It is worth noting most EV Energy tariffs do require a Smart Meter to be installed for them to work.

Question 3

Can I charge an electric vehicle from a three-pin plug socket?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

One of the biggest advantages of an electric vehicle is it can be plugged in almost anywhere with an electricity supply. Most plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are supplied with a cable fitted with a three-pin plug, and this is compatible with any household socket. 
  
 Due to the high power demand it is important to consider the safety if using a 3 pin plug and an extension lead to charge an EV, it is our recommendation that you only use a 3 pin plug for exception only and not your permanent means of charging your electric vehicle. 
  
 By having a dedicated chargepoint it will offer up to three times faster charging, it’s weatherproof and removes the need to trail cables through windows or add an outdoor plug socket – all of which makes life easier.

Question 4

Can I run a charging cable across a pavement?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

There is no law against running charging cables across a pavement, but local rules vary. Section 178 of the Highways Act 1980 says you cannot run cables over, across or along a pavement or highway without permission from the council responsible for it. Some local councils have opted to allow residents to do so, others view it as a trip hazard and will ask for it to be removed. 
  
 The Association of British Insurers says insurance policies also don’t necessarily cover damage to the cable or injuries if someone trips over it. Some specialist providers do offer this, but – if you have to run a cable over the pavement – it’s worth adding a brightly coloured cover to protect it and make it obvious to pedestrians.

Question 5

Can the grid cope with everyone charging electric cars?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

Absolutely. National Grid ESO says peak demand was at its highest in 2002, and it has fallen 16% since as appliances become more efficient and homes and businesses add solar panels. With smarter chargepoints enabling sessions to be scheduled to avoid demand spikes, and energy to be returned to the grid, it’s only projecting a 10% rise in peak demand once everyone switches to electric vehicles. That’s still lower than in 2002.

Question 6

Do you need lots of apps and membership cards?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

All new rapid chargers should already offer payment via contactless credit or debit card, and a lot of slower units offer one-off payments without registering an account. 
  
 However, this is usually the most expensive way to charge. Many networks offer discounts for account holders, and store payment details to make it quicker to start a charging session. Some memberships and fuel card providers also offer ‘roaming’ capability, which enables drivers to access multiple networks with a single account. A few also offer international roaming.

Question 7

Does the UK have enough chargepoints?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

The UK has one of the world’s most advanced chargepoint networks, and it’s growing all the time. There are almost 25,000 units in the UK, many of which can charge more than one vehicle at the same time. Most major routes are also well served by ‘rapid’ chargers, which are located at service stations and rest stops near motorways and A-roads. In England, the average distance between rapid chargers is just 25 miles.

Question 8

How do I claim expenses for the electricity used at home?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

HMRC has an Advisory Electric Rate (AER) per mile which drivers can reclaim if they are using an electric car or van for business journeys. Several suppliers offer automated systems to reimburse drivers via payroll for the full cost of charging at home or on the road. More information about the current AER rate can be found on the [Government website](targetBlank:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/advisory-fuel-rates).
  
 Visit our [home charging section](targetSelf:https://www.ayvens.com/en-gb/discover-electric-driving/charging-solutions/home-charging/) for more information.

Question 9

How do I get a private home charger?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

We work with a number of partners who can provide a home chargepoint unit as an optional extra. The cost of this can be included in your monthly allowance – as permitted by your employer.

Question 10

How long does it take to charge an electric car?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

There are several different types of charging options available in the UK. Rapid DC points use tethered cables, which are attached to charging unit. It is important that you know what types of charge-point your vehicle can use. 
  
 If you are charging a car with a domestic three-pin power socket or 3kw charger, it will take around 12 hours. With a 7kW fast charger (such as home/public chargers) it takes around three to four hours. If you use the rapid AC/DC charges found at motorway services, your battery will be 80% charged in approximately 30 minutes (though you need to remember that fast chargers are more expensive than standard charging stations).

Type of charge-points include:

Question 11

How long will it take for my EV Home Charger to be installed?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

From the point of placing an order to the installation of your charger, we expect this to be no more than 12 weeks in total, but we will try to align this to 6 to 8 weeks prior to your vehicle delivery. Installations usually take around half a day, but this can vary according to each home.

Question 12

How much does it cost to install a home charging point?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

There are many different chargepoints available in the UK. Prices start from a few hundred pounds including installation and increase as you add features such as faster charging speeds, smart app integration or designer units with premium materials. 
  
 Most properties shouldn’t require additional electrical work, though some might need a longer cable to the driveway or upgrades to the main fuse board. Any additional costs are generally identified during the application process. 
  
 Drivers in rented properties or flats can still claim a grant covering up to 75% of the unit and installation costs (to a maximum £350 including VAT). In March 2024, this was extended to provide the same level of funding for on-street installations. Further information can be found on the [Government website.](targetBlank:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-and-infrastucture-grant-guidance-for-installers#ev-chargepoint-grant)

Question 13

How much will electric vehicle charging add to my electricity bills?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

Based on the national average flat-rate unit cost for energy, a typical electric family car covering 10,000 miles per year would cost around £41 per month in electricity if it was only charged at home. On a dual-rate tariff, with cheaper rates for off-peak charging, this could be as low as £10 per month. 
  
 For comparison, using fuel prices from The AA, an equivalent petrol car would cost around £110, while a diesel car would cost £94. Any increase in utility bills is offset by not having to visit a fuel station.

Question 14

How much will it cost to charge my vehicle at home?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

You can work how much your electric vehicle will cost to run using our [EV Cost per Mile Calculator.](targetBlank:https://insights.ayvens.co.uk/electric-driving-tools/ev-cost-per-mile-calculator/)

Question 15

I can't charge at home, are there any alternatives?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

You can use a public charging point. The UK network is rapidly growing, at the end of June 2024, there were 64,775 electric vehicle charging points across the UK, across 33,829 charging locations.

You can see all EV charging stations & electric vehicles with [Zapmap](targetBlank:https://www.zapmap.com/).

Question 16

Is my home suitable for a home charger?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

If you have a dedicated driveway and either own your home or have permission from the owner, you will in most cases be able to install a charger as long as it's in a safe and accessible location. There are some other considerations around distance from your home consumer unit to charge point and load, but these will normally be discussed as part of your onboarding for a home charger.

Question 17

What are the different types of charging sockets?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

There are several different types of sockets used in the UK. A good way to remember what connector you need is to look at where your car is made:

- Asian models, such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander - These cars use the CHAdeMO connector standard, which offers high charging.
- European makes, such as the Jaguar iPace, BMW i3, Mercedes and Volkswagen - These cars use the Combo CCS standard. It is the highest speed charge type currently available – up to 150KW.
- Tesla, such as the Model S and Model X - Tesla uses its own Tesla connector standard.

A searchable map of the UK’s ever-growing network of public charging points can be found at [Zapmap](targetBlank:https://www.zapmap.com/).

Question 18

What if I don't have off-street parking?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

You’re not alone - one in four UK cars is parked on the street overnight and the Government is paying attention. Launched in 2017, the On-Street Residential Charging Scheme (ORCS) provides funding for local authorities to roll out infrastructure for areas without driveways or garages. More than 4,000 units have already been funded by the scheme, and residents can lobby councils to apply.

You can find out more about [on-street charging here.](targetSelf:https://www.ayvens.com/en-gb/support-and-insights/insights-hub/electric-vehicles/getting-started-a-quick-guide-to-on-street-ev-charging/)

Question 19

What is DNO?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

DNO stands for Distribution Network Operator. These are the organisations who are licensed to distribute electricity in the UK. DNOs own and operate the system of cables, towers and substations that bring electricity from the national network to our homes and businesses.

When installing an EV charger, a calculation is needed to assess the increased load the EV charger will have on the home, and therefore the local area. The DNO will be contacted before the installation to ensure they are happy to support the additional load. Generally, they will respond within 10 business days to either approve the application or to confirm if additional works are required.

For more information see the [Energy Networks Association website](targetBlank:https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/find-my-network-operator).

Question 20

What is the difference between a tethered or untethered unit?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

An untethered charger comes with a socket so doesn't have a permanently attached cable. This means you will need a separate charging cable between the vehicle and the charger.

A tethered charger does include an attached cable (usually 5m long) and will also have a Type 2 plug which is suitable for almost all the latest EVs.

Question 21

What will I do if my home charger isn't working?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

To find out who your charger supplier is please look at your home charger or the chargers associated app to understand who the supplier is.
  
 You can contact the supplier via the app to diagnose the issue, the supplier will look to do an over the air update if possible. if they are unable to diagnose and repair the problem, they will send an engineer out to fix the issue.

Question 22

Will I need a different charging cable if I go abroad?

Ayvens · Accepted Answer

Only if you’re charging from a domestic plug socket. Travel adaptors to convert a three-pin plug are not suitable for the sustained high currents needed for electric vehicle charging. However, the Type 2 connector is standard across Europe, so public chargepoints at destinations and rest areas will have the same socket or leads as in the UK.

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