how much does it cost to charge and run an electric car?
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How Much Does It Cost to Charge and Run an Electric Car?

Electric cars are fast becoming a popular way to do your bit for the environment. The belief that they are only for those with disposable income is simply not true. You may be surprised at how affordable it is to charge and run an electric car.

To see whether it could be time for you to go electric, read on.

Cost of charging your electric car

  • Home charging. The cost depends on where you charge it. As you will pay more to use public charging stations, it makes more sense to charge at home. You can also take advantage of cheaper rates, made easier thanks to the purpose-built apps that come with modern chargers like Sync EV.
  • Cost of chargers. Chargers typically cost between £800 - £1,400 depending on your requirements.
  • Amount of power. Home charging points usually deliver approx. 7kWh of power. This is up to three times more than a standard 3 pin domestic socket, as well as being about three times faster. Charging your car at home will take around eight hours for a full charge. If you have a small car, it could be as little as half that time.
  • Battery sizes. Different models of electric cars will also affect your charging costs. Don’t assume a standard charging cost for all electric vehicles (EVs) as they have varying battery sizes. For example, the smaller Honda e has a battery size of 35.5kWh while a Vauxhall Corsa e is larger at 50kWh.
  • Government grant. If you own or rent a flat, you could apply for a government grant to help with costs. The EV Chargepoint Grant subsidises up to 75% of the cost of a home charging station, which is a massive incentive to go electric.

Running costs of your electric car

Want more good news? The running costs of having an electric car can be much lower, compared to a petrol or diesel car.

  • Electric cars are tax exempt. Due to zero emissions and no engine, electric cars are free from tax. This may not always be the case, however, as it only applies to electric cars bought before 31st March 2025 – another good reason to think about switching to electric sooner.
  • Cheaper to charge than to fill. An AA study found that it’s twice as expensive filling a diesel car (Ford Focus) in comparison to charging an electric vehicle (Nissan Leaf) – so charging means saving!
  • Lower maintenance. Fewer moving parts in the engine means there are fewer components to service. Your electric car is likely to last a lot longer due to less wear and tear too.
  • Lower insurance premiums. An electric car could give you lower premiums as they are not stolen as often. Car thieves aren’t able to hang around to recharge your car when it needs it. Also, the battery pack is simpler and easier to repair in a crash than a petrol engine would be. All good news for your insurance policy.

Advice from the go-to team for EV charger installations

Making the change to home charging can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. At Hometec Solutions, our experienced electricians can guide you through the process and take any confusion out of EV charger installation in Nottingham.

If you would like to find out more, contact our friendly, professional team to talk through your requirements.

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Martyn Lacey
Managing Director
Martyn is the founder of Hometec Systems. He has over 15 years' experience in the electrical industry and is passionate about helping people design their homes with great technology. Read his blog posts for expert advice. Connect with Martyn on LinkedIn >>
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