We were delighted when Richard Seppings, MD of Anglia Car Charging agreed to answer some of our questions about electric cars and chargers.

We are often asked questions from customers looking to purchase and finance their first electric car and we want to make sure the information we give is current and informative.

So, we invited Richard for a Q&A session. Ahead of us sharing the full video interview, here are just some of the questions and answers we’ll be covering:

We know there are different types of electric vehicles, including hybrids, plug in hybrids, battery electric etc but are there different types of charging points?

Yes – there are different strength chargers.

• Slow (13amp plug),
• Fast (up to 7.2kW giving approximately 25 miles of distance for every hour of charge). These are the most common home and workplace charging units. Generally connected to existing power supply.
• Rapid – these are DC (Direct Current). These are generally seen beside the road, at service stations etc. A 100kW charger can put over 350 miles into the tank for every hour of charging.

Do all electric cars have the same style plug?

There are two plug types. Type 2 is the most common and becoming the industry standard for fast charging.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

It depends on both the charger and the car. At home I can charge my car overnight putting 25 miles of distance into the battery per hour.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car and can you charge it straight from the mains?

• I pay 16p/kWh for electricity. The battery size is 64kWh. =£10.24 to charge from empty.
• But there are some amazing deals on cheap night time electricity. Google “EV Tariffs” to find them.
• This can reduce charging cost by 60% or more.

Can you overcharge an electric car?

No. When full the charger switches off.

A big concern for many that live in rural areas is range anxiety, what is your view on this? Have batteries improved over the last few years?

Batteries have got bigger, better and cheaper. Its rare to find a new car which has a range of less than 150 miles. Driving an EV requires a change of habit. I charge my car up every night. So I start every morning with a full tank of fuel. Range anxiety is not an issue at all. There is also an ever expanding network of publicly accessible rapid chargers, so on those days when I travel long distances I can always top up. I use www.zap-map.com to find chargers.

Are electric car chargers eligible for government grants?

Yes, both for home chargers and in the workplace there are grants available. £350 per socket.

Credo are considering installing an electric car charging point, what’s your advice for any business looking to do this?

Do it! It will help your staff make the switch to a more environmentally friendly form of transport. In the next 10 years car chargers are going to become an essential part of every car park. Now is a great time to get involved. There’s grant funding available. (which will not be around forever).

But you need to ask the right questions – we have a nice document explaining the options, possibilities and challenges.

What are the advantages of installing an electric charger at your workplace?

• Help you staff switch to EVs
• Dramatically reduce your fuel costs
• No BIK on electricity taken by staff for car charging.
• Favourable tax benefits in installing the systems now.

• 

• 

Thank you Richard for sharing your knowledge, we learned a great deal and can’t wait to be able to share the full video!

If you are considering purchasing an electric car personally or for your business, you can trust Credo to give you the correct information you need to make an informed choice, including electric chargers!

Call us today on 01603 381955 or e-mail sales@credoassetfinance.com

When it comes to electric cars are you plugged in, switched on and raring to go? Or do you need to charge up your depleted database?

No matter how long you have been driving and how much of a petrolhead you are, pure battery electric vehicles are new technology and many motorists will have more questions than answers.

Moving to electric motoring is not a decision you are going to rush into. Research shows that many EV drivers spent years doing their homework and overcoming their fears about range anxiety – being stranded with a drained battery – and how to keep it charged.

And that is before you think about how much they cost.

One thing is for sure – EVs are not going away and will just become more popular.

An AA survey of drivers predicts one in five vehicles on the road will be purely electric by 2030 which is when the ban on the sale of conventional petrol and diesel cars comes into force. Hybrid sales can continue until 2035 if they can travel ‘substantial’ distances on battery power alone but that is yet to be revealed.

So you need to consider several factors when looking at EVs with the priority being recharging, range and the reality of living with one.

Recharging – The bulk of electric cars are charged at home, usually with a dedicated wall charger that will fully replenish the battery overnight ready to go again.

That usually means off-street parking – a driveway, garage or a dedicated space in a communal area near enough to your home for a power supply. If not, you might be able to charge at work or rely on the public charging network but it is not so convenient.

Range – What sort of driving do you do?

Many EVs now have official ranges of around 300 to 400 miles but remember, just like quoted petrol or diesel MPG, you are unlikely to achieve it in the real world. Factors like your driving style and cold weather eat into range.

That said, many family cars will deliver 150 to 200 miles and city cars more than 100 miles, driven sensibly.

We Brits drive just 20 miles a day on average so range anxiety is not an issue. Occasional longer journeys might need some planning for a recharging stop, along with a comfort break, or you could rent a car for longer journeys.

EVs are at home in urban traffic – quick off the mark with instant torque and power and driving at speeds that are not so demanding on the stored energy. You can also top up the battery a bit when braking and slowing down.

So, if you never drive more than 100 miles in a day, an EV with a smaller battery might fit the bill. And a lower list price makes it more affordable.

Many models offer different-sized battery options to widen their appeal. The bigger the battery in kWh the longer it will take to charge but the greater the range. Kia, is a UK market leader in electric vehicles and its e-Niro crossover is consistently the best-selling car.

It offers 39kWh and 64kWh batteries with power outputs of 100kW (134bhp) and 150kW (201bhp)

The smaller battery gives an official combined range of 180 miles and city range of 251 miles on a single charge. The bigger battery’s ranges are 282 and 382 miles.

A full charge from 0 to 100%, using a 7.2kW domestic wall charger, takes six hours 10 minutes for the 39kW model and nine hours 35 minutes for the 64kW e-Niro.

Ian Robertson, editor and publisher of Diesel Car and Eco Car, says many people go for the biggest battery available in a model, for maximum range to avoid the fear of running out of electricity.

But range anxiety is not an issue once people adapt to living with an EV and knowing how far they can go on a charge and where to top up if needed either at home, the workplace, supermarket or other public charging points.

Many manufacturers predict a move to smaller batteries, so reducing purchase cost, as people get into the EV mind-set and can better evaluate what range they need and get used to topping up the charge more regularly than they would fill the fuel tank on a petrol or diesel car.

Reality check – Some people never test drive the car they buy but it is advisable to get behind the wheel of a few EVs before taking the plunge. It will help you find out what the EV is capable of and dispel some myths. You will also have to get used to an automatic gearbox.

Pricing – More affordable EVs are coming to market all the time and economies of scale and shared technology and development will help to drive costs down.

EVs tend to cost more than equivalent petrol or diesel cars but lower running costs help offset that.

Electricity charging is considerably cheaper than fossil fuel, you pay no annual road tax and EVs are usually cheaper to service with fewer moving parts to maintain.

Many drivers’ next car with be powered purely by electricity so now is the time to start getting your head round making the switch.

Ian Robertson, editor and publisher of Diesel Car and Eco Car, said: “Most electric vehicle experts think switching to an EV is a five-year purchase plan – thinking about it, trying them with test drives and getting yourself attuned to buying one.

“It is all about changing your approach to make your EV work for you.

“Driving an electric car is no scarier than changing from your old Nokia 3210 mobile phone to an Apple iPhone. It is different technology and you have to work in a different way to keep it charged.

“The ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect in 2030. Look at how smartphones have developed in nine years, and how the phone you had then was totally different.

“You are going to see that same move with electric cars, if not more.

“The technology is already there to provide decent range and service now so imagine what it is going to be like in nine years’ time.”

One of the biggest fears about EVs is running out of charge – range anxiety.

Rather than fill your petrol or diesel tank to the brim every time you start a journey you just make sure you have enough fuel. It is the same with an EV.

It makes sense to recharge your EV to 100% whenever possible but sometimes you just need to top up – we already do it with our smartphones.

A pure electric car with a 60kWh battery capacity can be charged, from empty to full, with a seven kilowatts per hour (7kWh) wall charger, the maximum for a home, in just under eight hours. Most owners take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity.

But, if you just need a top-up before going out again, a supermini-sized electric car could gain up to 30 miles of range in an hour at 7kW. Then it can be fully charged overnight.

Many owners charge their cars while doing regular tasks such as going shopping or to the gym.

Robertson said: “A lot of supermarkets now have free charging points. You put your car on charge while shopping and take advantage of the free electricity and have a coffee to get the most out of it.

“Rather than going to the supermarket once a week you might go shopping twice a week because you can charge your car for free.”

Although 80% of EVs are charged at home, more public chargers are coming on stream all the time. With phone apps and sat-nav systems to help find them, it is getting easier to top up on longer journeys.

The electric car market is all charged up and surging ahead with dozens of new models coming to market.

Fully-electric car sales took off last year with demand for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) growing by 185.9% to 108,205 units.

Battery electric car registrations were 49% up, at 9,776 units, in the first two months of this year compared to the same period of 2020. The overall new car market was down 38%.

The take-up of electric vehicles is only going to keeping surging ahead, at the expense of diesel and petrol. A survey, by the AA and ITV’s Tonight current affairs programme, found 47% of drivers will consider an EV for their next car.

Here we look at 10 models, being launched this year, that are set to take the EV market to new levels of desirability and excitement and inspire more drivers to switch to electric motoring.

Audi Q4 e-tron

This new all-electric SUV, due on sale in summer, is likely to cost around £50,000.

Audi’s seventh SUV, the Q4 e-tron is the latest EV in its plan to have 12 electric cars by 2025.

Two electric motors – 150kW on the rear axle and 75kW at the front – create four-wheel drive. The 82kWh battery has an official range of 279 miles between charges and can power the Q4 e-tron from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds.

Set in the floor to boost interior space, the battery can charge at up to 125 kilowatts.

BMW ix3

BMW launches its first fully electric X model, the iX3 SUV, in summer.

Two models will be offered – £58,580 Premier Edition and £61,850 Premier Edition Pro. Both have more standard equipment than the current X3. The pure-electric drive system joins plug-in hybrid and petrol and diesel X3 models.

The electric motor, transmission and power electronics are arranged together in a single housing.

The 286hp electric motor drives the rear wheels and can propel the iX3 sprints to 62mph from rest in 6.8 seconds.

It has an official range of 279 miles. Charging capacity of up to 150kW means the 80kW battery can reach 80% in 34 minutes.

CUPRA Born

CUPRA, SEAT’s high-performance subsidiary, is charging into a new era of transformation with the launch of its first all-electric model this year.

It will be called CUPRA Born from the fashionable Barcelona district that inspired its creation and contemporary design and is being hailed as a game-changer in the electric market.

It will be able to travel up to 310 miles on a single charge thanks to its 77kWh battery which can be charged with enough energy for 160 miles in 30 minutes.

The CUPRA Born will go into production in Germany in the second half of the year.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

The iconic Mustang name adorns Ford’s performance battery electric vehicles.

On sale early this year, the Mustang Mach-E is offered in standard rear-wheel drive, and AWD and limited First Edition models, priced £40,350, £46,650 and £58,080 respectively.

Standard and extended range models, with 68 and 88kW batteries, give rear-wheel drive models 273 miles and 379 miles of range with 248 and 335 miles for the AWD dual motor models. Depending on model, 0-62mph takes 5.8 to seven seconds.

Late this year there will be an even quicker Mustang Mach-E GT with a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds and a range of up to 310 miles.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 all-electric, mid-size crossover utility vehicle, which launches the new IONIQ battery electric vehicle brand, will be available by mid year.

The 58kWh or 72.6kWh battery packs are offered with rear-only and front and rear motors for all-wheel drive. The maximum range is 292 miles.

With a 350kW charger, it can charge from 10 to 80% in 18 minutes.

The ‘Living Space’ design includes a Universal Island centre console that can slide back 140mm. Combined with a flat floor where the batteries are stored, it allows more freedom of movement.

Many interior touchpoints use eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced and recycled materials.

Mercedes-Benz EQA

The EQA, newest member of the Mercedes-EQ battery electric vehicle family, is its first all-electric compact car.

The 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery provides a range of up to 263 miles.

The 188hp EQA’s 100kW DC charger allows it to charge from 10 to 80% in around 40 minutes. Charging from 10 to 100% with an 11kW wallbox takes five hours 45 minutes.

Navigation with Electric Intelligence, standard on Sport and AMG Line trims, calculates the fastest route taking into account charging times. A three-year subscription to Mercedes me Charge public charging service is standard.

The EQA is on sale priced from £40,495 after the government plug-in car grant.

Nissan Ariya

Nissan created the crossover segment with the Qashqai and pioneered the electric car with the Leaf. Late this year it launches the futuristic-looking Ariya, an all-new electric crossover.

Power comes from 63kWh and 87kWh batteries mated to two or all-wheel drive with the latter boasting dual motors.

The 217PS 63kWH front-wheel drive model has a range of up to 223 miles and the 87kWh version 310 miles.

There are three all-wheel drive models, called E-4orce – 279PS 63kWh (211 miles), 306PS 87kWh (285 miles) and 394PS 87kWh Performance (248 miles).

The Ariya can support charging at up to 139kW.

Skoda Enyaq iV

The Skoda Enyaq iV, the Czech manufacturer’s first all-electric SUV, has rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.

The 62kWh Enyaq iV 60 Nav, from £31,085 with the government grant, has a range of up to 256 miles.

It can fully charge with a home wall charger in nine hours 30 minutes. With a public rapid charger it can be topped up to 80% in 55 minutes or 35 minutes if the DC charging is upgraded.

The 82kWh Enyaq iV 80, from £35,950 including the grant, has a range of up 333 miles. A full home charge takes 13 hours. Rapid public charging to 80% takes one hour 10 minutes or 38 minutes if upgraded.

Tesla Model Y

One of the most eagerly-awaited electric vehicles is the Tesla Model Y.

The fully-electric, mid-size SUV is set to arrive in the UK later this year.

The Model Y, which can seat seven people, has two ultra-responsive, independent electric motors which digitally control torque to the front and rear wheels to create all-wheel drive.

The Long Range model has an estimated range of 314 miles and a 0-60mph times of 4.8 seconds. The Performance model has an estimated range of 298 miles and reaches 60mph in 3.5 seconds.

It can recharge 168 miles in 15 minutes at the network of Tesla Superchargers.

Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen’s first fully-electric SUV, the ID.4, is the second model of its ID family after the ID.3 hatchback.

The limited run 1^st Edition, priced £37,800 after the government plug-in vehicle grant, is due in dealerships in March. The range will grow later in the year and four-wheel drive will be available.

The 1^st Edition has a range of 310 miles from its 77kWh battery capacity. Rapid charging at up to 125kW can boost range by up to 199 miles in 30 minutes.

The 204PS rear-wheel drive ID.4 1^st can reach 62mph from rest in 8.5 seconds.

It has a high-voltage battery warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles.

At Credo we love talking about electric vehicles, so if you have a question then why not give us a call, if we don’t know the answer we will find out!

Whether you have a small or large business there are compelling reasons to invest in this technology. It is inevitable that energy costs will rise, and many businesses are looking at ways to not only reduce costs, but to reduce their carbon footprint too.

Businesses across all sectors have already invested and received big savings by installing solar panels on the roof of their commercial premises or by utilising spare land. 

Commercial solar panels can make a huge difference to your business by generating free, green electricity that can be used to reduce your overall reliance on power from the grid, therefore avoiding ever increasing wholesale market costs. Not only can it lower your electricity bill, but did you know you can also sell electricity that isn’t used back to the National grid?  This can boost your business income, especially for those larger businesses that have spare land or enough roof space to house solar panels to achieve a further return on investment.

Energy companies are keen to purchase excess electricity from businesses, in particular when the grids under its highest strain, such as between 4-7 pm on weekdays or when local plants are down. Once your required export meter is in place, it is simply a matter of agreeing a contract with one of the many energy companies. They can buy your clean energy in the form of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) at wholesale rate, to then sell on to their customers at the prevailing retail rate.

Solar is already the world’s fastest growing energy technology.  Today’s average commercial solar panel converts 17-19% of the light energy hitting it to electricity. This is up from 12% just 10 years ago.

If you would like further information on the above, or already have a project in mind that you need help with, give Credo a call.  We have specialists in the renewables sector that can answer your questions and bring your project to reality.

Call 01603 381955 or e-mail sales@credoassetfinance.com