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The equinox is usually the time that marks spring in the UK, but for new car owners it is something else: March 1, new registration day.
The release of the ’24 registration plates brings many new cars to the roads. And, in particular, new electric vehicles: according to charging company Cord, Halford’s charging partner, an estimated 50,000 new fully electric cars will hit the road in March.
This leads to an influx of drivers needing to install home chargers for electric vehicles.
Cord recommends new electric car owners get a home charger as early as possible to avoid the rush.
With 50,000 new electric cars expected to hit the roads when new registration day of the 24th arrives on March 1, charging company Cord advises drivers to book installation now to avoid the rush.
Smart home chargers are a stalwart of EV ownership, providing the cheapest and easiest charging possible, taking advantage of off-peak energy rates and renewable energy tariffs.
Installing a charger is typically a hassle-free process that takes just a few hours, but Cord says the sudden demand from new ’24 reg electric vehicle owners will put pressure on the national charger installation network.
If tens of thousands of people place orders at once and the scheduling system is overwhelmed, then the setup process that typically takes Cord only two weeks could drag on and customers could be hit with hidden charges and fees once they’ve already ordered. reserved.
Paul Tomlinson, co-founder of Cord, said: “It’s great that so many Britons are using electric vehicles, but it’s essential that their first month of driving isn’t marred by sky-high public charging costs while they wait for a charger.” to be settled, or forced to work from home because they cannot afford to commute.
“If you plan to buy an electric vehicle yourself, it’s a great idea to get ahead and book your charger installation now.”
Charging at home is the cheapest and easiest way to charge your electric vehicle. If new EV owners wait longer than usual for a home charger, they could end up paying nearly twice as much for public charging while they wait, Cord data shows.
But it’s not just getting ahead of the charging installation that can help make your first zero-emission purchase hassle-free.
As with any lifestyle change or purchasing a new device, having recommendations before purchasing an electric car can help make the transition much easier.
So, here are some other charging tips that new EV buyers may not know:
Shop for the best deal on EV energy rates to get the cheapest home charging prices possible
Find charger deals and energy rates
When you buy a new electric vehicle, the manufacturer will already have an established partnership with a home charging company.
You could save on charger and installation cost by going this route.
The same goes for your energy rate. Just as people look for the best checking account deals and trade-in offers, you should do the same with your electric vehicle energy rate.
Suppliers have low peak rates for EVs designed to save you money by charging overnight while you sleep (with renewable energy).
In some cases, it may also come with incentives like free charger installation or trade-in benefits like a year of free charging.
Don’t forget that there is also a government grant called the Electric Vehicle Home Charging Scheme (EVHS), which deducts up to £350 from the cost of a home charger and its installation, available to people living in an apartment they rent or own.
At some point, all electric vehicle drivers will use the public charging network, so familiarize yourself with it.
Get familiar with the public charging network
Even if you’re charging at home, and most do, WhatCar? It was found that 93.6 percent of existing EV drivers can charge their car at home overnight; At some point you will need or want to use the public charging network.
The UK’s charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. At the end of January 2023 there were 31,445 charging points in the UK and 55,301 charging points, an increase of 46 per cent on the previous year.
You will get used to charging very quickly, but for your first outings it is goodGet familiar with your local charging options.
See what fitting rooms are nearby and use them as evidence.
Understanding the different charging speeds (slow, fast, fast and ultra-fast) and the different connectors will help make connecting second nature.
It’s also a great way to see if you want to subscribe to a particular public charging network, set up an account, or download a specific app.
Try using charging mapping apps like Zap Map or PlugShare to locate nearby chargers, check their current status, and make the most of helpful feedback from the rest of the EV community.
Apps like FordPass or Kia Connect work in conjunction with the infotainment system in new electric vehicles and allow you to remotely charge and control aspects of your car when you’re on the move.
Learn about the charging technology your electric vehicle comes with
The new electric vehicles are packed with new technology. It’s now pretty standard for all new EV infotainment systems to have all the charging information you need, including: range status, chargers along your route, and the option to schedule charging remotely.
A connected charging app from the iPhone or Android manufacturer is another feature that allows you to connect remotely to the car and do all of these things too.
In some apps, you can even adjust the car’s heating or air conditioning while the car is still charging so you don’t waste battery.
Knowing the charging technology in your new electric vehicle can help you save money, plan ahead, and make your life much easier—and you can use it almost exclusively if you want.
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