The Best UK Electric Cars with Long Range

Range

Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Range

Ultimate Guide to Charging An Electric Car

Electric car range explained

How do seasons and temperatures affect range?

I like the idea of an electric car where do I start?

Why range anxiety shouldn’t hold you back from driving an electric car

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For businesses and individuals considering the switch to electric vehicles (EV), range anxiety remains one of the key concerns. However, with rapid advancements in EV technology, today’s electric cars offer increasingly impressive ranges that can easily accommodate long-distance travel on a single charge, rivalling or even surpassing their petrol or diesel counterparts, while delivering substantial cost savings and a smoother, quieter ride.

Here’s a look at why long-range electric cars are a smart choice and some of the latest options available on the UK market today.

Why Choose a Long-Range Electric Car?/ Benefits of Long-Range Electric Cars

The benefits of opting for an electric car with extended range capabilities are numerous. Long-range EVs are particularly well-suited for company car fleets and business travellers. Here’s why:

Reduced Operating Costs: While the initial purchase price may be higher, long-range EVs can deliver significant savings on fuel costs – typically 50-70% less than petrol or diesel vehicles. With electricity prices typically more stable than fuel, you can enjoy predictable and budget-friendly travel.
Lower Maintenance: Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts than conventional cars, resulting in reduced maintenance costs and servicing requirements.
Tax Benefits: With zero emissions, electric cars often qualify for attractive tax benefits, including lower Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) and potential exemptions from congestion charges, making them particularly appealing as company cars.
Environmentally Friendly: Electric cars produce zero tailpipe emissions, making them a responsible choice for the environment. By choosing a long-range EV, you’re actively contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Enhanced Residual Values: Long-range EVs typically retain their value better than shorter-range models, making them an attractive option for fleet managers and company car drivers.
Comfort and Convenience: Modern electric cars offer exceptional comfort and a smooth driving experience. With the added benefit of long range, you can enjoy uninterrupted journeys with minimal need for charging stops.
Future-Proof Investment: As the UK moves toward its 2035 petrol/diesel ban, long-range EVs represent a sustainable long-term transport solution.

The Longest Range Electric Cars UK Drivers Can Choose

The following fully electric cars are some of the longest-range options currently available in the UK market, offering drivers the ability to cover significant distances on a single charge.

At ElectriX, we are proud to offer a comprehensive selection of long-range electric cars, catering to a variety of needs and preferences, all available through our leasing partner CBVC. This ever-evolving range is updated regularly, so stay tuned to the Electrix website for the updated list.

Over 400 miles range

Model	Electric Range (WLTP)	Battery Capacity	Charging Speed	0-60 mph	Key Features
Mercedes EQS	Up to 481 miles	107.8 kWh	Up to 200 kW DC fast charging	4.3 seconds (EQS 580 4MATIC)	Luxurious interior, MBUX Hyperscreen, exceptional aerodynamics
Volkswagen ID.7	Up to 437 miles	86 kWh	Up to 175 kW DC fast charging	Estimated 5.5 seconds	Spacious cabin, 532-litre boot, variable-height boot floor
Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD	Up to 436 miles	82 kWh	Up to 250 kW DC fast charging	4.2 seconds	Access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, highly efficient in real-world testing, 15.4-inch touchscreen, acoustic glass
Peugeot E-3008 Long Range	435 miles	98 kWh	~100 kW	~9 seconds	Stylish design, high-quality materials, loaded with tech
Vauxhall Grandland Electric	435 miles	97 kWh	~100 kW	~9 seconds	Comfortable ride, good visibility, practical family SUV
Mercedes EQE 350+	429 miles	91 kWh	Up to 80% in 32 minutes	~7.5 seconds	Luxurious interior, ideal for company car drivers
Porsche Taycan	Up to 422 miles	105 kWh Performance Battery Plus	Up to 320 kW	5.4 seconds (base mode)	Single-motor, rear-wheel drive, excellent driving dynamics, agile handling, responsive steering
Peugeot E-5008 Long Range	415 miles	~98 kWh	~100 kW	~9 seconds	Seven seats, up to 1,815 litres of cargo space, i-Cockpit cabin layout
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor	Up to 406 miles	78 kWh	Up to 155 kW	4.5 seconds (Dual Motor)	Google-powered infotainment, minimalist design, strong performance, 41-litre frunk
Tesla Model S Long Range	Up to 405 miles	100 kWh	Up to 250 kW	3.1 seconds	Industry-leading range, advanced Autopilot capability, premium interior with 17-inch touchscreen
Polestar 3	Up to 403 miles	111 kWh	250kW rapid DC charging	4.9 seconds	Single-motor Long-Range variant achieves the maximum range, 10-80% charge in 30 minutes
Audi Q6 Sportback e-tron Performance	402 miles	100 kWh	~170 kW	~5.6 seconds	Coupe-SUV body style, spacious interior, large luggage capacity

300-400 miles range

Model	Electric Range (WLTP	Battery Capacity	Charging Speed	0-60 mph	Key Features
BMW i7	Up to 387 miles	101.7 kWh	Up to 195 kW	4.7 seconds (i7 xDrive60)	Executive luxury, advanced driver assistance systems, theatre screen
BMW iX xDrive50	380 miles	111.5 kWh	Up to 200 kW DC fast charging	4.6 seconds	Spacious interiors, advanced technology, impressive performance
Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range	379 miles	98.7 kWh	Up to 150 kW DC fast charging	6.1 seconds	Sporty handling, spacious interior, SYNC 4A infotainment system
Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S	336 miles	77 kWh	Up to 125 kW DC fast charging	7.9 seconds	Compact size, spacious interior, good value for money
Kia EV6 GT-Line	Up to 328 miles	77.4 kWh	Up to 350 kW	5.2 seconds (AWD)	Ultra-fast charging capability, spacious interior, advanced tech

Note: Range figures quoted are WLTP estimates and may vary based on driving conditions, weather, and individual driving style. Please consult with CBVC Vehicle Management for the most current vehicle availability and specifications.

Is a Long-Range Electric Car Right for You?

When considering a long-range electric vehicle for your company fleet or personal use, it’s important to assess your specific needs, including typical daily mileage, access to charging infrastructure, and budget. With the wide range of options available, there’s likely an electric car that can meet your requirements while providing the benefits of lower running costs and reduced environmental impact.

As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more impressive ranges from electric vehicles in the future. The current crop of long-range EVs listed above already offers ample range for most drivers’ needs, making them a viable and attractive option for both personal and business use.

By choosing a model with a longer range, you can enjoy greater flexibility and peace of mind, knowing you have the power to go further between charges.

Making the Switch to Long-Range Electric

ElectriX’s leasing partner CBVC Vehicle Management can help you identify the perfect electric vehicles for your specific needs, providing expert guidance on everything from model selection to charging solutions. Contact our team today to explore our range of electric vehicles and start your journey toward sustainable transport.

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Discover electric cars that are available through our partner CBVC today.

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Why range anxiety shouldn’t hold you back from driving an electric car

Range

Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Range

Ultimate Guide to Charging An Electric Car

Electric car range explained

How do seasons and temperatures affect range?

I like the idea of an electric car where do I start?

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

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Electric Vehicle (EV) range anxiety. It’s an issue that anyone who drives an EV has probably experienced at some stage, but it’s also one of the most common barriers preventing people from making the switch to an EV.

It’s the fear that an EV’s battery will run out of power before reaching a destination or a suitable charging point, leaving the driver stranded. The reality is that range anxiety is largely a psychological hurdle rather than a practical one, especially with improvements in EV technology and infrastructure across the UK (there are more than 45,000 charging stations now in the UK).

In this blog, we’ll explore what range anxiety is, why it’s often a concern, and most importantly, how you can easily overcome it. With some simple planning and a little knowledge, you’ll see how driving an EV is not just feasible, but an exciting step towards a greener, more sustainable future.

What is range anxiety?

To boil it down even further, at its core, range anxiety refers to the fear that your electric vehicle will not have enough battery to complete a journey. For many, this anxiety stems from years of driving petrol or diesel cars, where fuel stations are more readily available and you’re more familiar with where to find them. Contrastingly, the notion of running out of charge in an EV can feel more daunting because electric charging infrastructure, while rapidly expanding, doesn’t yet match the volume of petrol stations. It’s also fair to say that some EVs typically will travel less miles before needing a ‘top up’ than a modern petrol or diesel car. It requires a big shift in mentality, but it’s more than achievable, as we’ll come onto…

Why electric car range anxiety is often overstated

While range anxiety can be a common concern, it is often unfounded. Here are a few key reasons that illustrate why range anxiety should not deter you from transitioning to an electric vehicle:

Improved battery technology

Modern electric vehicles have far greater range than many people realise. Gone are the days when an EV could only manage 100 miles on a single charge. Now, most mainstream electric cars offer ranges between 200 and 300 miles. Some top of the range models can even travel 400 miles or more between charges.

Average car journeys

The average car journey in the UK is around 8.4 miles according to data from the Department for Transport, meaning even smaller EV ranges are more than enough for the majority of daily journeys. Think about how you use your car and consider if you really need several hundreds of miles of range?

Expanding charging infrastructure

The UK’s charging infrastructure is rapidly growing to accommodate the increasing number of EVs on the road. There are more than 45,000 charging points across the country, with that number rising every month. Public charging stations are now available at supermarkets, car parks, motorway service stations, and even on residential streets in some areas. There are even some EV chargers that are completely free to use!

How to overcome electric vehicle range anxiety

Although EV range and charging infrastructure have improved, there are other practical steps you can take to ease any lingering concerns about range anxiety and feel more confident behind the wheel of an EV:

Plan your journey in advance

A little preparation really does go a long way. Use journey planning tools and apps like Zap-Map or Google Maps, which allow you to view charging stations along your route. These tools can help you plan where to stop for a charge, ensuring you’re never caught short. Most modern EVs come equipped with their own navigation systems that provide real-time information on charging points, distances, and energy consumption.

Additionally, motorway service stations across the UK are increasingly well-equipped with fast and ultra-rapid charging points. With a bit of pre-planning, range anxiety can be virtually eliminated on long journeys.

Charge at home whenever possible

For the majority of EV owners, home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective solution. Installing a home charging unit allows you to plug in overnight and start each day with a charged battery, removing the need to rely on public charging stations for everyday use. If you don’t yet have one at home, the UK government does offer some incentives that can help reduce the cost of installing a home charger if you are eligible.

Understand real-world range

One of the keys to overcoming range anxiety is getting to know the real-world range of your vehicle. Manufacturers typically provide a range estimate for each EV, but this can vary based on factors like driving style, weather conditions, and load. After a short period of driving your EV, you’ll become familiar with how these factors impact your range, which can help you feel more confident about your car’s capabilities.

In addition, most EVs offer energy-saving driving modes, which can extend your range when needed. Features like regenerative braking also help to conserve and recover energy while driving.

Make use of charging networks

Many companies now offer subscription services that give you access to vast networks of charging points across the country. Services such as BP Pulse, Shell Recharge, and Instavolt have thousands of stations available nationwide. Signing up for one of these services ensures you always have access to a charging station when you need it.

Public charging stations are also increasingly offering contactless payment options, making it easier and more convenient to charge on the go without the need for multiple membership cards.

Breakdown cover and roadside assistance

Most breakdown companies have also updated their policies to include electric cars, so even if you did run out of battery somewhere inconvenient, help would never be far away. Some providers have generators within their roadside assistance vehicles and will give you enough charge to get to a safe destination, whereas others may actually tow you to the nearest charging point so you can recharge the battery there. Just like with petrol and diesel cars, these companies will aim to get you back on the road as soon as possible. Just make sure you have the right level of cover in place and if in doubt, get in touch with them to double-check what they will cover.

Is the end in sight for electric car range anxiety?

As EV technology continues to improve, it’s likely that range anxiety will become a thing of the past. Battery technology is advancing at a rapid pace, with new innovations promising even greater energy capacity and faster charging times. Additionally, more charging infrastructure is being built, meaning that over time, finding a charging point will be as easy as finding a petrol station today.

Range anxiety may have been a valid concern in the early days of electric vehicles, but times have changed. Modern EVs are now designed to meet the demands of most types of drivers. By planning ahead, utilising home charging, and familiarising yourself with your EV’s range and the charging infrastructure accessible through numerous apps, you’ll quickly find that range anxiety is easily overcome.

The shift to electric vehicle driving is not only beneficial for the environment but can also bring about significant savings in running costs. So, don’t let the fear of running out of charge hold you back – the future of driving is electric, and it’s more accessible than ever.

If you want more information on range anxiety, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Range.

Make sure to browse our range of EV deals and to explore the benefits of an electric car lease!

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right for me?

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How to improve electric car range

Range

Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Range

Ultimate Guide to Charging An Electric Car

Electric car range explained

How do seasons and temperatures affect range?

I like the idea of an electric car where do I start?

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.

Start the quiz

The biggest factor when it comes to an electric vehicle (EV) range is always its battery capacity.

Electric car batteries are measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), so the larger the number of kWh in an EV battery, the more electricity it can store and the longer it can power the electric motor.

While there will always be a limit to the number of miles that an EV can be driven between charges, based on its specific battery capacity, there are some ways to optimise the range so that electric car drivers can get the best possible distance between charges.

In this guide, we look at how to improve electric car range through efficient driving and some straightforward EV maintenance tasks.

Maximise EV range through your driving style

Some of the ways you can optimise your electric car range through the way you drive include:

Steady acceleration

Many drivers find the ability of EVs to accelerate quickly an exhilarating experience the first time they drive them, as it can feel quite different to driving off in a petrol or diesel vehicle due to the instant torque. But accelerating quickly does use more energy than gently driving away, so keeping acceleration steady is better for maximising an EV’s range.

The most efficient speed for electric cars

If you’ve driven petrol or diesel cars in the past, you may know that they generally have an optimal speed for efficiency to help save on fuel, which can be anywhere between 45-60 mph, depending on the car. With electric cars, the faster they go, the more energy they use. The most efficient speed for an electric car is generally below 10 mph, but that speed is neither practical nor safe for most journeys. It does highlight why EVs are so efficient when driving through a city!

When driving an EV, instead of trying to reach a certain optimal speed, to improve efficiency, keep your speed as constant as possible, avoiding frequently accelerating or braking.

Utilising regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is a useful EV feature where the car starts to slow down as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator, so you need to use the brakes far less often in everyday driving. It also harvests energy to feed back into the battery, so there’s the double benefit of better efficiency and less wear and tear on your brakes.

In order to use regenerative braking effectively, you need to leave enough space between you and the car in front so that you will slow down in time without using the brakes. It may mean that you have to alter the way you drive slightly to maximise the charging through regenerative braking

Driving without using climate controls when possible

There are times when driving with heating or air conditioning is absolutely essential to your comfort and safety. But whenever possible, turning them down or off, and leaving energy-consuming features such as heated seats switched off can all contribute to helping your electric car run more efficiently, thereby maximising its range.

Plan an efficient route for your journeys

Most people plan their electric car journeys to pass locations where public EV charging stations are available or just go for the most direct route if they don’t need to charge along the way. However, if efficiency is your ultimate goal, over the time it takes to get there, there are other considerations to keep in mind when driving an EV.

For example, motorway driving, at speeds of around 70mph, isn’t a good way to maximise your EV’s range. You could instead choose to drive part of the journey on an alternative route at a lower speed to optimise your car’s efficiency.

Another example is navigating hilly routes. as EVs tend not to be as efficient when climbing hilly roads as they are on flatter ones. It’s not always an option to avoid hills entirely, and choosing another route avoiding hills may not be available or may be longer and hence less efficient. Don’t forget what goes up must come down, so while the car will use more energy going up hills, it can also regain more through regenerative braking when going down.

While maximising the range of your electric car can help you save some money on charging, and lots of EV drivers find it to be a fun challenge, it’s always worth balancing this with making sure you are driving in a way that feels comfortable to you.

Other ways to improve EV efficiency and miles per kWh

EV efficiency is often measured in ‘miles per kWh’ and many EVs will display their current efficiency level on the dashboard, so you can keep an eye on how you’re driving. Along with some tweaks to your driving style and journey planning, some additional factors can help improve your EV’s efficiency and the miles per kWh you can drive in it. These include:

Electric car tyre pressure

If your EV’s car tyres are not at the correct pressure, it can not only result in more wear and tear than necessary, but can also increase rolling resistance. This may slightly decrease your car’s efficiency and range. So it’s best on all fronts if you regularly check your EV’s tyre pressures and adjust as necessary.

Optimise your EV’s battery health

Electric cars are designed for you to frequently charge their batteries which then discharge through driving. However, batteries do start to degrade slightly over time, and you will find that after a period of driving an EV, its range will decrease very slightly as the battery capacity reduces. With most modern electric cars, this will result in a loss of around 1% of range a year at most.

By managing your electric car’s battery health, you can often minimise degradation and keep your EV’s range as high as possible.

Some tips for looking after your EV’s battery health include:

Use AC chargers, when possible, for your regular EV charging – because AC chargers, which usually charge between 2kw and 22kw, are a little kinder to your battery than DC rapid chargers. You’ll usually find AC chargers in places like supermarkets or retail parks, and standard home charge points are AC too. That doesn’t mean you should never use the faster DC chargers, but finding a balance can help maintain battery health for longer.
Use smart charging features if available – many EVs have smart features built into the system which will monitor battery health and automatically adjust the way the car is charging to help optimise this and look after the battery as much as possible.

You can find out more in our ultimate guide to electric car range.

You can also discover more about leasing a new EV.

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Guide to public EV charging

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about public EV charging, from finding the right charger to paying to charge your vehicle.

Energy and Charging

Can you do a long road trip in an electric car?

Do I have to have a charge point fitted at home?

How accessible are electric car charge points?

How do I charge my electric car?

Does your driving style affect how far you can drive?

Does it take long to charge?

How often do I need to charge?

When’s the best time to charge an electric car?

The Ultimate Guide to Charging

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Are you ready to go electric?

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Finding the right public EV charging station

According to Zapmap, there are now more than 70,000 public EV charging devices available across the UK, so finding a suitable public EV charging station has never been easier. Here are some tips to help you locate the best spot for you:

Use an EV charging app – Many popular apps and car Sat Navs include the location of public EV charging stations as well as payment services and practical support. Some apps allow you to search for nearby chargers, check their availability, and even plan your journey based on your current charge level.
Plug and pay – When searching for a public EV charging station, think about the type of cables you need, and whether you have an account with the charging network to ensure easy payment.
Plan ahead – It’s also worth considering the proximity of charging stations to your route and the time of day you plan to use them. If there is only one charger at the EV charging station, you may have to wait during busy periods.

Where else can I charge in public besides an EV charging station?

EV drivers can take advantage of destination charging, which is defined as a network of medium-powered charging points located at places where people typically spend extended periods of time. This allows drivers to top up their batteries while engaging in various activities away from home. Destination chargers can be found at a wide range of locations such as theme parks, restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets. Some supermarkets offer fast charging options, which are free to use. Plus there are thousands of EV chargers available in public car parks up and down the country and 433 of them are currently free to use. Don’t forget to plan ahead and check for updates before you travel.

On-street charging

Provided by local councils initially for those without home-charging solutions, on-street charging is available to use by anyone with an EV. You can find them in various forms, from converted lamp posts to bollard-style designs. Most offer slow to fast charging speeds (3kW to 22kW), ideal for overnight charging or top-ups while you’re out and about.

Importantly, you will need your own Type 2 cable to charge on-street as most are untethered. For the first use, you will often need to download the relevant App. From there, simply identify the location of the charger using the displayed code and pay via the app for whatever power is used.

People charging their electric cars at charging station

What connection type do I need to charge my EV in public?

There are three main types of connection –

CCS (Combined Charging System): Used for fast and rapid DC charging (over 50 kW). These cables are usually attached to the charging station.
Type 2: Used for slower AC charging (typically 7 kW or 22 kW). You often need to bring your own Type 2 cable, so always keep one in your boot.
CHAdeMO: Some older EVs use this type, but it’s being phased out in favour of CCS (only older Nissan Leafs still use CHAdeMO).

It’s important to know which cables are compatible with your vehicle before you set off. If for any reason you misplace a Type 2 cable you can buy a replacement at most electrical or auto stockists. Read more about EV charging speeds and plugs.

How do public EV stations work?

Using a public EV charging station is straightforward once you know the steps:

Think about which side of your car the charging point is on and park your EV in the designated unoccupied charging bay to allow easy access to the charging point.
For CCS charging, simply plug in the cable attached to the station – the cables can sometimes be a little heavy!
For Type 2 charging, use your own cable to connect to both the car and the charging point.
You’ll notice there are many differently branded charging points in the UK, they don’t take cash, instead you’ll need a pre-paid payment card or a credit or debit card to operate them, but they all work in a similar way.
Follow the instructions on the charging terminal to start your charge. This may involve using an app, tapping a card, or paying at the station.
Wait for confirmation that charging has begun.
When you’re finished, stop the charge using the app or EV charging station controls before unplugging – you won’t be able to unplug your car until you have actioned the ‘stop charging’ command.

You don’t need to wait with your car whilst it is charging, but of course you can do. Many public EV charging stations have refreshment facilities nearby so you can take a break and top up from driving while your car is doing the same.

What if the charging station doesn’t seem to be working?

Ensure you’ve followed all the correct steps to initiate charging. If it’s not a user error, call the helpline number displayed on the unit for assistance and troubleshooting. As a result of new legislation, from November 2024 all charge points will have a staffed telephone helpline number free to use 24/7. You can also use the charging network’s app or website to report the faulty charger as this helps other EV drivers and speeds up repairs.

How long will it take to charge my car at a public EV station?

Charging times at public EV charging stations vary depending on your car’s battery size and the charger’s power output:

Rapid chargers (50 kW+) can typically charge to 80% in 30-60 minutes.
Fast chargers (7-22 kW) might take 3-4 hours for a full charge.
Slow chargers (3-7 kW) are best for overnight charging.

You can read more about how long it takes to charge your car in our Ultimate Guide to EV charging.

Public EV charging prices

Costs for public EV charging can vary depending on the charging network and speed of charge. Rapid charging tends to be more expensive than slower options. Some networks offer subscription plans for regular users, which can reduce costs.

According to Zapmap’s tracker which monitors charging sessions across the network, the average price to charge your EV on the public charging network in September 2024 was between 17p (slow charge) and 24p (rapid/ultra-rapid charger) per mile.

man at charging station paying with credit card

Paying to charge at an EV charging station.

One of the easiest ways to pay for EV public charging is to apply for an EV charge card. These can be used with multiple networks and let you manage your payments in one account, including getting receipts. Some also offer time-limited discounts on charging, so you might even be able to top-up for less. Some car manufacturers offer EV charge cards to new EV drivers. Here are some of the different options when it comes to payment:

An RFID card

An RFID card is a type of EV charge card – it is your magic key to public EV charging. It’s super simple to use – just tap it on the charger’s reader and your car will start charging.

The card’s got a tiny chip inside that’s like your EV charging ID. When you tap it, it tells the charger, “Hey, this is me, and I want to charge up!” The charger gets the message, checks that you’re good to go, and then starts powering up your car.

It’s like using a contactless bank card that is exclusively for buying electricity for your car. RFID cards are sometimes provided with home-chargers, if not you can order them through the app or website of most network charging providers – some charge a small fee for the initial card.

Pay by app

There are several apps available for charging EV’s on the public network. Some are provided by companies to specifically use on their own charge points such as BP Pulse, or Shell Recharge. Others Like Zapmap or Electroverse enable users to charge at a wider variety of EV Public charge points across the network.

Contactless

From November 2024, all rapid charge points must accept contactless payments to provide greater flexibility for car drivers who want to use EV public chargers.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the growing network of public EV charging stations. As the infrastructure continues to expand, charging your EV on the go will become increasingly convenient, making electric vehicle ownership an even more attractive option for drivers. If you are thinking of switching to an EV take a look at our range of different EV makes and models here.

Is an electric car
right for me?

Discover electric cars that are available through our partner CBVC today.

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How do you charge an electric car with no driveway?

Energy and Charging

Can you do a long road trip in an electric car?

Do I have to have a charge point fitted at home?

How accessible are electric car charge points?

How do I charge my electric car?

Does your driving style affect how far you can drive?

Does it take long to charge?

How often do I need to charge?

When’s the best time to charge an electric car?

The Ultimate Guide to Charging

Download charging app with Osprey

See UK charging coverage with our map

Are you ready to go electric?

Want to know if an electric car is the right choice for you?

Join in with our simple online quiz to find out more.

Start the quiz

A major barrier to driving an EV for many people in the UK can be their lack of a driveway or off-street parking at home to charge their electric car. According to research, around 32% of UK households don’t have access to off-street parking at home for at least one car or van.

Whether that’s people living in homes with no driveways, in apartments or flats without allocated parking spaces, or in rented homes when permission to install a charger at home hasn’t been granted, it’s a common misconception that this means you can’t have an electric car.

The good news is that there are a variety of different ways to charge an electric car even if you don’t have a driveway. So, whether you want to drive an EV for personal use or have an electric company car, you can find charging options that work for your lifestyle.

In this guide, we outline the different ways in which you can charge an electric car with no driveway.

EV home charging with no driveway

Even if you don’t have a driveway, there might still be some options to charge an electric car at home, depending on your individual circumstances and where you live.

EV home charging for flats and apartments

If you live in an apartment or flat that has a dedicated area for residential parking, there might be the option of having one or more EV chargers installed in your parking area, with the permission of the landlord (if renting) or the building’s owner or management company.

If you have a specific allocated parking space that only you use, it can often be more straightforward to arrange a dedicated charging point to be installed there. Depending on the situation, the charger can sometimes be connected to the individual resident’s electricity meter, or a separate billing method can be set up when that’s not possible.

As this kind of charger installation may require more work to be done to get power to the right place when compared with a home installation, the costs can be higher. But there is currently a government-backed grant available to flat renters or owners to help with the cost of the EV charger and installation.

In situations where there are no dedicated spaces for individual residents, but still a car parking area, EV charger installations are often possible with the agreement of whoever owns the land. Different scenarios here could include:

Several residents choose to band together to organise this so that any EV chargers installed can be used communally as required.
Some landlords may pay for chargers to be installed so that tenants can charge their vehicles when at home.

It’s becoming more and more desirable to have residential EV charging facilities as the number of people driving EVs increases, which means that landlords, building management companies and flat owners who install them can potentially make the property much more appealing in the future for residents too.

EV home on-street charging

For electric car drivers who don’t have a driveway and have to park on the street, there are also some potential options for EV charging very close to home. These may include:

The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme – where local authorities arrange the installation of EV chargers on residential streets, usually either in existing lampposts or new bollards.
A through-pavement scheme – with trials currently being run by several councils across the UK, where charging cables can safely be run from a house to a car parked next to the pavement kerb. If this trial is successful, this form of charging could quickly become available in other areas of the UK too.

Workplace charging for your electric car

One alternative for EV drivers without a driveway at home is to look into workplace charging for their electric car, assuming they have a set place of work that they regularly attend, which has dedicated parking for staff on the premises.

Some workplaces may already offer this, especially if they enable employees to lease an electric company car through them. If there are not currently any EV chargers at the workplace, employees can approach their employer to ask if they can be installed.

There is currently a grant available to eligible employers for the installation of up to 40 EV charge points at a workplace, which will cover a significant part of the cost.

Aside from this, employers can also benefit from installing workplace EV chargers in other ways, including:

Offering workplace EV charging is a benefit which can help with attracting and retaining great employees
It can help the business to meet CSR and environmental targets
It can help demonstrate company values and ethos
Generating revenue for the business, by setting a rate for using the chargers. Most employers can find a balance for this by setting a low rate for employees and a higher rate for visitors or even offering workplace charging for other businesses in the area to use at a certain rate. Smart charge points can be installed that can enable this kind of differentiation between users.

Public charging for EVs

There are now more than 68,000 public EV charging points across the UK, in more than 35,000 locations.

These can come in a range of different settings and contexts, such as:

Supermarkets
Public car parks in town and city centres
Service stations or larger petrol stations
Retail parks
Hotel, restaurant or pub car parks
On-street charge points in residential areas

While using the public charging network is usually more expensive than charging only at home, charging in public locations can be very convenient if it’s a place you would be visiting anyway, especially if a home charger isn’t an option.

Find out more in our ultimate guide to electric car charging.

While working out charging times that are convenient for everyone involved can sometimes take a bit of thought, it can work out very well for those without a driveway at home to use the EV home charger of local family members, friends or neighbours who also drive an electric car and do have off-street parking with a charge point installed.

Can I run a charging cable from my home to my electric car parked on the street?

Running a cable from your home to your EV parked on the street isn’t necessarily technically illegal, but is something that is fraught with potential problems and it’s recommended not to take the risk.

For example, if the cable were to trip someone up in the street, you might be found legally responsible for this.

Or, if you are using a cable through an open window or door into your home that is plugged into a standard 3-pin socket inside, this could also have security and fire risks. It also takes a long time to charge the vehicle, as the amount of power being drawn is much lower than most dedicated home or public EV chargers.

As we’ve covered in this article, there are several potential options for charging an electric car when you don’t have a driveway, so it’s no longer something that should automatically stop you from making the switch to an EV.

Making sure that you are familiar with the public EV charging locations in your area, the availability of on-street charging in your location or the possibility of

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Does it take a long time to charge an electric car?

This is a classic ‘How long’s a piece of string?’ question. You’ve got to factor in the age and model of your electric car, where you charge and what type of charger you’re using.

In super-simple terms, there are three levels of charging: plugging into a normal plug socket (which isn’t recommended – as we’ll explain later), home charging with a proper charger set-up, and public charging (either at standard or rapid speeds) away from home.

It really does vary from vehicle to vehicle. Some are renowned for how quickly they can charge. Others are notorious for how slowly they charge. The ballpark range for an average home charger is anything from 5 hours to 12 hours for a 100% charge, although people rarely charge from a very low state of charge. But some cars can charge from 5-80% in a speedy 18 minutes on the most rapid public chargers.

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How long will it take to charge from low to 100% at home?

Using the Hyundai KONA Electric 64kWh as an example. This is Hyundai’s electric answer to its ICE equivalent. According to the Electric Vehicle Database it has a WLTP range of about 240 miles when it’s fully charged.

To charge a Hyundai KONA Electric 65kWh from 0-100% using a 7kW standard charge point would take 10h 15m. Based on these figures, a one hour charge at the supermarket would give your battery a 10% charge, and seven hours at your workplace would give your battery about a 70% charge.

Find out how one electric car driver thinks it’s even less…

“I love the fact that it takes me ten seconds to charge my car at home! This is the time it takes for me to get out of my car on the driveway, plug the car in and go inside. Then I let the smart charger do its stuff, and wake up the next day to a car full of electrons. I tend to top up regularly, to take best advantage of off-peak hours.”
Ben Afia, September 2022

Home charging

Let’s take home charging first. Most electric car drivers do most of their charging at home, overnight. It’s relatively cheap if you can charge at home, even with rising energy prices – as long as you’re on the right electric car-friendly energy tariff.

But what do you use to actually charge your car? If you’re charging it at home, there are three main ways.

Smart charger (tethered) – a charger with a cable attached to it, that you simply plug into the car
Smart charger (untethered) – a dedicated charger where you connect your charging cable
Three-pin plug – a standard three-pin plug that you connect to a 13-amp socket

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Are electric car chargers accessible?

Just like everyone else, lots of drivers with disabilities are keen to embrace electric car – but at the moment public chargers can be an obstacle. Unfortunately, some electric car chargers across the UK aren’t accessible for drivers with disabilities right now. However, the good news is that there are now plans in place to make things more inclusive to help more drivers with disabilities to make the switch.

Driving disability charity Motability estimates that by 2035 there’ll be 2.7 million drivers with disabilities on the road. And around 50% of them won’t be able to charge at home so it’s vital that public chargers are accessible before they can go electric.

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What are the problems with electric car chargers?

One of the main barriers to public charging is that wheelchair users can’t always access them, for example kerb heights are sometimes a problem, charging bays aren’t always wide enough for wheelchair access, also cables can be too heavy to lift and surfaces often get slippery because there’s no cover. Also it’s tricky to find information on how accessible public chargers are – and makes it hard for drivers with disabilities to plan journeys.

Not surprisingly, this is putting off some drivers with disabilities from swapping to electric cars.

What’s changing?

The government has worked with Motability and the British Standards Institution to improve things. Firstly, they’ve developed consistent accessibility standards so that public chargers can be labelled as either fully, partially or not accessible, just like they did with tube stations in London. Also they are now working with charge point manufacturers to boost standards for those that aren’t accessible or only partially accessible.

The new standard for accessible electric car charging (PAS 1899:2022) can be found here.

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Electric cars can do a long road trip

Can electric cars do a long road trip?

The simple answer is yes. Like all trips it’s a good idea to do a bit of planning beforehand but you can do a long road trip in an electric car.

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How do I plan a road trip in an electric car?

There’s nothing better than a road trip, getting away from it all and exploring new places. But can you do a long road trip in an electric car? The simple answer is yes.

Like all trips it’s a good idea to do a bit of planning beforehand.

Before you go

Plan where you’ll stop on the way and if you’ll need to charge. Depending on where you’re going you may be able to get there without stopping. But if you’re driving a few hundred miles for a staycation in the UK, you’ll probably want to stretch your legs and get a bite to eat. This is usually a good chance to get a charge at one of over 45,000 public charge points across the UK (last updated August 2023). A charge point app or map will show you the charge points along your route and at your destination and you can usually filter by plug type, charger speed and charging network.
Check you have your cables in the car and if the place where you’re staying doesn’t have a home charge point, you’ll need to find somewhere to charge when you’re out and about.
Does your accommodation have charge points or is there one close by? Lots of tourist attractions and hotels now have charge points so check them out before you hit the road.
Don’t forget the essentials you need in your car for any road trip.
Do you have breakdown cover? If so, check what you’re covered for as some companies take you to your nearest charge point for free, while some ask you to pay.

Electric car apps can help

Download what3words onto your phone. If you break down this will help recovery companies find you and you can also use it to spot charge points.
Charge points are owned by lots of different companies and there are a number of different ways to pay, but most now accept contactless payment but by downloading an app you can also plan your stops and navigate to a charge point if needed whilst driving. Also more public charging points are being added to the UK network all the time so check your charge point app before your journey so you can get what you need before you hit the road.

Picture-of-electric-car-satnav-dashboard-driver-hands-on-wheel

While you’re away in your electric car

You can check the live status of lots of charge points using your charge point app and you can often report if they’re not working.
If you need a rapid charge you’ll find them at motorway services, or at many other places along the UK road network. You can usually pay using contactless, and it’s best to check your charge point app to find your nearest one.

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Do I need an electric car charger fitted at home?

The simple answer is no as there are loads of public charging points across the UK. But it is easier to charge an electric car at home with a charger.

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Do I need a charger installed at home to charge my car?

The simple answer is no – but it’s not quite as straightforward as that.

For example our home sockets are designed for kettles and toasters, not to charge an electric car for hours so it’s much safer to have a home charger installed for your electric car.

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But I’m renting – so what can I do to charge an electric car?

If you’re renting, you’ll need to speak to your landlord, hopefully they’ll be keen to do it, it’s a great selling point to have a charge point fitted, especially if you offer to pay or contribute to the cost of the installation. Also the Government’s EV charge point grant has a £350 cap for installing a charge point in a flat or rented accommodation so it’s definitely worth asking the question.

I don’t have off-street parking – so where can I charge my car?

As you can see from the density map there are already a lot of public charging points in the UK – over 45,000 as at September 2023, so don’t worry if you don’t have off-street parking. Furthermore, if there isn’t one handy for you, it’s worth a chat with your local council. They can get a government grant to cover 75% of the cost for installing charge points on your street or in a council-owned public car park.

To find the nearest charge point to you in the UK, visit our interactive charger map.

It’s worth mentioning that if you have an electric car energy tariff, it’s normally cheaper to charge at home than to use a public charge point, unless you can get a free charge at your workplace or local supermarket car park.

Electric car drivers may be wondering if now’s the time to change tariffs, switch to smart chargers or change where they charge. But before you make any decisions, it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons, and to make sure any changes suit your lifestyle and EV usage.

This article contains links to other sites. ElectriX is not responsible for the contents of any of these websites.

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Should I charge my car at night or during the day?

If you know the cheapest time to charge at home, you’ll save money. You could even earn a few quid.

Using the sun

If you have solar panels (or you’re thinking about getting them) then you have a cheap and greener way to charge. Some home charge points can work out how much extra power you’ve got coming from the panels.

And after you’ve used what you need at home, they transfer the power to your car. Clever and environmentally friendly, too.
Go on an EV-friendly energy tariff

If you have an electric car, it can be cheaper, and greener, to charge it overnight. As most people are asleep, there’s less demand for electricity.

And being on an EV (electric vehicle) friendly tariff is often the best value when it comes to charging your car at home. Check with your energy supplier to see if you’re getting the best deal.

Time for midnight

If you wait until midnight to charge, it’s better for the environment, and often cheaper for you too.

If it’s a windy night, you might even be paid to charge your car, because there’s an excess of renewable energy on the system (generated by wind turbines). It’s worth checking if you can take advantage of this with your energy supplier.

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