Latest news with #EVowners
The Independent
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Changing one thing about public chargers would make half of drivers switch to an EV sooner
New research has shown that half of drivers would switch to an electric car sooner if the VAT on public charging matched that of home charging. A pain point for many EV owners and a barrier to entry for non-EV drivers, public charging points are currently taxed at 20 per cent compared to 5 per cent when charging at home. Younger drivers, those living in flats or rental properties, and those without access to off-street parking are particularly impacted by the disparity in VAT charging rates. The research by EV charging company Gridserve found that 84 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds and 76 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds say they'd be more inclined to switch to an electric car under a more even tax structure. In cities where off-street parking is less available, drivers are especially keen to see a change in the VAT rate. Three in four Londoners say they'd switch to an EV sooner compared to the national average of almost half. Two in five drivers nationally called the disparity in VAT charging rates unfair. EV running costs are typically cheaper than combustion cars, but the cost of using public charging points is significantly higher than charging at home, where overnight energy tariffs and reduced VAT can see prices fall as low as 7p per kWh. Drivers with at-home charging save around £1,000 per year compared to those without home charging, and around £800 compared to typical internal combustion engine drivers. Gridserve CEO Daniel Kunkel said: 'Removing VAT from public charging would be a significant move towards levelling the playing field and making EV ownership easier for everyone, no matter where they live. The current disparity between the 20 per cent VAT on public EV charging and the 5 per cent on home charging puts a disproportionate financial burden on those without home charging facilities, which could affect more lower-income households. 'Ahead of the MPs debate on VAT rates set to take place on Friday, we urge the government to take this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to fairness and climate action by supporting this bill and ensuring public charging is not only reliable and widespread but also equitable for all.'
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Mistakes To Avoid When Installing An EV Charging Station In Your Garage
Electric vehicle sales have experienced years of robust growth, and this trend is expected to continue. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicle sales increased by more than 40% in 2023 compared to 2022 in the United States. And if you're an electric vehicle owner, a home EV charging station is essential. Now, although charging your vehicle at home offers several benefits, there are some mistakes you must avoid when you install a home EV charging station in your garage. The mistakes include amateur installations, forgetting to access your home's electrical system, and buying the wrong type of charger. While the cost of installing an EV charger in your home can be a bit pricey, that amount will likely increase if you have any of these issues. Ensuring that you avoid them will allow you to enjoy the benefits of your home charging station. For many electric vehicle owners, the convenience of having a charging station at home for their electric vehicle is a major advantage. The ability to charge the car while cooking dinner and relaxing in the evening saves time and money. In addition, it is better for your car's battery. The fast chargers found in public charging stations can degrade your battery and shorten its life when used too frequently. A home EV charger allows you to minimize the use of these public charging stations. Read more: The Best Ways To Heat Your Garage Without An Electric Space Heater Choosing the wrong type of EV charging station for your vehicle and your charging needs is a common mistake. The most frequently used home EV chargers are Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations. The Level 1 charger usually comes with your vehicle and plugs into a typical 110V outlet. However, these chargers are extremely slow, taking as long as 24 hours to fully charge the vehicle. Level 2 chargers are faster but require a dedicated 220V circuit. Neglecting to evaluate your home electrical system is another common mistake people make when installing an EV charger. Before buying an electric car, update your garage and home to ensure your electrical infrastructure has the capacity needed to handle the power demand of an EV charger. Older homes were designed when homes had less demand for electricity, so an upgrade may be needed. A potentially dangerous mistake is not hiring a professional for your EV charging station installation. This is particularly true when you need an electrical service upgrade. A licensed electrician has the training and knowledge of electrical systems, EV charger installation, and local building and electrical codes to handle all aspects of the job, from evaluating the electrical infrastructure to installing the EV charger. The best way to avoid mistakes when you install an EV charging station in the garage is to work with an experienced, trained professional electrician. A licensed contractor certified in electric vehicle infrastructure installation will ensure that your charging station is properly installed and in compliance with all current electrical codes and regulations. Another way you can avoid costly mistakes when installing an EV charging station is to think ahead and plan for the future. Buying a charger that works with a specific vehicle brand may not meet your long-term needs. Selecting a charger with universal compatibility ensures that it will work with any other type of electric vehicle you may buy in the future. Taking the time to research your options and having your electrical system evaluated by a professional will also help you get informed on the total cost of EV charger installation. When you consider how much it costs to charge an electric car at a public charging station, you will find that installing an EV charger at home is worth the investment in the long run. Enjoyed this article? Get expert home tips, DIY guides, and design inspiration by signing up to the House Digest newsletter! Read the original article on House Digest.
