What you need to know before switching to electric

Making the change to an electric car is a big deal. You’re on the right track to helping the environment by lowering carbon emissions, and you’re leading the way to a more energy-efficient future. 

Whilst EVs are becoming more commonplace, there’s a few things you might not have thought about. Transitioning from fuel to electric might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. 

If it’s your first time, here’s a few things you need to know before switching.

How much range do you need?

Research always pays off when you’re making a large purchase. A good place to start is by calculating the average distance you’ll be travelling in your EV. This will give you a better idea of how much range your new car will need, and whether a hybrid might be a more suitable option.

The average range of an EV varies a lot. A fully-charged vehicle can go anywhere between 100 to 300 miles without charging. 

Knowing your average annual mileage will help you to pick the right model to suit your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re looking for a car to take you on your daily commute and short shopping trips, a vehicle with a smaller range will probably do the job nicely. On the other hand, if you plan on driving across the country on a regular basis, you’ll need an EV that can keep up. 

A big factor that holds people back from getting an EV is range anxiety. You might be worried that you’ll end up stranded somewhere with a dead battery, and who can blame you?

However, if you’re equipped with the facts, this shouldn’t be a problem. Once you know how much range you need, choosing the right car should be easy as pie. 

Will you charge at home? 

Charging at home is usually the cheapest and most convenient method for EV drivers. 

If you’re a newbie, you might think you can plug your car into a conventional plug socket, but this should only be reserved for absolute emergencies. 

One, it’s not very safe. Two, your energy bill will skyrocket. 

And don’t even think about using extension cables - they’re an absolute no go. 

The solution? A specially designed EV charger. 

You wouldn’t charge your phone with any old charger, so why should your car be different? EV chargers are made to be compatible with electric vehicles, and will communicate properly with your car. 

Not only is a specialist electric charging station a much safer option, it also makes for faster charging and the ability to take advantage of cheaper charging times. It’s easier than ever to save time and money. 

What’s your energy tariff? 

If you qualify for a home charger, you’ll want to make sure you’re not paying over the odds for your electricity. It’s time to shop around for the best home energy tariff. 

Some companies even offer unique energy tariffs to EV owners. There are two main types of electric vehicle tariffs: two-rate and single-rate. Two-rate tariffs give you cheaper energy overnight, whereas single-rate ones are the same cost no matter the time of day. 

Although the energy crisis might make getting an EV seem off-putting, remember that gas and diesel prices are also on the up. The overall savings you make on an EV, such as repair costs, can still make the investment worth it. 

If you’re not convinced, there’s a straightforward way to get around the rising cost of energy. It’s time to go solar. 

With solar panels installed on your house’s roof, you can begin to generate your own renewable energy. There’s never been a more ideal time to get off the grid. With your home-based EV charging station, you’ll be using clean energy to charge your vehicle and you’ll no longer be at the mercy of rising electricity prices. 

Where are your local charging points? 

Whilst home charging is about as convenient as it can get, there’ll be times when you need some extra power on the go. With advanced planning, your EV can fit seamlessly into your daily routine. 

It’s a great idea to check what’s on offer in your local area. You might be able to charge your car at the local supermarket whilst doing your shopping, or even at your workplace. Once you’ve found your charger, there’s often a lot less to deal with than at the petrol station - simply plug your car in and leave the charger to do its thing. 

The best part? Some public charging stations are completely free! 

You might be concerned about a lack of options, but don’t worry - the UK is moving with the times. As of 2021, there were at least 39,000 on-the-go charging points in the UK, and around 10,000 points for rapid charging. 

If you’re worried about finding these, Zap Map is an app that allows you to find charging points wherever you are in the country. 

Charge your EV with Egg

Ready to buy your electric car and charger? We’ve got you covered.  At Egg, we offer our EV Charger Plan from £24 a month over 3 years (subject to credit check) or £864 upfront.

And, for added peace of mind, we'll repair or replace your charger if you ever run into any issues, for just an additional £3 a month.

AND the chargers? They're some of the best on the market.

Our EV charger is compatible with most electric vehicle models. Installation is easy - you just need to answer a few questions, we'll review your images ahead of installation to confirm there will be no nasty surprises on the day and finally, have our expert team carry out your fitting. Our smart app makes it easy as pie to control your charging, allowing you to take full advantage of cheaper charging times.