Founded 10 year ago, charging point manufacturer Chargemaster has seen their business rise in value by 300%. So, what is causing the demand for electric cars and chargers . . .
Decrease in price of purchasing and running an electric car
To encourage the switch from petrol and diesel cars to electric the UK government offer grants towards the purchase of a new electric car, van or motorbike for up to 35%. The plummeting cost of battery is leading to an overall decline in price for electric cars. If your electric car cost less than £30,000 you’ll be exempt from road tax and congestion charge in London. The cost of electric against fuel can save you up to 50% across 10,000 miles giving you a substantial saving against the rising cost of petrol and diesel.
Government grants for charging points
Since April 2015 the UK government has offered a £500 grant towards the supply and installation of home charging points. The installation must be carried out by an OLEV approved installer and you must have off street parking. The grant can reduce an installation down to around £300, this can also be reduced again by supplementary grants offered by car dealers. Businesses are also offered a grant of up to £600 per dual charger or £300 per single.
Environmental
Over their lifetime electric cars emit up to 50% less greenhouse gases than diesel engines, this include the manufacturing process. For example, for every 100km travelled a petrol car will use 168 mega joules of power, in comparison an electric car will use 112 mega joules. This power is also used much more efficiently in an electric car as the on-board computer can judge where to save energy. Ultimately both cars are burning the same fuel but the way an electric car works means that much less fuel is used. Electric cars also prevent the harmful greenhouse gases from being burned in town and cities where they are dangerous to human health. The emissions targets set by countries across the world are leading to an increase in demand for electric car chargers, to encourage those of us still driving a fossil fuel vehicle to join the green side. Chargers such as the Zappi can integrate your PV and wind systems to make the most of your renewable energy.
Speed of charge in electric car chargers
As car manufacturers compete to see whose battery can give the biggest range, the charging companies are having their own technological war. With new high-tech chargers being release every month a car can take as little as 30 minutes to charge. A 22kW charge point generally found in public places due to their 3-phase requirement can recharge your battery to 80% from flat in half an hour. Whilst smaller domestic chargers offer 30 miles per hour of charge on a 7kW unit. Car maker Honda have recently pledged to bring charging time down again, promising a 15min 150mile charge by 2022. This constant evolution in technology means that existing electric car owners also look to upgrade their existing electric car chargers to a faster model.
Opulous is an approved installer for a variety of domestic (EVHS) and workplace (WCS) electric car chargers. Our team can advise you on the most suitable unit and cabling for your electric vehicle and apply for your grant. Check out our services page for more information on electric car charging.
Our team covers East Anglia such as Colchester and Chelmsford for domestic installations. Whilst the commercial team also covers London.
If your store or business needs any assistance with any of the above please contact our team and we will endeavor to assist you.
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