If you’re looking to fully or partially power your driving with electricity, you currently have three options that allow you to use battery only or a mix of petrol or diesel fuel and battery power.

There’s battery electric which is 100% powered by a motor using electricity. Electric vehicles must be plugged into a power supply to charge the battery that moves the car.

The mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid system uses electricity and petrol or diesel fuel to move a vehicle. To make this combination work, a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) carries a combustion engine and an electric motor with a battery that is smaller than in an EV.

Similarly to an EV, a PHEV battery must be plugged in to charge. However, the range is lower than in fully electric cars, typically up to 50 miles. This makes plug-in hybrids better suited for short journeys.

Finally, the system using the least amount of battery power: full hybrid. A fully hybrid electric vehicle uses a combustion engine and an electric motor to generate movement.

The key difference to a PHEV is the even smaller battery that can’t be plugged in to charge. Instead, the battery is charged by energy generated from the combustion engine and braking, you’ll sometimes hear this referred to as regenerative braking.

Fully electric vehicles, sometimes also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs), use electricity stored in a battery to generate movement. EVs must be charged, this can be done at home with a chargepoint, like the our Solo range or a 3-pin plug socket, or a public charger you may find at your workplace or in the supermarket car park.

The average distance they can drive on a single charge has more than doubled over the years, from around 100 miles in 2011 to 250 miles in 2024. Some top-spec models can even take you more than 400 miles in one go.

Fully electric vehicles are more popular than ever, with 315,00 EVs registered in 2023. That’s 18% more than in the year before.

Pros of a battery electric vehicle

The pros of BEVs in short:

• Incentives for BEVs

• No road tax for BEVs

• Lower running costs

• Better air quality

• Unique driving experience

Incentives for BEVs

If you own or use a BEV through leasing or because you have access otherwise, you may be able to get up to £350 off the cost of buying and installing a home charger.

This scheme is a great incentive for EV drivers, improving access to home charging which is conveniently located where you park and faster than using a 3-pin plug socket.

The electric vehicle chargepoint grant is available to people who live in a flat or rent a house and have private off-street parking. You need to meet additional criteria to be eligible, which you can find on the Government website.

In our guide to Government grants for electric vehicles, you can browse the full list of commercial and private grants available across the UK.

No road tax for BEVs

All battery electric vehicles currently pay £0 road tax.

From 1 April 2025, the rules around road tax will change. The £0 per year band A will be removed and vehicles in this band will be moved to band B at £20 per year. EVs registered in or after April 2017 will start paying the new Standard Rate of £180 per year.

While BEV drivers won’t be able to enjoy this tax benefit from April 2025, the lower cost associated with charging an electric car still brings the overall cost of owning and driving an EV down.

Read more about road tax rules and other key information in our comprehensive EV buying guide.

Lower cost to run a BEV

The cost of running an BEV is lower than the cost of running a petrol or diesel car.

You can take advantage of competitive electricity tariffs when you charge at home, such as tariffs offering cheaper pricing during off-peak times.

Plus, EVs cost less to service and maintain thanks to the electric motor and battery, which have fewer mechanical components that can fail or need to be replaced regularly.

We talk more about what costs you can expect when owning and running a battery electric car in our EV buying guide.

Better air quality thanks to BEV driving

Only battery electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions. This means they don’t emit harmful pollutants when the electric motor and battery are in use, contributing to better air quality.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, and even plug-in hybrids and full hybrids, emit pollutants that worsen air quality. The particles and chemicals that make up pollution are linked to causing and worsening a number of health issues, including asthma, pneumonia and lung cancer.

Unique driving experience

BEVs offer somewhat of a unique driving experience. Because the delivery of power is instant from the battery to the electric motor, EVs accelerate rapidly.

Travelling in an EV is a much smoother and quieter experience compared to an ICE car. The lack of a combustion engine, gears and other moving parts means there is less vibration and noise.

In addition, many modern EVs come with great features like top-notch infotainment systems, in-built cameras and systems assisting the driver to prevent accidents.

The cons of BEVs:

• Official vs actual range

• Cost of buying

• Charging

• Constant innovation

Official range vs actual range of BEVs

You may find that the official range of a BEV doesn’t match up with the real-life range you get. Manufacturers use the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) to estimate the range of an electric vehicle.

While the WLTP range is more accurate than previous methods as it uses more real-world driving conditions, the actual range can be less depending on your driving style, temperatures and other factors.

Cost of buying a BEV

On average, battery electric vehicles cost more to buy than petrol or diesel equivalents.

If you drive a lot and prefer to own your car, buying an EV is still worth it financially. Lower charging, servicing and maintenance costs will bring the overall cost of owning an electric car down over time.

However, if you prefer to change your car up every few years, leasing may be the more affordable option to driving an EV. There are some super competitive leasing offers on the market, which bring the cost down to what you’d pay for a similar ICE car.

Find out more about leasing vs buying an EV in our helpful guide. 

Charging a BEV

If you don’t have a driveway to park your car on, charging at home may be a bit tricky. But that doesn’t mean EVs aren’t for you! We’ve listed our best tips on how to charge your electric car when you don’t have a driveway, so you can still enjoy the benefits of a BEV

Constant innovation

The rate of innovation in the electric car industry is incredibly fast. While that’s great for widespread adaptation, as it makes EVs more attractive to more drivers, it also means that an EV that’s at the forefront of development today could be considered dated in just a few years.

If you want to enjoy the latest developments and keep up with the constant innovation, consider low commitment ownership options like leasing.

Hybrid (mild and full)

Hybrid electric vehicles have a combustion engine and an electric motor, and are able to use both at the same time.

A full hybrid is a vehicle that uses petrol or diesel as the primary source of power. It has a small battery that repurposes the energy generated from braking and the combustion engine to charge. There’s no option to plug it in to top up the battery, so it always relies on fuel.

A mild hybrid, often also called plug-in hybrid vehicles or PHEVs work on the same principle of combining battery and fuel power to generate movement. The key difference is that a plug-in hybrid allows you to recharge its battery using a chargepoint or standard 3-pin plug socket.

Mild and full hybrids offer a relatively low electric range when compared to full battery electric vehicles.

The pros of a hybrid:

• Familiarity

• Improved efficiency

• Reduced road tax

• Towing abilities

• Longer range

Familiarity of hybrids

If you’ve previously had an ICE car, driving a full or mild hybrid car will feel very familiar. You’ll still go to a petrol station to fill up the tank and don't rely on a charged battery to be able to drive.

Improved efficiency using a hybrid system

Hybrids offer improved efficiency as they employ a clever combination of electric and fuel power to propel a vehicle.

The use of regenerative braking plays a big part in reducing fuel consumption. It stores energy that would otherwise be lost during braking. This makes hybrid vehicles more efficient than petrol or diesel cars in city environments with frequent stop-stop traffic.

Reduced road tax for hybrids

A hybrid car may benefit from a reduced rate of road tax, although the rate is not at £0 as it is for an EV.

Hybrids registered after 1 April 20217 will pay between £0 to £120 of road tax in the first year and £170 per year from the second year onwards. That’s £10 less than an equivalent petrol or diesel car would pay.

There are extra charges for hybrids with a list price higher than £40,000. You can find more information in our road tax guide.

Towing

If you regularly tow a caravan or trailer, a full or mild hybrid may be the best option for you. It still offers some electric driving benefits while being able to tow relatively heavy loads.

Many EVs are not allowed to tow, and if they are, it’ll affect range as more energy is used to move additional weight, reducing the distance you can go. While a hybrid car is likely to have less towing capacity than an ICE car, it’ll certainly be more than an electric car can tow.

Longer range using fuel

On long journeys, a hybrid will likely take you further than an EV, although EV ranges are constantly increasing through improvements to battery technology. The improved fuel economy and primary use of a combustion engine makes hybrid vehicles more reliable when travelling long distances. Plus, you’ll have to stop less frequently to refill.
 

The cons of a hybrid:

• Electric range

• Cost of buying

• Upcoming ban

• Driving experience

• Upcoming ban

Electric range of hybrids

Your electric range is extremely limited with a hybrid. You’ll only be able to travel 1 to 2 miles using the electric motor in a full hybrid and up to 50 miles in a mild hybrid.

A PHEV should be able to travel most short distances using battery power only, easily covering the average UK car trip of 8 miles.

Cost of buying a hybrid

Generally, hybrids cost more to buy than similar petrol or diesel cars. They’re also more expensive to drive on the motorway than diesel cars, because they’re less efficient in this driving scenario.

For example, the latest Vauxhall Astra with a petrol engine starts at a list price of £26,960. The PHEV version of this car is available from £37,935. That’s around £11,000 more than the traditional combustion engine version, and even more than the fully electric Astra.

Upcoming ban of hybrid cars

From 2035, the sale of new full and mild hybrid cars will be banned. This means you won’t be able to purchase a brand new hybrid, but can still buy and sell them second hand.

The ban could make hybrids less appealing to drivers and affect resale values.

Adapting to new charging habits

If you’re currently driving an ICE car, you’ll have to get used to charging your mild hybrid in addition to filling up the tank. It may seem like a small change, but it’s important, because a PHEV is most efficient when the battery is in use.

Not charging your battery and relying on the combustion engine only results in poorer fuel economy, because you’re carrying around a heavy battery without reaping its benefits.

Driving experience in a hybrid

The additional weight of the battery can affect the driving experience. Travelling in a hybrid isn’t uncomfortable, but it may feel less comfortable on rough terrain than in an ICE or electric car, because having the additional battery weight (on top of the engine) requires a firmer suspension. You may also notice that it’s more difficult to take corners than in other cars.

Ultimately, we believe fully electric cars are the best option if your choice is between a hybrid or a battery electric vehicle. With zero emissions, they’re by far the superior environmental choice of EV, cost less to run and offer a pleasant driving experience.

If you’re thinking of getting an EV, check out our EV buying guide for advice on purchasing options, incentives and servicing.

Range anxiety is the fear of running out of charge because of the belief that there aren’t enough chargers and EVs can’t go far enough to reach their destination.

In reality, we hit the highest number of public chargers available in the UK at the start of 2024 and continue to see this number increase month on month. So, it’s never been easier to travel long distances with just a few charging stops. Adding to this, battery ranges are miles better (pun intended) than they used to be and cover the majority of our daily journeys.

Range anxiety is caused by the lack of knowledge of EVs and the charging network. In 2023 alone, the number of UK public chargers increased by a huge 45%. This means there are more public chargers out there than ever, allowing you to recharge almost anywhere in the country when your battery is running low. As the availability of public chargers increases, EVs battery technology is taking big leaps with many new electric cars easily covering close to 300 miles or even more on just a single charge.

Most of the time, range anxiety is an unfounded fear. The standard UK car drives an average of 127 miles per week, while the average EV currently has a range of 236 miles. These numbers show that the majority of drivers will have plenty of range to complete their normal weekly journeys.

If you feel like you’re struggling to get over range anxiety, here are a few tips that could help alleviate your concerns:

• Public chargers are more prominent than ever – There are currently more than 65,000 chargepoints available to the public across the country. That’s the highest number we’ve ever seen in the UK, and this should only keep growing. Better charger coverage will give you the peace of mind that wherever you are, the next charging opportunity won’t be too far.

• EV ranges are miles better than they used to be – The average EV has a range of 236 miles, that’s over three times more than the first mainstream EV, the 2011 Nissan Leaf, could cover on a single charge.

• Good driving habits save energy – Accelerating and braking more gently will conserve energy and give you more range. If available, use regenerative braking to repurpose the power generated from slowing down to replenish your battery for better efficiency.

• Charging apps can help with planning longer journeys – Use charging apps like our Pod Point App or map for web to see public chargers on your route. Taking note of where and when you may want to stop to top up your battery on a long drive will help reduce feelings of range anxiety.

Home charging is the foundation of range management – EV home chargers are super convenient. They allow you to charge to 100% before setting off on any long journeys and reduce your reliance on public charging. Plus, using a home charger like the Solo 3S is the most cost-effective way to power your electric car.

The notion of public charging dependency is a key factor in causing range anxiety among people driving or considering electric cars, but it’s wrongly placed, as most typical journeys can be done on a single charge. A fundamental part in eliminating anxiety about range is a mindset shift away from charging on-the-go to top-up charging at home.

As public charging availability increases year-on-year and electric car battery technology steadily improves, range anxiety among new and experienced EV drivers will reduce and eventually disappear.

Although it’s perfectly safe to drive in hot conditions, EV drivers are understandably concerned with the effect of extreme heat on their car’s lithium-ion battery.

From a technical standpoint, electric car batteries are less efficient when it’s hotter as the heat affects the battery’s power output, which translate to a lower-than-usual driving range. If exposed to high temperatures frequently, or significant periods of time, this can further result in reduced energy storage capacity, giving the battery a permanently shorter range.

High temperatures also slow the rate at which your EV battery can charge, because heat slows down the battery’s internal processes – whether you’re discharging (i.e. driving) or storing (i.e. charging) energy. However, it’s still safe to charge when it’s hot, even on a rapid-charger.

Like most concerns about EV driving, we tend to think of the early days of electric cars when the technology was still relatively new.

Thankfully, modern electric vehicles are worlds apart, coming equipped with advanced thermal management systems (TMS). This keeps the car within optimal temperatures, preventing overheating and maintaining performance in hot weather, by working with another system – the battery management system (BMS) - which monitors battery temperatures.

TMS includes the use of cooling pipes which circulate coolant fluid around key components of the car, including the battery and electric motors. Radiators can also be used to take the heat from the car away and into the surrounding air.

This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to drive an older EV in hot weather. You just might see some loss in battery performance if you drive it frequently when it’s extremely hot, but again, that’s in temperatures of 35 °C+ which (in the UK at least) remains unlikely.

The optimal ambient temperature for your EV sits at around 20 ° C to 25 °C (68 °F to 77 °F for our American readers). In this range, your car will be at its most efficient, giving you peak battery performance, driving range, and charging times.

Above 35 °C/95 °F is when any lithium-ion battery can start to overheat. Fortunately, in the UK at least, it’s still very rare for temperatures to exceed this, especially for long periods of time. Elsewhere in the world, it can regularly be this hot, but fortunately for us...

If you do need to drive on an extremely hot day, these are a few easy-to-follow tips that will help you avoid any issues with your EV:

Pre-condition your cabin before driving

Just like pre-heating your car’s cabin in cold weather, you could air condition the cabin whilst the EV is plugged into your home charger. This ensures your cabin is nice and cool once you set off, without using your battery and spending energy that could otherwise contribute to driving range or performance.

Reduce air conditioning and on-board infotainment usage

You’ll naturally want to keep your cabin cool whilst it’s hot, but using air conditioning constantly will eat into your driving range, which may already be lower due to the heat. That said, air conditioning uses less energy than heating during winter, and some modern EVs have more advanced systems that make air conditioning more efficient.

Plus, EV driving ranges tend to be significantly higher than the typical journey. Unless you’re going on a lengthy road trip, don’t sweat about using the AC! Similarly, any additional features like infotainment will reduce range, so where possible avoid using these.

Use eco mode

Eco driving modes can limit the power available for the electric motor, adjusting performance to conserve battery power such as by reducing acceleration levels in exchange for higher ranges.

Don’t drive too fast

A useful tip whether it’s hot or not, accelerating quickly or driving fast for prolonged periods of time can quickly eat away at your driving range. Driving smoothly will maximise your range.

Park in the shade

If you’re able to, park your EV in a shaded spot as this will help keep your battery (nice and cool naturally. This includes the cabin, meaning you won’t need to use as much energy on air conditioning straight away.

Check your tyre pressure

Whether you’re going on a long trip or not, a generally sound piece of advice is to always keep an eye on your tyres. Underinflated or worn-out tyres can make your electric car less efficient, giving you a less-than-optimal driving range. On the other hand, an overinflated tyre can affect the car’s handling and braking, so always make sure they’re at the right PSI.

Keep your car free of clutter

Excessive weight can result in a less efficient EV. Whilst it’s not a problem if you’re doing short trips in hot weather, it’s worth having a clear out of anything unnecessary if you’re planning a long trip on a hot day to squeeze out every mile possible.

Summer heat isn’t dangerous for your home charger, with the heat on a normal summer’s day posing no risk at all to the charger. If it’s anything like the Pod Point Solo 3S, it will have been designed to withstand a wide range of weather conditions, including UK summers and occasional heatwaves. The Solo 3S in particular is safe to operate in temperatures of up to 50 °C.

There are some concerns that you shouldn’t use rapid chargers in hot weather. Whilst that may be true in the world’s hottest climates, in the UK it’s not a problem rapid charging in the summer. Even if you’re sweating from the heat, your EV’s TMS and BMS will keep your battery safe whilst charging.

Simply put: a bit of sunshine won’t stop you from charging your electric car, even on a really hot summer’s day!

Buying a brand new vehicle, whether it’s an EV or not, is a big financial decision for most of us. You’ll likely spend hours researching, test driving and thinking about a potential purchase. If you plan to sell your car in a few years, understanding the factors that impact its value is important. In this guide, we’ll be looking at EV depreciation, one of the key factors that will dictate the value of a used car.

Historically, EVs tended to depreciate much faster than petrol cars, mostly due to concerns over battery life and technology obsolescence. However, the gap is narrowing.

Advances in battery technology, increasing public charging infrastructure, and growing consumer acceptance have all played a role in improving the resale value of electric cars. With the upcoming ban of new ICE car sales in 2035, many drivers are wondering if they should make the jump to electric driving or stick to fuel-powered cars for now.

According to data from AutoTrader, EV depreciation within the first 12 months is higher than for petrol or diesel cars. After this point, the rate of depreciation slows significantly, matching that of ICE cars over time.

Certain factors impact how well an EV holds its value. Many of these points also apply to petrol and diesel car, but some are unique to electric cars:

• Mileage

• Number of owners

• Service history

• Brand and model

• Condition

• Battery health

• Modifications

Mileage

A higher mileage typically leads to a lower resale value. Cars that have covered many miles experience more wear and tear, increasing the chance for costly repairs and maintenance.

Number of owners

EVs that had fewer previous owners tend to keep more of their value than cars with many ex-owners. A history of multiple owners isn’t always a bad thing, but changes in ownership after just a few months or years can be a sign of serious problems with the car.

Service history

A well-documented service history without gaps provides reassurance that an EV has been maintained frequently. Regular servicing is essential to avoid issues and keep the car in good condition, which brings us to the next point.

Condition

An EV that appears to be in good or even excellent condition will always attract a higher resale value than a car of the same model and make in bad condition.

Battery health

For EVs, battery health and remaining capacity is key when it comes to depreciation. A healthy batter with high capacity, so one that can hold its charge well, will be worth significantly more than an electric car with a battery in poor condition.

Brand and model

Certain brands and models are known for their good quality, durability and long life, which can increase demand and the price buyers are willing to pay.

Modifications

Modifications typically narrow the pool of potential buyers and can decrease resale value. Although less common, some EV modifications can fetch sellers a higher selling price, but this is very much dependent on the modification and market.

Certain EVs tend to hold their value better than some petrol and diesel cars. Generally, EVs that depreciate at a lower rate than the average fuel-powered car are:

• High-performance electric cars like the Porsche Taycan

• Popular make and models like the Tesla Model 3

• Premium EVs like the Mercedes EQE or BMW iX

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If one thing’s for certain, the future of transport will be electric. The number of EVs on UK roads continues to reach new heights, with a record 315,000 new electric cars registered in 2023. That’s 18% up from the previous year.

The incoming 2035 ban of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, like diesel and petrol, will make the switch to electric driving even more attractive and affordable.

As the future of transport is shaping up to be more sustainable, choosing an EV could be a smart way to future proof your vehicle in a world that is moving away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy.

Battery electric vehicle

A battery electric vehicle or BEV is 100% powered by a battery that stores and releases energy to work an electric motor. It’s the most sustainable way of driving, especially when charged using renewable energy from sources like solar, wind, hydro or biomass.

Most BEVs offer ranges of 250 miles or more on a single charge, which is plenty for daily commutes, school runs and trips to the shop. With some strategically placed public rapid charging stops, you can travel longer distances without significant disruptions.

However, a BEV may not be the best option for you if you regularly tow caravans or trailers, as most aren’t approved for towing or have a limited towing capacity when compared to diesel cars.

Full or mild hybrids

Hybrid vehicles use a combination of electric motor and internal combustion engine to power their driving. They still rely on petrol and diesel, making them a lot less sustainable than fully electric cars.

Not all hybrids are made the same. You have to charge a mild or plug-in hybrid with a chargepoint, while full hybrids recharge their small batteries with the energy generated from driving on petrol or diesel fuel and from braking.

If you frequently drive on the motorway, a hybrid car may not be the best choice for you. They’re less efficient in this scenario, meaning you’ll use more fuel than in an urban environment.

Not sure how to choose a car that’s right for you? Find out more about the different types of hybrid vehicles and the pros and cons of each EV in our guide on buying a hybrid vs electric car.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

PCP is a popular car financing method, allowing you to pay a relatively small deposit and make monthly payments throughout the contract. At the end of the term, you have the choice to return the car or pay the remaining balance in full to keep it.

Personal Contract Purchase offers flexibility, because you can change your car every few years. You could upgrade to a newer EV with the latest technology and increased range, or get a car with more boot space or seats to better fit your needs.

If you plan to keep your EV for a long time, PCP may not be the cheapest road to ownership. Throughout the contract term, you’ll have a set annual mileage limit, and any mileage accrued outside this limit will be charged at a per mile rate.

Hire purchase (HP)

Hire purchase is more akin to a standard loan you might take out with a bank. Set over a number of years, you’re charged interest while you pay down the loan balance until it hits zero. Once the loan is fully paid, you own your EV.

The benefit of HP is that it comes without mileage limits and gives you full ownership at the end of the contract term.

One downside to HPs is that they tie you to one EV, meaning you can’t easily return and upgrade to benefit from new technology or better battery range. Instead, you’d have to sell your EV to get money for a new car.

Leasing

Think of leasing like renting. You pay a deposit and make monthly payments for a few years. At the end of the term, you return the vehicle and have the opportunity to switch to another EV.

This gives you the advantage of staying on top of the newest innovation in the electric vehicle industry, as you can change your EV at the end of the term. Leasing contracts sometimes have the option to include maintenance and servicing for an additional fee.

Still, if you expect to rack up a high annual mileage or own your EV for a long time, leasing is more expensive than other financing options.

Buying outright

Buying your EV outright means you pay for the full list price upfront, without financing. You’ll own the car instantly with just one payment.

Purchasing outright avoids any extra cost incurred by interest fees, so you pay less than you would using a loan.

The main drawback is that you’ll need a substantial amount of money for an outright purchase.

Salary sacrifice

Your employer leases an EV for you and deducts the monthly cost from your pre-tax pay, resulting in tax savings.

Salary sacrifice can be cheaper than leasing and often includes a service and maintenance package in your monthly deduction.

Similar to leasing, you have the benefits of swapping your car to a newer model every few years. However, if you leave your job, you may not be able to keep your EV.

Learn more about different purchasing options in our EV leasing vs buying guide.

Your travel habits

Think about how often you drive and what distance you typically travel. You may be pleasantly surprised by how little you’ll have to charge a battery EV to do your normal journeys.

While battery EVs tend to have a lower range than equivalent ICE cars, the average car drives around 127 miles per week. A modern battery EV with a range of 250 miles will easily cover this mileage on a single charge, so you won’t have to worry about range anxiety.

There are many mid-range models with ranges of 300 and more miles. High-end models like the Mercedes-Benz EQS even go up to around 450 miles with a fully charged battery.

Drivers who clock up more mileage than the average person will have to consider more frequent charging stops to keep their EVs running.

Charging availability

You may assume that driving an BEV is only feasible for people who live in a house with a drive, so they can easily charge their car at home, but that’s not true.

There are ways to charge an EV without a driveway that are practical and affordable:

• Destination chargers in places like supermarket car parks allow you to top up your battery while shopping

• Workplace chargers are sometimes free or offered at a low-cost rate, so you can charge while in the office

• On-street chargers are less common, but make it possible to park on a public street and charge at the same time

Fast and rapid chargers tend to be more expensive, so they wouldn’t be suitable for your day-to-day charging needs, but they can be useful when you’re doing longer trips.

People living in flats or rented accommodation are incentivised to install home chargers, too. They must have off-street parking and meet a number of other criteria to receive up to £350 off the cost of installing and buying a home charger like the Solo Charger.

Upfront cost

EVs generally have a higher list price than similar petrol or diesel cars. Spreading the cost of buying an EV over a number of months with financing options like PCP or HP can make ownership more affordable.

Let’s be clear, you can make real long term savings when switching from an ICE car to drive an EV on renewable energy. You save the most when charging at home and follow simple tips to maximise your EV range, such as accelerating gently and moderating your speed.

Following this advice, driving an EV will cost you less than using a similar petrol or diesel car.

Home charging opportunity

Ready to go electric? Make the most of battery-powered driving with a Solo home charger for your EV.

Discover the benefits of home charging and start your Solo home charger order today.

Maybe you recently invested in an EV charger like the Solo 3S or you’re considering purchasing and installing one at home to power your electric car. One of the first questions you’ll have is how often you may need to use your chargepoint and when the best time for charging might be.

Having a home charger means you could technically charge whenever you’re home. But is that ideal, and are there times that are better than others for charging? In this guide, we’ll answer these and other common questions to determine the best time to charge your EV at home.

How often you charge your EV depends on your personal needs and preferences. Ideally, you should keep your battery between 20 and 80% to maintain good battery health and prolong battery life.

It’s also better to charge as little as possible, while keeping your battery above the recommended 20% and below 80%. Charging every day, when it’s not necessary, will degrade your battery faster.

To put this into context, if you drive the average weekly distance of 127 miles and have an EV that can do at least this in a single charge, you’ll only have to charge every few days, if not only once a week.

If you’re on a dual-rate energy tariff with off-peak pricing, check your tariff conditions for the cheapest time to charge your electric car, as they can vary between providers. Off-peak hours are typically in the night and very early morning, between midnight and 7am, when people are less likely to use energy from the grid.

Scheduling your EV charger to use reduced, off-peak rates can seriously bring down the cost of owning and driving an electric car. Find out more about our exclusive dual-tariff with EDF that we offer to new Solo 3S home charger customers. 

Ultimately, the best time to charge an EV depends on your circumstances and needs as a driver. Persistent myths and a lack of understanding around battery technology makes it difficult for EV drivers to find a straight answer at times.

Here are a few things to consider, so you can find the best time to charge your EV:

• Battery health and efficiency – Keep your EV battery between 20 to 80%. Charging outside of this range can take longer, be less efficient and harm battery health in the long-term. If you absolutely need to, you can charge your electric car to 100% for occasional long journeys. Plus, slow charging is always better for your battery health than fast or rapid charging, so take that into consideration.

• Dual-rate tariffs – If you have an energy tariff that is cheaper at off-peak times (often overnight), you should try to charge your EV during these times to maximise your savings.

• Charger availability – Charging should suit your lifestyle. If you don’t have access to a charger at home, which allows you to charge a few times a week, you may have to use a destination charger on a daily basis to keep your battery topped up instead.

Maximising environmental benefits – Charging during times when fewer people are using energy from the grid can be better for the environment. You can also use the Grid CO2 Insights feature in the Pod Point App to see when the greenest time to charge is.

• Gentle acceleration
• Watch your speed
• Use regenerative braking
• Turn off the AC/heating when you can
• Plan your route accordingly

1. Gently away!

Fast acceleration is fun, but minimising it keeps your energy consumption lower, so adjust your driving stlye.

2. Watch your speed

In a petrol or diesel car about 50mph is the optimal speed for efficiency (running the engine is so inefficient that you need to be up to that speed until you overcome static losses). In an electric car efficiency vs speed works differently. To an extent, the faster you go, the more energy you consume - the most efficient speed for electric cars is likely <10mph for most BEVs (depending on static consumption like air conditioning, heating and electrical systems) - though clearly we wouldn’t recommend driving that slow!

3. Maximise your re-gen!

Driving an EV can feel like a challenge to see how long you can go without touching the brakes. And that’s how it should be, if you only decelerate using regenerative braking then you are minimising your energy consumption. Make sure you always have regenerative braking on and that you leave enough space for it to slow you down before you need the brake (clearly this is safer too!).

4. Turn off/down climate control and heating - if it’s comfortable to do so!

Turning off, or turning down your climate control or heated seats will reduce your static energy consumption.

5. Choose a route that will minimise your power requirement

This is not always possible! But taking a route that is similarly direct, but will require travelling at lower speed will mean you can go further. Also if you can avoid climbing hills you will improve your range - though clearly you can’t alter the altitude of your destination.

• Tyre pressure
• Battery management
• Temperature
• Wheel size

Other factors that affect how far you can travel on a single charge include:

1. Tyre pressure

Ensure your tyre pressure is at the optimal level to reduce unnecessary rolling resistance that decreases efficiency and range.

2. Battery management

You can take steps to prolong the life, and slow the degradation of your battery. The better your battery health, the more energy it will hold, and the longer range you can get on a single charge.

3. External temperature

Not an easy one to manage or effect. But you will get worse range when the weather is cold, or indeed very hot (particularly if you run your air conditioning). Setting off when the temperature is close to 20oC will improve your range.

4. Wheel size affects range

Big alloy wheels look great, but they do increase your rolling resistance, therefore reducing your efficiency and thus your range. Smaller wheels with thicker profile tyres mean longer ranges.

Our quick explainer video below should tell you everything you need to know, but if you prefer to read, feel free to jump to the appropriate section using the links provided on the right-hand-side.

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There are different potential causes for this:

• The charging times are being delayed by the vehicle. The Solo will flash green until the vehicle allows the charge event to start.
• The vehicle’s battery is fully charged.
• The charging cable isn’t inserted properly.
• An earthing issue with the Renault Zoe.

Some solutions you can try:

• If using a Type 1 connector, ensure the latch is fixed within the inlet socket.
• For universal socketed Solos, disconnect the cable from both the Solo and the electric vehicle (EV) and re-insert it into the charger first and then the vehicle.
• For tethered socketed Solos, remove the charging cable from the vehicle’s inlet socket and then re-insert it.
• Unplug the charging cable from the Solo (if it has a universal socket) and your EV, then reset the Solo with the RCBO switch - click here for instructions on this. Then reattempt the charge once the status light comes back on.
• If your vehicle has any charging timers or departure times enabled, disable them.
• Check the state of charge of the battery to see if it’s not already fully charged.
• Ensure the charging cable is properly inserted into the inlet and that there isn’t any dirt or debris blocking it.
• Check the charging cable for damage.

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This usually indicates that the Solo is communicating with Pod Point over your Wi-Fi connection.

When you have your vehicle plugged in and you’re trying to charge, the status light will normally turn solid green. However, if the status light is still flashing blue/pink whilst you’re trying to charge, this could be due to:

• The vehicle itself and/or the doors are unlocked (Type 2).
• The charging cable is not securely fastened to the vehicle inlet socket (Type 1).
• A temporary communication error.
• A hardware fault.

Some solutions you can try:

• If using a Type 1 connector, ensure the latch is fixed within the inlet socket.
• If using a Type 2 connector, check that the vehicle and/or vehicle doors are locked.
• For universal socketed Solos, disconnect the cable from both the Solo and the EV and re-insert it into the charger first and then the vehicle.
• For tethered socketed Solos, remove the charging cable from the vehicle’s inlet socket and then re-insert it.
• Check that the Solo makes a clicking sound when the cable plugs in, as this indicates the cable has been connected correctly.
• Unplug the charging cable from the Solo (if it has a universal socket) and your EV, then reset the Solo with the RCBO switch - click here for instructions on this. Then reattempt the charge once the status light comes back on.
• Ensure the charging cable is properly inserted into the inlet and that there isn’t any dirt or debris blocking it.
• Check the charging cable for damage.

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This can mean one of two things:

• The Solo key lock is enabled. Unlocking the key lock (turning it anti-clockwise) should resolve this.
• The Solo’s Auto Power Balancing system has reached its maximum limit. This system ensures you can continue to charge whilst household energy consumption is high. Once the demand for energy has reduced, the light should change back to solid green to indicate the charging rate is back to its typical rate.

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This suggests the Solo has developed a fault as a result of a safety measure. In this instance, you should try resetting the Solo.

To do this, unplug the charging cable from the Solo (if it has a universal socket) and your EV, then reset the Solo with the RCBO switch - click here for instructions on this. Then reattempt the charge once the status light comes back on.

This fault could also occur if you recently had a smart meter installed. During the installation, the technician may have disconnected or moved the Energy Clamp, which causes the charger to go into safety mode.

The Energy Clamp is part of Pod Point’s Auto Power Balancing system which stops your household electricity supply from overloading when charging your EV. It’s an essential part of the installation.

To confirm this, please send our Support team a photo of the Energy Clamp and the surrounding electrical equipment, as this will help us determine the cause of the problem. The Energy Clamp may either be with the RCBO or installed inside the distribution board - any pictures of your electrical supply will help us determine where it’s located.

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The Solo has lost its connection. If this occurs, or you need to set up a new Wi-Fi connection, follow our Solo Smart Charger Wi-Fi Connection - User Guide.

EVs are changing the way we drive, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars. But if you’re looking to switch your internal combustion engine (ICE) car with an EV, you might be surprised by the time you have to wait for your new vehicle. In some cases, it can even be longer than lead times for comparable ICE cars. But why?

When ordering an EV, the time you have to wait to receive it can vary significantly based on the make and model. Generally speaking, widely sold models have shorter lead times thanks to established production lines and readily available parts. Newer models, balancing new technology and growing production capabilities, tend to have longer lead times. High-demand electric cars and models with upgraded specifications typically have the longest wait times.

Here are examples of EVs by estimated wait time:

• Short lead time (0–3 months) – Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe,  Tesla Model 3

• Average lead time (4–6 months) – Hyundai Ioniq 5,  Kia EV6,  MG4

• Long lead time (6–12 months) – Ford Mustang Mach-E,  Porsche Taycan

With the planned ban of all new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2035 and the introduction of Clean Air Zones and the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) for polluting cars across UK cities, more drivers are switching to EVs. Electric cars have improved over the years and are available at ever-decreasing price points, upping the demand for them even more. Add on top the various government incentives and grants for electric driving, and EVs have never been more in demand.

But this rapid rise in popularity presents some challenges, causing longer lead times for EVs:

• Supply chain pressure – EV production relies on components like lithium-ion batteries, which need raw materials that are currently high in demand. This need for materials has created a bottleneck in the supply chain.

• Scaling production – Many carmakers are still in the process of scaling up their production capabilities. Adapting existing factories to build EVs involves a lot of time and investment.

• Global demand vs production capacity – Demand for EVs is on the rise globally. This worldwide push for electric mobility is putting pressure on available manufacturing.

There are good signs on the horizon. Back in 2022, the average lead time for an EV in the UK was eight months. A year later, average lead times were down to around 5 months. Today, there are plenty of EVs on the market that you can order with very little to no lead time because production capabilities and supply chains have improved significantly.

Plus, if you want to cut the wait, buying a second-hand EV may be a good option. You can find models that are just a few months old or ones that have been on the road for a few years at a decent discount.

While you wait, why not get a dedicated home charging set-up? You can order and install an EV charger before your electric car arrives, meaning you can charge your new car conveniently and cost-effectively on day one.

With lots of households going electric, installing an electric car charger at your home could make it much more attractive when you come to sell. Knowing a charger is already installed could be a big plus for EV driver buyers, especially given how much more convenient it is to charge at home.

Not having to get one installed cane be a nice cherry on top for the buyer, saving them a good couple of hours as that’s roughly how long it takes for a home charger to get installed.

This, in turn, could make your property more valuable, especially when you consider how much other amenities can increase its value. For example, research from Cinch suggests a dedicated parking space could increase a property’s value by as much as 50%. This, they say, is due to many factors, such as the generally high number of drivers, and whilst it does vary by region, they generally found that a parking space will add some value to the property.

Electric car chargers can be expensive pieces of kit, but even then the additional value you’ll get from your parking space will more than offset the cost, whether you intend to use the charger or not. And you can always factor the charger in the price of your home.

This isn’t such a simple question to answer, as even the suggestion that a parking space will add value comes with a huge caveat. Property prices can fluctuate wildly, and are determined by a huge range of factors, some of which may not be obvious or within your control. Depending on when you sell, where you live, who you’re selling to, why you’re selling etc. could all impact how much, if at all, a parking space – let alone a charger – will add to the property’s value.

However, there is some data we can draw on to at least give an idea. For starters, we can safely say that installing our Solo 3S charger starts from £999 which includes installation by a professional and accredited installer and a 5-year warranty. So, at the very least, you could consider increasing the value of your home by the same amount.

But how much does this translate to property value? According to the National Association of Property Buyers[DT1] , an electric car home charger could add as much as £5,000 to your home’s value – so roughly 4x as much as the cost of a charger.

Again, this should be taken with a pinch of salt, and there are many factors that could impact this including:

• Where you live
• When you’re selling
• How old the charger is when you come to sell (as older chargers may not have smart charging functionality)
• What charger you have (as the buyers may want to install a charger by a different provider)
• Who you’re selling to
• Various other market conditions like interest/mortgage rates, general costs of living, supply vs demand etc.

At the very least, having an EV charger will broaden your list of potential buyers as your home will be more attractive for electric car drivers. And with more home buyers having an EV – Zapmap estimates there are over 1.6 million EV drivers on UK roads – this can only be a good thing.

This is especially the case when you consider that there are fewer than half that number of public EV chargers (85,163 according to Zapmap), so home charging will still be a huge part of when and how people charge. Plus, there’s the upcoming petrol and diesel car ban in 2030, which will no doubt push even more drivers towards electric cars.

Above all, home charging is the ultimate in convenience. Being able to charge an EV at home overnight and having it fully charged every morning makes them far more convenient than equivalent petrol or diesel cars which you have to drive somewhere to refuel. Home charging is also the cheapest way to keep an EV charged, making them an investment worth making early for any electric vehicle drive.

So, at the very least, getting a charger installed could very well increase the appeal of the property, if not its outright monetary value, making it easier to sell.

EV charger installations generally only take a couple of hours to complete, and provided you meet some very low base criteria, you shouldn’t need to get any additional planning permission.

Preparing your home for an EV charger installation is fortunately straight forward:

1. Decide where you want the charger to be installed in advance, picking somewhere close to where you regularly park your EV. EV chargers must be installed on solid structures like the sides of buildings.
2. Make sure your charger will be able to connect to your home’s Wi-Fi, as Wi-Fi is needed for many smart features like charge schedule.
3. Pick between a tethered or untethered charger, and make sure to choose the right charging speed for your needs.
4. Pick a qualified electrician to do the installation, and be prepared for potential additional installation costs that may be required such as groundworks (although these are rare).
5. Choose a reliable EV charging provider (like Pod!).

Another option for many households is to keep their electric car charger and bring it to their new home, rather than including it in the sale of their property.

The simple answer is: yes, you can bring your EV charger with you. However, if you think it may increase the value of your property then taking it with you will undoubtedly decrease it. Plus, it may not make the most sense practically or financially, especially if the charger is older and you can see yourself upgrading to a new model in the near future.

It’s ultimately difficult to say whether an EV charger will impact – positively or negatively – your home’s value when you come to sell. At the very least, research seems to suggest it will, but of course as with anything to do with selling a home, it’s impossible to put a definitive price tag on it.

There are simply dozens of factors that come into selling a property, which is unsurprising given it’s usually the most expensive purchase we make in our lives. But, as we’ve mentioned, even if it doesn’t directly increase your home’s monetary value, it could still be worth getting one installed to attract a wider pool of potential buyers as the UK increasingly shifts towards an electric-only future.

Looking for an award-winning home EV charging system for your property? Start your EV journey by exploring our home charging solutions today.