Your Questions About EV Charging: Answered

If you’re new to the world of EVs, or if you’re considering making the switch, you might have a lot of unanswered questions. When you’re embracing a new technology for the first time, there’s always a learning curve.

Luckily, we’re here to help!

We’ve answered some of the questions we get asked most often about EV charging – all in one handy article – for those just joining us on the road to greener travel. From charging times to costs, battery life to types of chargers, we’re here to demystify the process for you.

And remember, if you get stuck while using one of our chargers, our 24/7 freephone line – now in association with the AA – is always there for you.

How do I charge my electric car?

We believe that charging your EV should be simple and easy to do – and the good news is, it’s as straight forward as putting in a plug!

When you’re out and about, charging with InstaVolt is easy – just follow the instructions on the screen and you’ll be charging in no time! Our rapid chargers will get your battery topped up much quicker than your charger at home.

Simply tap your contactless card on the reader, plug in, and you’re up and running. No complicated sign-up processes or subscriptions required.

At home, you can install an AC charger to top up your battery. This provides a slow rate of charge over a longer period. If you plan to charge at home regularly, you may want to consider switching to a green energy supplier to ensure your car isn’t inadvertently being powered by fossil fuels.

Do you have to pay to charge an electric car?

When you’re charging at an InstaVolt charger, we want to make everything as simple as possible – that’s why we offer one fixed tariff across all our chargers. No matter where you’re charging, you know you’ll be paying just 40p/kWh. Because you tap your contactless card to start and stop your charge, you’ll only ever pay for what you use. Nothing more, nothing less. It’s as simple as that.

When you charge at home, you pay for your electricity through your main utility bill – just as you would with any appliance plugged into the mains. You might be able to apply for an OLEV grant to pay for the charger and installation, saving you some money.

Is it frustrating to wait for your electric car to charge?

Rapid chargers like ours can boost your battery from 20% to 80% in around 30-60 minutes, depending on the model you drive and the temperature conditions outside.

However, you don’t need to sit and twiddle your thumbs while you wait!

All our chargers are located next to shops, restaurants and amenities ensuring your short wait is never uneventful. You could take a spin class with Bannatyne Health Clubs, pick up your weekly shop at Booths, or grab a quick bite to eat at McDonald’s – or visit any of our other partners across the country.

Should you charge an electric car to 100%?

Drivers of petrol and diesel cars are used to emptying their tanks before refuelling – but driving an EV is a little different.

Regularly letting your battery drain to 0% before recharging can cause a loss in capacity, meaning you will lose range over time. Equally, though, it isn’t always necessary to charge to up 100%.

When you’re stopping at the shops or grabbing something to eat, popping your EV on for a quick charge should provide you with the miles you need to get to where you’re going. Charging little and often – instead or infrequently and fully – can help you maintain a healthy battery life.

If you’re heading on a long journey, plan your stops accordingly to ensure you can keep topped up wherever you’re going – our handy map of chargers across the UK is the perfect place to start.

Got any other burning questions about EV charging? Drop us a line on social media and we’ll answer some more in a future blog.