Challenges of EV Ownership: What New Owners Should Be Prepared For

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have shifted from niche to mainstream, marking a significant transformation in the automotive industry. The UK's EV market is a testament to this rapid growth, projected to reach around GBP 16.2 billion in revenue by 2024. With a compound annual growth rate of 6.43% from 2024 to 2028, the market volume is expected to surge to GBP 20.8 billion by the end of the period. This burgeoning interest is largely fueled by soaring petrol prices and attractive government incentives, prompting more Brits to consider EVs as a viable alternative to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Despite the growing enthusiasm and market expansion, the transition to electric driving is met with hesitation by some potential owners. Concerns about the nuances of EV ownership are valid and require careful consideration. As the demand for these innovative vehicles increases, new and prospective owners must understand the unique challenges they may face.

This article aims to illustrate what you need to know before you make the leap in purchasing your first EV.

Installing a Home Charging Point

For many new EV owners, setting up a home charging point is not just a luxury—it's a necessity. While EVs can technically plug into any standard 3-pin UK socket, this type of charging is quite slow, providing only 2.3kW or 6 to 8 kilometres per hour. For some owners who require quicker charging times or who have vehicles with larger battery capacities, this setup might not be sufficient.

In such cases, a more robust solution is needed. Companies that offer EV charging point installation in the UK, like Elecology, can be the optimal solution if you’re looking to fulfil your vehicle’s charging needs. Having a professional install an EV charger at home can be a huge convenience for those who use their vehicle frequently or can’t afford long charging periods outside their home.

The process of installing a home charger involves an initial investment, but it pays dividends in convenience and utility. Therefore, find a local EV charger installer near you, and make sure they also offer EV charging point maintenance services to ensure your charging point is always in good working order.

Navigating the Availability of Public Charging Points

While home charging covers daily use, public chargers are essential for longer journeys. The UK is rapidly expanding its network of public charging stations, but availability can still be a challenge, particularly in rural areas or during peak times when demand is high. According to the UK government, there are about 59,670 public electric vehicle charging points in the country as of the 1st of April 2024. However, the country will still need 253,000 and 661,000 extra electric vehicle (EV) charge points by 2035 if it wants to completely transition to EVs.

For now, you should plan your routes with charging points in mind and use apps like Zap-Map or PlugShare to find available stations and check their status in real-time. That said, it’s been reported that experience can vary, with some chargers offering rapid charging options while others might be out of service.

Understanding Variable Driving Ranges

Driving range—the distance an EV can travel on a single charge—varies significantly among models. Furthermore, factors such as vehicle efficiency, battery capacity, driving style, speed, and even weather conditions affect the actual driving range of your vehicle. For instance, colder weather can reduce a battery’s efficiency, thus shortening the driving range.

To alleviate range anxiety, you can plan your road trips and apply efficient driving practices. Some of these best practices include regenerative braking, smooth acceleration, maintaining cruise speeds, and using your car’s eco mode. These practices can expand your car’s range, giving you peace of mind during long-range driving.

Managing Variable Charging Times

Charging time is another variable that you must consider. Different EVs and chargers offer different rates of charging, from slow charging, which means plugging into an ordinary household socket, to rapid DC chargers that can top up most of a battery’s capacity in under an hour.

It’s important to understand the specifics of your vehicle’s charging capabilities. This will enable you to plan accordingly, particularly when using public charging stations where longer charging times could impact your schedule.

Dealing with Degrading Battery Health Over Time

Battery health is a real concern, as a degrading battery directly impacts the car's performance and range. Battery capacity generally declines gradually due to factors like age, the number of charge cycles, and how the battery is maintained. To maximise the battery’s lifespan, you should avoid regular use of rapid charging and try to keep your battery’s charge between 20% and 80%. Monitoring systems are available to help you keep an eye on your battery's condition and decide the best time for a replacement.

Owning an EV in the UK today is an exciting venture into the future of transportation. While there are challenges, they are merely stepping stones in the journey towards a cost- and energy-efficient experience. By understanding and preparing for these challenges, you can ensure that your transition to electric driving is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Are you ready to level up your EV ownership with efficient charging solutions? Elecology invites EV owners in the UK to explore our range of home and workplace charging point installations. Whether you're looking to upgrade your home setup or facilitate easy charging at your workplace, Elecology has the expertise and equipment to meet your needs. Don't let charging be a chore—make it a seamless part of your day. Contact Elecology today and step into the future of electric vehicle charging!