What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
I'd like an electric cars but can't charge at home, how can I get around this issue?
I'm getting increasingly worried by the thought of a electric car. I don't have a driveway that can have a charging point as it is to far from the house and there is unlikely to be road side chargers where I live. Currently the nearest charging points are at supermarket 1 mile away but you can only leave the car the for 2 hours this would not be long enough to fully charge the battery. I've read that using a rapid charger all the time is not ideal as it could damage the batteries. I'm retired so charging at work is not an option. I can't see a way forward other than leaving the car at the supermarket for two hours walking home then going back to collect it.
Asked on 6 June 2024 by John
Answered by
David Ross
If you are unable to charge at home then an electric car is a less appealing prospect. Having to charge elsewhere takes a good deal of the convenience away, and it will also be more expensive to use public chargers. New charging stations are being installed every day, but nothing is as convenient as charging at home overnight.
If you are still interested in being able to run on electrical power you may wish to consider a plug-in hybrid as an alternative to a full EV. The petrol engine would mean it is not essential to charge, but you could make use of public charging facilities when convenient. You can read our guide to our favourite plug-in hybrids here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/guides/best-plug-in-hybrid/
If you are still interested in being able to run on electrical power you may wish to consider a plug-in hybrid as an alternative to a full EV. The petrol engine would mean it is not essential to charge, but you could make use of public charging facilities when convenient. You can read our guide to our favourite plug-in hybrids here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/guides/best-plug-in-hybrid/
If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.
Is an electric car right for me?Similar questions
My son has an electric car but has been told by the National Grid that he cannot use his home charger because he is in a ‘loop’ with his semi-detached neighbour and there is the possibility of an overload....
I have had an EV now for two and a half years and it's great. Until recently I have had no problem charging it from my home 7.2KW AC wallbox. A few weeks ago however, every time I plugged my car in, I...
.jpg)
