Can I use solar power to charge my electric car?

Yes, you can – and using solar EV charging systems is a great way of being more sustainable and eco-conscious. If you have solar panels fitted to your home, or workplace, then you can use solar power to charge your EV. Just make sure that you have a solar-compatible charger. Don’t worry, these are widely available and easy to get hold of.

What are the benefits of using renewable energy for EV charging?

The benefits of using renewable energy for EV charging include lower costs for you, the driver. Instead of paying for the electricity you use to charge your electric car, you use the electricity that’s been generated by your solar panels. Also, you won’t be tapping into the national grid so will be reducing the strain on that – especially during busy periods of the day.

How do workplace EV chargers support green energy?

Workplace chargers – those installed at a business for employees to use, or to power fleet vehicles – can support green energy by being on a green energy tariff from their chosen supplier. Green energy tariffs use renewable energy.

Does charging an EV at home use a lot of electricity?

This can depend on how and when you charge your EV from home. Charging a battery to full capacity in the middle of the day on max power will use a lot of electricity. But, if you schedule your charging between, say midnight and 6am, then you will benefit from off-peak rates. Depending on the size of the battery and the overall range, you may be able to charge your EV for just £3-4. Compare that with the cost of filling the tank with petrol.

What are energy-efficient EV charging tips for businesses?

If a business has a fleet of vehicles then simply by switching from petrol or diesel cars to EVs can represent excellent savings in terms of fuel costs. For energy-efficient EV charging tips, charging company vehicles overnight instead of throughout the day is good practice – so installing chargepoints at a business workplace is a sensible step.

Can I save money by charging my EV with green energy tariffs?

Yes, you should be able to. Green energy tariffs typically offer lower rates than standard tariffs, so it costs less to charge. Some energy suppliers provide really low tariffs if you have an EV. Talk to your supplier about the best available tariff for you. If they don’t have a green energy tariff, it may be time to consider switching.

How do smart chargers help with sustainable EV charging?

Smart chargers are a great way of delivering sustainable EV charging at home. Smart charging functionality can be controlled by your smartphone, allowing you to set a charging schedule for your EV that avoids the busiest times of the day. If there’s too much demand for energy from your home during the scheduled session, many smart chargers will pause the session temporarily, too.

What role does the UK’s green energy grid play in EV charging?

With more people driving EVs, there will obviously be more EVs being charged – which potentially places more pressure on the UK’s national grid. To help cope with that demand, more renewable energy sources – or green energy sources – are being connected.

Do I really need a home EV charger?

While it’s not absolutely necessary to have a home EV charger, it’s considerably more convenient and cost-effective than relying on public chargers after you’ve covered the initial installation costs. Furthermore, a dedicated home charger will save you from having to use a normal 3-pin plug in emergencies, which is both inefficient and dangerous.

Does a home EV charger need a dedicated circuit?

Yes, a dedicated circuit is needed to safely handle the charger's electrical load without overloading your home’s system.

Can a stranger “steal” my energy or use my EV charger?

While it’s possible for strangers to use a private EV charger without permission, the risk of this is minimal, as the majority of modern chargers have RFID or app-based control to prevent this.

Can you own an electric car without a home charger in the UK?

While it’s possible to own an electric car and rely solely on public chargers or those provided by your workplace, this is far less convenient than having your own charger, and is likely to be more expensive in the long run.