Charging Electric Vehicles​ & Plug-In Hybrids

You’ve found the electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) you want, and you’re on board with all the benefits - now for the nitty-gritty. Charging fully electric vehicles is one of the things that most people are concerned about, especially because of long-held ‘range anxiety’ – the fear that halfway through a journey, an electric car will run out of power. This is something that is not an issue with PHEVs because they have a backup fuel tank. These models can currently run in electric-only mode for around 20-30 miles. So, if you charge the battery regularly and only do short, local trips, you could run on battery power alone for weeks at time.

The idea that EV charging is time-consuming and inconvenient is untrue - there are lots of options available to ensure that boosting your electric car’s battery is easy and hassle-free. Your first option is to charge at home. A majority of the UK’s EV owners do this; up to 90% of them, in fact, according to Drive Electric.

The length of time it takes to charge depends on the make and model of the car, the size of the battery and the type of charger you’re using. Some can take as little as 30 minutes, while others need a full 12 hours charge from flat. If you plug in overnight, and ensure that you’re on a low-rate electricity tariff, this should make the running costs of your electric vehicle consistently low and very manageable.

There are public charging-points all over the country that make up a nationwide network for electric car and plug-in hybrid owners. These are most commonly found at petrol stations, but also in public car parks, supermarkets, and even leisure centres – so why not replenish your car’s battery while you’re shopping or in the gym? Charging stations are also installed at most motorway services, with it becoming a requirement under new Government plans. Longer journeys will take a greater deal of planning, but they are easily possible with pre-determined charging breaks incorporated into your journey.

With more than 13,000 of these charging points dotted all over the UK, it’s worth noting where your nearest ones are – just use this handy map to locate them and keep in mind the points that are compatible with your particular EV or PHEV. This is something one of our specialist hybrid and electric vehicle sales executives can talk through with you when discussing your EV needs.

If you have any other questions about EV and PHEV charging, or just want to see what Wilsons has to offer, pop into our showroom which is open seven days a week. We have several charging points on our site that you can use if you’re already an EV driver. Alternatively, give us a call or enquire online.

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Transport For London

Cars need to meet minimum emission standards when travelling in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the daily charge must be paid.

Minimum emission standards

Petrol: Euro 4
Diesel: Euro 6

The ULEZ will be enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the age. However:

Information from Transport For London

Check this car on the TFL website before purchasing: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

All our vehicles are subject to an Admin Fee. Our Admin Fee covers any additional administration needed during your transaction, including a thorough provenance check (HPI Check). The admin fee also includes the cost to fully valet, register and, if necessary, MOT your vehicle (if less than 6 months left of current MOT).

Our administration fee is a variable fee which covers the additional administration needed when transacting with different categories of customers as specified. Retail Customers £199.00 - (Private buyers - NOT an owner, partner or director of a new/used vehicle sales company). Retail Customers using a finance broker outside our official panel of lenders paying funds direct to Wilsons Epsom - £399.00. All fees are inclusive of VAT.