Living with an Electric Car Without Home Charging: A One-Month Reality Check
Using an electric car without home charging is possible but challenging, based on real-world experience with a Mini Cooper Electric over one month. Here's what you need to know.
Charging Logistics
- Found a 22kW AC charger 10 minutes from home in a free car park
- Four-hour parking limit complicated full charging sessions
- Developed strategy of frequent small top-ups at supermarkets and public car parks
- Regular 80-mile commute required charging the day before
Electric Mini Cooper front view
Cost Analysis
- Covered 1,150 miles at a total cost of £219.67
- Cost per mile: 20 pence using public chargers
- Comparable petrol car costs:
- 35mpg car: 17 pence per mile
- 50mpg car: 12 pence per mile
Nissan Leaf charging at power station
Performance
- Achieved 3.7 miles per kWh efficiency
- Real-world range: 200 miles
- Only 40 miles below claimed range in winter conditions
Electric Mini Cooper charging
Recommendations
For private owners:
- Not recommended without home charging access
- More expensive than petrol alternatives
- Less convenient due to charging planning
For company car drivers:
- May still be beneficial due to tax advantages
- BIK tax comparison: £120/month (petrol) vs £12/month (electric)
Alternative Solutions:
- Explore workplace charging options
- Request landlord installation of charging points
- Consider available government grants
Mini Cooper SE charging at station
Home Charging Cost Comparison:
- Public charging: £29.70 per 200 miles
- Home charging (7p/kWh): £3.78 per 200 miles
Future Considerations:
- Government intervention needed for public charging costs
- Potential VAT reduction on public charging
- Infrastructure improvements required for wider adoption