EV News: The Driver Update

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is changing constantly. Zest is keeping current and prospective drivers up to date with some of the developments that will be shaping the industry going forward.

EV Charging Tips

Want to make charging your EV faster and cheaper when using public charging points? Then charge to 80% rather than 100%. A recent article from Auto Express explains that once EVs reach about 80%, the charge speed slows to preserve the battery’s life. Therefore, charging to 100% can take disproportionately longer. Unless the extra range is needed, EV drivers can save some time and money by charging to 80% and continuing on their journey.  

With colder weather on the horizon, car heaters will almost certainly be turned up. For EV drivers, it’s recommended to preheat your vehicle while it's charging. Heating systems in EVs use a lot of electricity, so be sure to pre-heat while plugged in to ensure you set off with enough charge.

SMMT EV Sales Figures

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales were up 24.5% in October compared to the same month in 2023. As such, BEVs made up 20.7% of all new cars registered in October.

299,733 fully electric cars have been registered so far in 2024, representing 18.1% of all new car sales, and an extensive model choice is helping drive this uptake. New car buyers in the UK currently have more than 125 different BEV models to choose from; this is an uplift of 38% over the last 10 months. Prices are coming down too, with roughly one in five BEV models now having a lower purchase price than the average petrol or diesel car.

It’s not just new EVs which are driving EV adoption though, as used BEV sales climbed 57.0% in Q3, to represent their largest recorded market share at 2.7%, demonstrating just how popular pre-loved EVs are becoming.

Electric myth-busting

Interested in the EV lifestyle? Still have some concerns about what it’s like to own and drive one? Challenging some of the common myths, the Independent has produced an informative video series with seven-time Paralympian medallist Will Bayley on what it’s like to live with an EV. The short videos test range anxiety, discuss the environmental benefits and feel-good factor of EVs, and even check the performance of EVs at a rally school in an engaging series that culminates in the Paralympian choosing to buy an EV as his next car.  

Family-Friendly EVs

More electric models are becoming available than ever before, and the seven-seater market is the latest to benefit from this trend. Addressing the needs of families, the futuristic looking Kia EV9 has been rated as the best seven-seat EV on sale by The Independent owed to its over 300-mile range and fast charging ability: it can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes!  

Learn about the other spacious and practical EVs rated by The Independent here.

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