VAUXHALL ELECTRIC LIFESTYLE

Learn how you will live, charge and drive with your new Vauxhall electric vehicle starting with the various power charging points available.

CHARGING AT HOME

There's two ways to charge at home. Use a standard three-pin socket or a dedicated EV charging wallbox. Both are easy but a wallbox is 30-60% quicker. There are loads of companies making wallboxes - so it's worth shopping around.

Don't worry about the rain. Wallboxes are weatherproof and built-in overload protection circuitry - so they're safe to use anytime. And they switch off when your car is fully charged. If you get a wallbox, you'll need a smart meter. It'll help you get the cheapest electricity prices when you want to recharge.

PARK ON THE STREET?

If you don't have off-street parking, charging can be a bit of a challenge. But the public charging network is growing every day. And local authorities can help make life easier, too. They can apply for funding to create or add charging points in their area. Check what plans your local authorirty has. Or search 'On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme'​

THE CHARGING NETWORK

You can plug-in to one of almost 20,000 public chargepoints in the UK. It's one of the biggest networks in Europe. And it's growing everyday.

Motorway driver? 96% of motorway service stations have rapid chargepoints. You could charge up to 80% in just 30 minutes - a perfect time for a break and a cuppa.

The Government wants to help more companies install charging points. So they've created the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS). This could provide up to £500 per socket foe eligible businesses, charities and public sector organistations. To qualify, they need to provide dedicated off-street parking for staff.​

PAYING FOR PUBLIC CHARGING

The nationwide public charging network is made up of different companies. They usually offer either a supscription services or pay-as-you-go. Or both. You may need more than one provider on your journey. So work out which method is best for you.

Subscription - You normally pay a monthly fee. And most chargepoints will be free to use. Sometimes there will be a cost per charge or per charge or per kWh.

Pay-as-you-go - Mobile apps are replacing RFID cards (cards sometimes have an annual fee). There's a £1 connection cost unless indicated. Rapid charging may cost extra.​

HOW MUCH?

Charging costs vary. Depending on battery size, where you charge and when. At home, the average overnight electricity rate is 13p per kWh. So a full charge would be around £8.30. But you need to check your supplier and their tariffs.

Public network charge stations set their own prices. So there's a bit of variety. But electricity is much cheaper than the cost of petrol or diesel per mile.​

RAPID CHARGING

Want to power up quickly? Go for a rapid charger. You'll find them at 96% of motorway service stations and they'll deliver an 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes. You'll sometimes have to pay extra for this speedy service. To find the nearest rapid charger.