When opting for an electric vehicle, drivers need to move their thinking from refuelling to recharging – considering when is best to charge, where to charge and how to charge. And this can be a quick and straightforward process.

The good news is that charging up an EV is simple, highly affordable and convenient, thanks to the many options new EV drivers can take advantage of.

Volkswagen Financial Services (VWFS) shares its top tips to ensure EV charging is as easy and as cost competitive as possible, highlighting the numerous charging choices available to suit individual lifestyles, home and work locations and budget.

Journey planning

It may sound obvious, but one of the best ways to make the most of an EV is to think ahead when it comes to charging, just as many people would do with a petrol or diesel car, if they wanted to find the best prices on their route. Drivers can use apps such as Zapmap to identify charging points on route when undertaking longer journeys and view the different charging rates. The app also highlights locations where free charging is available. Figures from Zapmap show that around 8% of the 42,000 charging points on their app provide access to free charging, opening the door to real cost savings when compared to filling a petrol or diesel tank.

Get smart for off-peak charging

If drivers have access to home charging, data from Ohme suggests the average UK driver could save more than £624 per year in comparison to fuelling a typical petrol vehicle. Additional savings can also be made if drivers take advantage of off-peak charging rates. Smart home chargers can help drivers to take advantage of the lower electricity rates that are available from the grid during off-peak hours. It is also worth noting that some public charge networks also offer lower rates for charging at off-peak times of the day.

Think about community charging initiatives

Innovative schemes, such as Co Charger, enable the 40-50% of drivers who do not have access to home charging to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates to charge their EVs. To use this service, drivers can download an app to find a local charger, before simply parking up and plugging in – effectively ‘renting’ a charger from someone in the community who does have access to home charging.

Explore free charging opportunities

EV drivers should also explore additional charging opportunities in their area. Some businesses, such as supermarkets, hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations, offer free charging as a way to incentivise visits and drum up trade.

Consider renewable charging

To unlock additional savings, if drivers have access to home charging, it may be worth thinking about the possible integration of home chargers with renewable technology solutions, such as solar panels. Using solar power for the energy required to charge an EV at home can not only bring down the cost of home charging further, but it also improves the sustainability of a driver’s EV charging routine.

Rob Taylor, head of e-commerce and direct sales at VWFS

Rob Taylor, head of e-commerce and direct sales at VWFS, comments: “As the momentum of EV adoption and charging infrastructure investment continues to grow, it is important that drivers moving to an EV appreciate the ease and affordability benefits available.

“There are numerous ways drivers can optimise how they charge and only pay a competitive rate for doing so.

“The welcome arrival of community charging access, free charging and innovative charging solutions that use sustainable energy sources, also offer further benefits for those considering moving to an EV.”