Transitioning to an electric vehicle: the need to know

Wondering about switching to EV ownership? Curious about how Zapgo could support this? Here our team answers your most frequently asked questions. From how far you can drive on a single charge to how EV positively impacts the environment, we’re covering it all. If you’ve got some questions of your own about how Zapgo could benefit you and your business get in touch with us and we’ll talk you through all your options.

How far can an EV travel on a single charge? 

Often referred to as ‘range’, the number of miles an EV can go on a single charge is key for most drivers, particularly if you’re planning a longer trip or don’t currently have a destination charger near you. Range anxiety, just like petrol or diesel consumption, can depend on lots of factors including the weather, how you drive, tyre pressure, and how much weight the vehicle is carrying. The current average range for most new EV’s is between 200 and 300 miles.

How will Zapgo help ease range anxiety?

Range anxiety AKA the worry of running out of charge, is a big concern for both current and prospective EV owners. CEO Steve Leighton explains what Zapgo is doing to help this:

’We will ease range anxiety in two ways. Firstly, our charging stations will be extremely reliable with over 99% availability therefore reducing what is now known as 'reliability anxiety,' formed as a result of long-standing poor equipment, poorly maintained by the longer standing Charge Point Operators. Secondly, we are building sites in locations where the Charge Point Operator market is failing to deploy. Our strategy is clear, 'we will serve the underserved' not only opening charging to those who have yet to transition to EV but for those currently experiencing range anxiety. We will be addressing and improving this directly as our network rollout gathers pace and scale.’

Where can I charge my EV?  

There are two main choices when it comes to EV charging, either at home or at a public charge point, sometimes known as destination charging. There are pros and cons for both, and many people use a mix. For people who are put off by the initial cost of a home installation, don’t have their own driveway or space for a home charger or prefer a faster charging speed, then public charge points maybe the better choice. Public or destination charging can also be useful for those that have their own chargers but are out on longer trips and need to plan a route or visit that includes a place to charge. Zapgo install and maintain all their destination chargers meaning zero cost, risk, or effort for the businesses that partner with us.

What are the environmental benefits of switching to an EV?

Electric Vehicles improve air quality and help reduce air pollution as they produce no carbon dioxide emissions as they are driven. They can also improve quality of life in cities by reducing noise pollution as they are far quieter than petrol and diesel vehicles.  

What’s been your personal favourite EV benefit?

For partnership executive Tony Mullane, it’s about cash and convenience:

‘switching to EV means I am no longer at risk of huge price changes in fuel and have the benefit of being able to fill up overnight at home’, he explains.

Fellow partnerships executive Ama Bhamra has experienced a long list of unexpected bonuses since transitioning to EV:

‘From the fact it’s quiet - great if you have a good sound system and like your music, to multiple financial benefits like no road tax and lower running and maintenance costs, it’s a win-win situation for me!’

How will Zapgo benefit communities?

‘Zapgo will support local businesses by enhancing their customer offering at zero cost and risk’ explains our Head of Data and Analytics Thomas Heslop, adding:

‘Research shows that EV drivers will be more likely to visit locations that offer EV charging over locations that don’t. We are now seeing this insight proved out in reality, for example Strawberry Fields Farm Shops in the South West had such success with their first charging location that they have now opened a large charging hub at a second location. We also give local businesses an additional revenue stream. In tough financial conditions, this can be critical to ensuring the ongoing viability of some businesses. In turn this benefits the surrounding community as more money stays local.’