The size of an electric vehicle battery is measured as kWh. As an example the battery sizes available in the CUPRA Born are 58kWh and 77kWh. The larger the number the more power the battery holds and typically the longer it takes to charge.
When comparing chargers the speed is reflected by kW. This is typically how many kW it can deliver in one hour of charging under optimum conditions. As an example the Ohme home charger* charges at 7kw and therefore a full 77kWh charge in the CUPRA Born would take approximately 11 hours (77kWH ÷ 7kw = 11 hours).
Public chargers tend to offer between 7kw and 150kw, however can go up as high as 350kw^, though it’s worth noting that not all EVs can accept such fast charging.
The CUPRA Born has maximum charging speeds of 125kw on the 58kWh battery and 170kw on the 77kWH battery.
Due to the chemical reactions that occur in batteries, the age and condition of the battery, ambient temperature and the capability and current usage of the charging unit can slow charging rates. Charging times will also be impacted by the options you choose and will be longer in colder weather or if safeguarding technology is activated. On some cars, charging from 80% to 100% is also performed at a slower rate to prolong the life of the battery.
Using similar calculations an estimated cost to charge an electric vehicle can be worked out. If the cost of a unit of electricity is 34p/kWh‡ the cost to fully charge a 77kWh battery in the CUPRA Born would be £26.18† (£0.34 x 77kWh = £26.18).
There are ways to make charging cheaper at home. For example, by coupling an Ohme smart charger with a suitable energy tariff, such as Octopus, allowing the charger to prioritise charging during off-peak times**.
Currently all battery electric vehicles (BEVs) do not need to pay the Conjestion Charge when driven in Central London. You can find more information and instructions on how to apply on the TfL website.
Some local authorities have introduced clean or low emission air zones as part of a strategy to reduce transport emissions and improve air quality. An example of this is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London. Exemption criteria varies between zones however BEVs and PHEVs are usually exempt.
TfL are currently offering up to £2,000 scrappage for non-compliant vehicles which can then be put towards the purchase of a compliant BEV such as the CUPRA Born.
You may enjoy healthy tax benefits on electric company cars
The Workplace Charging Scheme^^ provides support towards the purchase and installation of electric vehicle chargepoints. Please note eligibility requirements and T & Cs apply. Click the links below to find out more.
The Government is incentivising businesses to install chargers on their premises by offering grants to help cover the costs.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)^^ pays up to 75% of total costs of the purchase and installation of up to 40 chargepoint sockets, up to a limit of £350 per charger.
It can be spread to cover multiple locations, for example, to cover four units being installed across ten locations.
The amount of Company Car Tax, known as Benefit in Kind (BiK), employees need to pay may be reduced if they are provided with an electric or e-HYBRID vehicle.
For example, the all-electric CUPRA Born’s BiK is currently calculated at 2% for financial year 22/23, 23/24 and 24/25. Considering less efficient cars can be charged at up to 37%, this could save thousands per year. While the BiK is calculated at a higher rate for e-HYBRIDs, they still come in cheaper than traditional petrol cars.
Use the CUPRA tax calculator for an estimate of tax savings you could make.
EV charging at home and charger installation.
Charging when away from home at public stations.
The different types of electric vehicles available.
