The answer, in short, is a resounding YES, for most drivers. But "most" isn't good enough, right? You want to know about you. Your driving habits, your current car, your electricity costs – these all play a part.

That's why we at Lemac Power have created something really useful: an interactive EV Savings Calculator right here on this page! No more guesstimates or confusing formulas. Just plug in a few details, and you'll instantly see the potential savings of switching to electric and charging smarter with a Lemac Power home charger.

For many car owners, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) represents an entirely new driving experience, bringing along numerous questions and concerns. One of the most common worries is about the battery life of an electric car. How long will it last? How do you ensure it stays in good condition? And what about the horror stories of batteries dying out too soon?

The good news is that EV batteries are built to last, often as long as the car itself. Like the batteries in your phone or laptop, EV batteries do degrade over time, but they hold up remarkably well under normal conditions. Typically, after 200,000 miles of driving, an EV battery should still retain at least 70% of its original capacity. In fact, some Tesla Model S taxis operating from Gatwick Airport have logged over 300,000 miles in just three years, with their batteries retaining more than 82% of their capacity.

Despite some alarming stories, the reality is that EV batteries are designed to endure, and with proper care, they can last for many years without significant degradation. Electric vehicle (EV) batteries have both gross and net battery capacities, which are terms used to describe the total amount of energy the battery can store and the amount of that energy that is actually usable for driving the vehicle. it's important to understand the difference between gross and net battery capacities. Gross capacity refers to the total energy the battery can store, while net capacity is the portion that’s actually usable for driving. Manufacturers intentionally reserve some of the battery's total capacity as a buffer to prevent deep discharges and overcharging, which can degrade the battery over time. This protective measure helps extend the battery's lifespan and maintain its performance, ensuring your EV runs efficiently for longer. Some car makers will allow the BMS (Battery Management System) to adjust the reserves in the gross capacity to be used as the battery ages 

Battery degradation happens naturally over time and with use. Factors like frequent charging, discharging, and exposure to extreme temperatures can all contribute to the decline in efficiency. For instance, rapid charging generates higher temperatures, which can cause wear on the lithium-ion cells. This is why manufacturers recommend charging to 80% rather than to 100% and avoiding deep discharges where possible. The environment plays a role too. Hotter climates can lead to a subtle yet noticeable reduction in battery performance compared to cooler regions.

Fortunately, there are ways to preserve your EV’s battery life:

Smart Charging: Avoid letting your battery drop below 20% and charge only up to 80% to reduce heat build-up. Most modern EVs allow you to set these limits, ensuring you protect the battery even when you're not actively thinking about it.

Avoid Rapid Charging When Possible: While DC rapid chargers are convenient for quick top-ups, using them sparingly will help maintain your battery's longevity by reducing the number of high-heat cycles the cells undergo.

Temperature Management: In extreme weather, keep your car plugged in to allow the thermal management system to maintain an optimal temperature for the battery.

Drive Conservatively: Aggressive driving and frequent use of an EV’s instant torque can accelerate battery wear. By driving more gently, you can help keep the battery cooler and extend its life.

Charging at Home - The Lemac Power Advantage.

Having a reliable home charger, like those from Lemac Power, can make a significant difference in maintaining your EV battery’s health. Home chargers allow you to easily manage charging schedules, ensuring you don’t exceed the recommended 80% charge level. Plus, with a Lemac Power charger, you can take advantage of overnight charging at lower electricity rates, further reducing the stress on your battery and extending its life.

While EV batteries do degrade over time, with the right care and precautions, they can last as long as your vehicle does. By following the tips outlined above and using a high-quality home charger like those from Lemac Power, you can keep your battery in peak condition for years to come.

Audi is redefining luxury and performance with the launch of the Audi A6 e-tron, available as both a Sportback and an Avant. This new model marks Audi's first all-electric A6, blending cutting-edge technology, outstanding aerodynamics, and an impressive range of over 450 miles. Here’s a closer look at what makes the A6 e-tron a standout in the world of electric vehicles.

The A6 e-tron’s exterior is a masterpiece of design, emphasizing elegance and progressiveness. Its dynamic roofline and sculptural quattro blisters give it a commanding road presence. The slim daytime running lights and wide grille further enhance its sophisticated look. The innovative panoramic glass roof, which can turn opaque at the touch of a button, adds a touch of futuristic flair. With a drag coefficient of just 0.21 for the Sportback, the A6 e-tron boasts the best aerodynamics in the entire Audi lineup and the VW Group. This exceptional design not only improves efficiency but also extends the vehicle’s range. The Avant variant is also a leader in its segment with a drag coefficient of 0.24. The Sportback model is a welcome addition to the overall EV market place, alongside the i5 Touring helping to bring back estates to the market place after being all but replaced by SUVs. It's an important move for users, as by providing load space without the aerodynamic penalties of the larger bodies typical of an SUV, it helps EV drivers carry more luggage with better range Audi continues to set the benchmark for automotive lighting with the A6 e-tron. The digital OLED rear lights and digital daytime running lights create customizable light signatures, enhancing both safety and personalization. The second-generation virtual exterior mirrors, now foldable, contribute to the car’s sleek profile and aerodynamic efficiency.

Inside, the A6 e-tron offers a spacious and ergonomic environment tailored to the occupants’ needs. The MMI panoramic display combines a 14.5-inch touch screen with the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit, creating a seamless digital experience. The second-generation augmented reality head-up display projects essential information directly onto the windshield, keeping the driver informed without distraction.

Equipped with a newly developed 100 kWh battery, the A6 e-tron delivers a remarkable range of over 450 miles. Thanks to its 800-volt technology, the A6 e-tron can charge up to 192 miles in just 10 minutes at high-power charging stations. This ensures that long journeys are both convenient and efficient. The A6 e-tron offers a perfect balance between comfort and sporty handling. The optional adaptive air suspension system adjusts to road conditions and driving preferences, providing a smooth and enjoyable ride. The S6 e-tron variant, with its rear-biased all-wheel drive and higher power output, delivers exhilarating performance. Safety and convenience are paramount in the A6 e-tron, which comes with a suite of driver assistance systems. Features like adaptive driving assistant plus, park assist plus, and a surround view camera make driving and parking effortless, enhancing overall safety.

The Audi A6 e-tron and S6 e-tron will be available to order in the UK starting September 2, 2024. Full pricing and specifications will be announced on this date. Of course with any EV our range of universal 7kW home chargers and 22kW commercial chargers, Lemac Power is happy to help power up EV drivers choosing the new Audi A6 range.

Over the past three years, the used EV market has evolved dramatically. In 2021 and 2022, the market was full of higher prices and limited supply due to the still early state of the EV industry and production slowdowns. The Tesla Model 3, one of the early mainstream electric vehicles that lead the way to the marketplace we see today, has only just turned 5 years old in the UK.

By 2023, the influx of new EV models and improvements in charging infrastructure are beginning to stabilise the market, making EVs more attractive to used car buyers. Now in 2024, the market is benefiting from these foundational changes. Improved battery technology, longer ranges, and faster charging times have made older EV models more competitive, sustaining their value over time.

The UK used electric vehicle (EV) market has seen dynamic changes over the past few years, reflecting broader trends in consumer behavior, technology, and market dynamics. As of mid-2024, this market is vibrant, with both opportunities and challenges. In the first week of July alone, nearly 700 EVs were sold, with BCA (British Car Auctions) on track to record over 30,000 units sold in the next 12 months. This surge in sales is driven by increased demand and pricing stability, making EVs more appealing compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Auto Trader's recent analysis underscores unprecedented shifts in the supply dynamics of the used car market. The reduced production of new cars during the pandemic has led to a significant decrease in the number of sub-five-year-old vehicles, particularly affecting brands like Vauxhall, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz. By contrast, brands like MG and Tesla have seen substantial increases in the number of younger vehicles available. Due to the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, there are an estimated 2.7-2.8 million cars which would have been 3 years old now, but never hit the roads due to finance extensions and lack of supply. 

The surge in EVs entering the market is another key trend. Auto Trader estimates that by the end of 2024, around 4% of the total cars on UK roads will be electric, with this figure expected to rise to over a third by 2033. For the hold-outs on traditional ICE vehicles, there will never be more choice of these vehicles than there is right now, in particular the number of diesel vehicles in the market. Each month the remaining models that fall into this category will dwindle, with car makers moving to PHEV and EV production.

Cap HPI reports encouraging signs of price recovery in the used EV sector, with increased consumer demand driving prices up. Conversely, Indicata highlights a 43.8% drop in used EV prices over the past 18 months, bringing them closer to ICE vehicle prices. This price parity is crucial, as it marks an important tipping point for more people to switch to electric driving. Specialist EV trade buyers are thriving, driven by their market knowledge and ability to dispel myths about EVs, particularly around battery health and warranties. With a used EV not having the same offers of free charging points as many newer options, it's important to pick the best EV home charger for any potential car you might be looking at. 

As the market continues to adjust and mature, now is an ideal time to invest in a home EV charger. Investing in a home EV charger not only supports current needs but also future-proofs homes as the shift towards electric driving accelerates. We highlighted this in our post about the point at which the cost of driving electric from a home charger has covered only 6 months of ICE driving. Home EV chargers provide a range of benefits that make them a valuable investment for electric vehicle owners. They offer the convenience by enabling you to charge your vehicle overnight or whenever it's parked at home, ensuring it's always ready to go without the hassle of frequent trips to public charging stations. Charging at home can lead to significant cost savings compared to using public stations, as you can take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours or take advantage of home solar to charge your car, ultimately reducing your energy costs.

Installing a home EV charger can boost your property's value and appeal to potential buyers interested in electric vehicles. Lastly, regular charging at home can help maintain your EV's battery health, providing a consistent and safe charging environment compared to public stations. Embrace the electric revolution today and enjoy the benefits of cleaner, more efficient transportation.

According to Auto Trader's latest data, the Honda e:Ny1 is the most sought-after brand-new electric vehicle (EV) in July. It also ranks as the 7th most popular new car across all fuel types, a significant jump from 254th place in the UK in June. This battery-powered SUV stands out as the fastest-growing new car model this month. Among pure electric cars, it has garnered more inquiries than any other model, representing over 10% of EV leads sent to retailers.

This marks the second time this year that Honda's flagship EV has taken the top spot. Its rapid ascent can be attributed to generous discounts, deposit contributions, and finance deals. Last month Honda announced a fresh retail offer on the small SUV.

The Honda e:Ny1 showcases intelligent design, combining style and innovation for urban lifestyles. It prioritizes environmental sustainability as an all-electric vehicle, reducing carbon emissions. Featuring a human-centred approach, the SUV offers fun-to-drive dynamics and advanced technology. The e:Ny1's design includes a distinctive aesthetic, spacious interior, and advanced features like wireless phone charging. Built on the e:N Architecture F platform, it boasts a high-performance power drive unit, long-range battery, and improved torsional rigidity for dynamic performance and comfort. Honda's commitment to electrification is evident in the e:Ny1, reflecting their dedication to innovation and customer-centric technology. With a range of up to 256 miles, it’s easy to see why the e:Ny1 makes sense when matched with the current offers.

With any new or used EV on offer to drivers, the number one factor is to make sure it’s convenient to charge your Electric Vehicle or Plug In Hybrid. While Honda have got finance offers in place to help EV drivers, there’s nothing from the manufacturer to help customers with a 7kW home charger. Our EV Charger range at Lemac Power makes an ideal home charger solution for Honda EV customers.

This trend underscores the impact of affordability in engaging consumers with new EVs and how manufacturers are adapting to meet this year's ZEV Mandate targets. The average discounts on new cars have increased from 6.6% to 8.7% since July last year, with 75% of new cars now offering some form of discount. EVs, in particular, boast an average discount of 10.6%.

Auto Trader's data, drawn from approximately 2 million monthly visitors searching for new cars, indicates that the combination of improved options and affordability is resonating with consumers. Despite disruptions from events like the General Election, Euros, and Wimbledon, consumer interest in new cars remains steady. Visits to Auto Trader's new car platform have increased by around 6% year-on-year in July.

During the Euros, BYD strategically elevated its brand visibility to engage consumers with their cars. The brand experienced a 33% surge in ad views for new and used models throughout the tournament. This initiative propelled the BYD Seal to become the UK's fourth most viewed electric car this month, with BYD ranking as the seventh most viewed electric brand with their Atto 3 and Dolphin making a 3 car range in the UK. Despite these efforts, due to BYD's relative novelty among UK buyers, neither the Seal nor the brand made it onto the list of top makes and models driving the highest volume of inquiries in July.