en:EV Hub:Charge times and running costs GB/EN

Electric vehicle charging times and running costs

Battery size

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. 

Learn more about battery size

Charging speeds

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Calculating speed

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 charger speeds

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.

Other factors

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.

Charging at public chargers

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

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Calculating cost

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).

Smart technology

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**. 

Charging at home

Low Emission Zones

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Congestion Charge exemption

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.

Free access to Low Emissions Zones

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.

EV cars & business benefits

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Claim capital allowances

You may enjoy healthy tax benefits on electric company cars

Find out more about taxable benefits in kind

Find out more about workplace charging

Workplace Charging Scheme

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. 

Find out more about Workplace charging schemes

Find out more about Capital allowances

Charging at work

The Government is incentivising businesses to install chargers on their premises by offering grants to help cover the costs.

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Workplace charging

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.

Tax made easier

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.

Learn more about electric vehicles

EV charging at home and charger installation.

Charging when away from home at public stations.

The different types of electric vehicles available.

* UK homeowners (or renters with landlord's permission) with off-street parking at their property only.  Wall box installation subject to contract with Ohme.  Exclusions, eligibility restrictions and terms and conditions apply.

^ 150kW+ chargers not available in Northern Ireland and many parts of Scotland/Wales.  Available in limited numbers in GB, mainly on motorways and major arterial routes.

‡ Current capped cost of electricity as of 06/02/2023.

† Costs are estimates (based on home charging and an electricity price of 34p/kWh) for information and comparability only. Results should not be relied upon. Real world results will be different and will depend on the actual price of electricity/your individual tariff

** This will depend on your individual tariff.  Please consult your electricity supplier.

^^ Scheme available in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (not in Channel Island or Isle of Man).  Scheme run by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).  Subject to eligibility criteria.  Grant capped at a maximum of £350 per socket or 40 sockets across all sites per applicant.

Lithium-ion batteries, of the type used in most electric vehicles (including CUPRA electric vehicles) have a restricted lifespan. Battery capacity will reduce over time, with use and charging. Reduction in battery capacity will affect the performance of the vehicle, including the range achievable, and may impact resale value. New car performance figures (including battery capacity and range) may be provided for the purposes of comparison between vehicles. You should not rely on new car performance figures (including battery capacity and range), in relation to used vehicles with older batteries, as they will not reflect used vehicle performance in the real world. For further information on battery degradation/preservation and the CUPRA 8 year/100,000 mile battery warranty, please click here.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other vehicles tested to the same technical procedures. Figures may not reflect real life driving results.

Please note that some images and specifications may not reflect UK specification or may only be available as an option.