New number plate rules from next week will put drivers 'under pressure'

With roughly 50,000 new EVs set to hit the roads in March as the new “24” registration plates are rolled out, drivers are being urged to start installing home chargers.

Number plate changes will ‘put pressure’ on the electric car network it has been warned. With roughly 50,000 new EVs set to hit the roads in March as the new “24” registration plates are rolled out, drivers are being urged to start installing home chargers.

Paul Tomlinson, co-founder at Cord, said: “Last March was the biggest month ever for EV sales in the UK, with the new ‘23’ reg plates and an end-of-quarter Tesla push driving a huge surge in sales. We think this year will likely surpass that.”

That means “at least 50,000 new EV drivers looking to install a home charger at the same time,” he added. He went on: “It’s fantastic that so many more Brits are getting into cleaner cars, but it’s essential that their first month of driving isn’t marred by sky-high public charging costs while they wait for a charger to be installed, or forced working from home as they can’t afford to commute.

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“If you’re planning to buy an EV yourself, it’s a great idea to get ahead of the pack and book a charger installation now. Cord completes the majority of installations within two weeks of home survey – offering a fast and hassle-free experience. Nine of ten installation come standard with no additional costs.”

The cost of charging an electrical vehicle in the UK varies based on where, when and how you charge. But if you want to keep a lid on monthly running costs, choose a vehicle that meets your needs in the most cost-efficient way.

David Martell, CEO of premium home charging brand Andersen EV, said: “En-route rapid charging is very expensive, not because operators are necessarily profiteering but because of a number of differing factors, including a rate of 20 per cent VAT compared with just five per cent at home.”