Latest news with #webuyanycar
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Brits with EVs urged to charge their cars in specific place this weekend
Brits who own an electric vehicle (EV) have been advised to follow one rule when charging their cars in the coming days to protect their motor's battery health and charging speed Brits with electric vehicles (EVs) are being urged to follow one simple rule when charging their cars this weekend, or risk damaging their battery. There's no denying the UK EV market is booming, with 29,634 new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) — cars powered entirely by the electricity stored in a battery, as apposed to hybrids, which also use petrol engines — sold in January 2025 alone, and one in three used EVs now being available for under £20,000. This surge in new and used EVs means more drivers than ever are plugging in and making the switchover to greener motoring. As the EV revolution accelerates, experts are keen to ensure drivers get the most from their motors, particularly as the summer season brings fresh challenges for charging and battery care. Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, has therefore shared some essential advice for EV owners about charging this weekend. The expert pointed out that the temperature of the location where you charge your car can make a big difference, stating: "On hot days, heat can slow your EV's charging or damage the battery if not properly managed. "This applies to temperatures above 30°C. Optimal charge temperature is 15 to 25°C." This advice isn't just relevant during heatwaves, as freezing temperatures can also trouble the efficiency of charging an EV's battery. Richard added: "Cold weather can also have the same effect as heat, resulting in a slower charge. During the summer months, it's best to charge your car in the shade and avoid fast charging repeatedly to reduce extra strain on the battery." This advice comes at a crucial time, as forecasters predict that the UK is set for a spell of unusually high temperatures this weekend, continuing into next week. The Met Office announced another incoming heatwave, with conditions set to remain sweltering for some time. This Friday — July 11 — is predicted to be the hottest day of the scorching run, with the mercury likely topping out at 32°C across the southeast of England and parts of the east coast. But nearly everywhere in the UK, including vast areas of Scotland, Wales and Ireland will see an extended spell of extreme heat. So as Britains gear themselves up for another heatwave, EV owners are being urged to seek out shaded spots or covered charging bays, whether at home or at public stations. By following expert advice and charging in the right place, drivers can protect their batteries, ensure reliable performance, and make the most of their EVs as the temperatures rise.
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Brits with EVs warned against letting their car battery drop below certain level
Even though battery prices have fallen sharply in recent years and the affordability of electric vehicles (EVs) has improved, the need to protect this costly component remains vitally important A leading expert has warned electric vehicle (EV) owners of the consequences of allowing their battery charge to fall below a particular percentage. The UK EV market is getting bigger and bigger — a whopping 29,634 new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) were sold domestically in January 2025 alone. BEVs are powered entirely by the electricity stored in a battery, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), for example, also utlise petrol engines. The used EV market is also growing, with one in three used models now offered for under £20,000, meaning more motorists than ever before are considering switchover to electric. Understanding how to care for an EV battery is essential for both new and experienced owners alike. Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, advised: "We wouldn't recommend you let your EV battery go completely flat before charging it again. Keep it above 20 per cent to a maximum of 80 per cent." This guidance is particularly important for models equipped with non-lithium iron phosphate (LFP) lithium-ion batteries, such as the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID series, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq. Richard explained that these batteries degrade faster when regularly charged to their maximum capacity of 100 per cent. By maintaining the battery level between 20 and 80 per cent, owners can reduce chemical stress and slow down battery degradation. But for those driving EVs with LFP batteries, including some newer Teslas and BYD models, the expert's advice differs. Richard noted: "Charging to 100 per cent daily is fine and won't degrade the battery life. LFP batteries are less prone to degradation at higher states of charge." Regardless of battery type, the pro always recommends charging to full capacity before longer trips in an EV. He explained that for non-LFP batteries, charging to full once or twice a month can also 'help calibrate the battery management system', ensuring accurate range readings and optimal performance. Factors such as driving style, usage of in-car heating or air conditioning, and also weather conditions, can all impact the real-world range and battery health of an EV. Smart energy recovery technologies, like regenerative braking, help top up the battery during use, but they do not replace the need for careful charging habits. The battery is the most expensive part of an EV and its longevity is a key factor in the overall cost of ownership. Even though battery prices have fallen sharply in recent years and the affordability of both new and used EVs has improved, the need to protect this costly component remains vitally important. Following expert advice on battery care will help ensure EVs remain reliable and retain their value for longer.
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Best day and time to charge your EV and save money with 'plunge pricing'
Brits driving electric vehicles (EVs) have been urged to charge their cars at specific times of the day and slash costs with a little-known tool known as 'plunge pricing' An expert has revealed when UK motorists should charge their electric vehicles (EVs) to secure significant savings. The EV market in the UK is growing rapidly, with 29,634 new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) sold in January 2025 alone. The distinction between an EV and a BEV is exactly as it sounds — BEVs are solely powered by electricity stored in a battery, with no other power source, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), for example, also have petrol engines. The used market is also becoming more accessible, with one in three used EVs now available for under £20,000, opening up electric motoring to a wider range of drivers than ever before. As more people make the switchover to electric, understanding how to save money on charging becomes increasingly important. Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, explained that the timing of your charging sessions plays a crucial role in cutting costs. He advises that EV owners pay less during off‑peak hours — roughly 1.30 am to 6.30 am during the summer and spring, or 12.30 am to 5.30 am during the autumn and winter. He advised that these are 'consistently the cheapest times to charge your car, especially with EV‑focused tariffs' and that utilising them can 'nearly halve your per-mile cost'. The expert continued: "Companies such as Next, Octopus Go, EDF and GoElectric offer off-peak rates as low as 6.7p to 9p per kWh, which can nearly halve your per‑mile cost." Richard's advice is backed by the latest tariffs available from major suppliers. For example, Next Drive offers a fixed off-peak rate of 6.7p per kWh between midnight and 7 am, and EDF 's GoElectric Overnight tariff delivers a 9p per kWh rate for five hours each night. Octopus Go also provides a rate of 8.5p per kWh from 12.30 am to 5.30 am, while Intelligent Octopus Go has rates as low as 7p per kWh for compatible vehicles and chargers. These off-peak rates are significantly lower than standard daytime rates — according to insurance experts over at WeCovr. The average cost of on-peak home EV charging is around 27.43p per kWh — making overnight charging the most cost-effective option for the majority of EV owners. Beyond these regular off-peak savings, the expert highlighted another opportunity for even greater reductions in EV charging costs — 'plunge pricing'. As Richard explained: "Some energy companies will also offer 'plunge pricing', which is a special discount on public charging when energy supply is extra high. This allows EV drivers to choose which day to charge their car based on when they know there will be cheaper energy prices. Typically, plunge pricing offers are mid-week from Tuesday to Thursday." What is plunge pricing? Plunge pricing is triggered by a surplus of renewable energy on the grid, often due to high wind or solar generation and low demand. During these periods, companies notify their customers of special events where charging rates can be massively discounted — in exceptional circumstances, EV drivers could even be paid to charge their vehicles. Octopus Energy released a statement last year reading: "Electric car drivers in Britain can benefit from cheaper public charging when green energy is abundant thanks to a groundbreaking innovation from Octopus Electroverse. 'Plunge Pricing' events happen when cheap renewable generation is high and demand is low, so wholesale electricity prices fall. Drivers using Octopus' Electroverse get discounts for taking excess energy off the grid at these sunny and windy times. "Electroverse has so far trialled five of these events at over 7,500 charge points across brands like IONITY, Osprey, Blink, GeniePoint and Raw. Discounts to date have ranged from 15 per cent to 45 per cent per kWh. There is even potential in the future for drivers to get paid to charge up their car when wholesale prices go negative." Notifications for upcoming plunge pricing events are generally sent out via apps like Octopus Electroverse, giving EV drivers direct access to discounted rates at over 700,000 public chargers across the UK and Europe.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
UK's 'worst service station' is in Scotland with pricey yet poor food and drink blamed
The motorway service station came bottom in a poll of 95 nationwide Visiting a motorway service station is often a necessity when travelling longer distances, but many are slated for their poor facilities and high prices. Finding a good one with decent food and drink, clean facilities can be hit and miss. With the summer holidays here, thousands of families will be making road trips which might require one or two stops for food or comfort breaks. But one you may want to drive on by is the service station which has been named as the 'worst in the UK' in a recent survey. It's near Glasgow and it ranked bottom of a poll of 95 other stations across the country. webuyanycar after ranking the lowest. As part of the car buying company's Dream Service Station report it looked at motorway service stations across Britain and scored them. Each one was given a score out of 100 based on its food options, facilities, charging points, and it's Google review ratings, reports Glasgow Live. Bothwell Roadchef scored just 4.8 out of 100 and was the only service station not to score above five. With a Google ranking of 3.6 stars, the survey found drivers were complaining about the price and the quality of the food and drink on offer. Those who had left reviewed mentioned overpriced options and lukewarm tea in their reviews. The service station also only had five different amenities, food and retail choices. To find the UK's best and worst service stations, webuyanycar created an index using a combination of data from and from Google reviews. The index included the number of catering options, amenities and charging points, according to motorway services, and the Google review score for each service station. They ranked each location based on the prevalence of each metric and gave each a score out of 100. The higher the score, the 'better' the service station for motorists on road trips. Head of technical services at webuyanycar, Richard Evans, said: 'While some variation in the quality of service stations is to be expected, the findings do show an inconsistency in UK service stations. "For people who travel long distances, it's important to have service stations with good facilities available to them. "Taking regular breaks on long journeys is crucial for safety and well-being purposes, helping to prevent fatigue and keep drivers focused. Central to this safety approach is having the appropriate rest points where drivers actually want to stop and take a break." Bothwell's first place was closely followed by Leeming Bar (scoring 5.5/100) and Swansea West (8.2/100). At the other end of the table, Strensham Motorway Services, located in Worcestershire, was the highest-ranking service station in the UK, scoring 80.6 out of 100. Roadchef have been approached for comment.
Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Scottish service station near Glasgow named worst in UK
The unpopular location ranked the lowest out of 95 stations nationwide A SCOTTISH service station has been named the worst in the UK in a new study of nearly a hundred locations. The report by car buying firm webuyanycar named Bothwell services the UK's worst - ranking the lowest out of 95 stations nationwide. 1 Bothwell services only scored 4.8 out of 100. Hamilton services failed to do much better being ranked sixth worst across the UK. Bothwell services only scored 4.8 out of 100, the lowest of all 95 of those included in the analysis. The Roadchef near Glasgow has an average Google review score of just 3.6 stars out of five, struggling with customer satisfaction. Disappointed visitors mentioned overpriced options and lukewarm tea in their reviews. The service station also only had five different amenities, food and retail choices. On the other end of the spectrum, Strensham Services came out as the UK's number one service station - with a score of 80.6 out of 100. The Worcestershire Roadchef offers popular options like McDonald's, LEON and Costa, all contributing to the experience of passersby. Whilst Moto Rugby has the highest Google review score, the location has limited options available, which impacted its performance in the rankings. Head of technical services at webuyanycar, Richard Evans, said: 'While some variation in the quality of service stations is to be expected, the findings do show an inconsistency in UK service stations. "For people who travel long distances, it's important to have service stations with good facilities available to them. Warning over petrol station mistake which can cost £1,000s "Taking regular breaks on long journeys is crucial for safety and well-being purposes, helping to prevent fatigue and keep drivers focused. "Central to this safety approach is having the appropriate rest points where drivers actually want to stop and take a break.'
