Annabelle Clarke

PR Manager

Annabelle Clarke | Author

Eduardo Rodrigues

Content Writer

Claudia Tuñón

Isobel Coughlan

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer

Alastair Shephard

Today is World Entrepreneurs’ Day, and in aid of this, we are celebrating our very own co-founders, James Jackson and Jack Allman!

I spent some time with James and Jack and picked their brains about how Bumper came to be, what they think makes a successful business, and the key traits someone would need to be a strong entrepreneur.

The idea for what is now Bumper, was first thought up by James when speaking with a contact in the industry who had crunched some numbers on repair costs, and had identified that Peugeot-Citroën were losing around £1 billion a year from identified repair work that wasn’t being sold. This led to James developing a Buy Now Pay Later solution for this type of work in the automotive industry, then called Auto Service Finance. 

After receiving some funding from friends and family, James was introduced to the Allmans – he pitched the business idea to them and they developed a deal to launch the product to their dealers. 

Guy Allman suggested Jack’s involvement, and then, in James’ words, he ‘realised how brilliant and energetic Jack was’, which was when Jack went from 1-2 days a week to being an integral part of Auto Service Finance.

James’ key piece of advice for being a budding entrepreneur would be to first work in a business that does the thing they want to create before setting up the business. This is when you meet key stakeholders in the industry and start to understand all the elements that you need to launch that kind of startup. James had previously worked at 3 tech startups before launching this product and Jack had been at an automotive tech startup. This is where they both gained key contacts in the industry, and the know-how on what to do, and what not to do. 

James said this is key when it comes to gaining funding. Investors are not only investing in an idea, but they are also investing in the people who are driving it. In the early days, James and Jack put together a team of people who they knew were credible and had been successful in working with previously. It seems there is some truth in the adage ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’.

When discussing the key to getting a new business off the ground, James cites a Ted Talk that he recently sent to Jack. It was centred around 5 reasons startups succeed or fail – the idea, the team, funding, the business model, and timing. By far the biggest factor in the research was timing. Both Uber and Airbnb launched at the height of the financial crash in 2008; a time when people were more inclined to rent their rooms out for extra money or to drive strangers around in their cars when they had lost their job. 

James points out that the launch of Auto Service Finance was well-timed as the automotive sector was becoming more digital and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) was about to boom, just before Klarna gained traction. In fact, early funding rounds for Auto Service Finance happened at the same time as Klarna and BNPL were expanding. The Covid Pandemic, and subsequently dealers having to rely on digital solutions, was also a big help when pitching the product to dealers. 

It seems Bumper has managed to tick all boxes – it’s a sterling idea, we have a great team, it’s well-funded, it has a strong business model, and the launch was perfectly timed. (James also made sure to get in there that it would never have happened without its inspirational founders…). Jack adds that a huge amount of luck also helps, as well as the characteristics of the team you put in place. Persistence and tenacity are key – he says there were some pretty dark times in the early days of Bumper, where the team needed to band together and help each other get through it.

This leads us to talk about traits that best help a person become a successful entrepreneur. James reiterates Jack’s point – tenacity is needed on every level. He says that when it came to fundraising, there were so many knockbacks, and the same is true from a sales perspective too. He goes on to say that really they have spent their careers being rejected by everyone. James credits Jack for supporting him and being the person to cheer him up in those dark times. James says he would’ve hated to have done this alone and would’ve given up a long time ago. 

To that point, Jack says optimism is important too; even when certain markets don’t go as well as you’d hoped, you have to find the positives where you can. He says that he’d like to think that optimism is felt throughout the company, where we all have a glass-half-full attitude, nothing is impossible, and no matter how bad things get we find a way around it and persevere. This requires a level of adaptability too. Jack expresses that as much as you think this is how the business will run, or these are the markets you’ll launch in, or these are the products you’ll launch, it never works out that way. Bumper have had so many curve balls thrown at them, and being adaptable and flexible is essential.

James states that you also need to love every aspect of the job – James and Jack are clearly dedicated and are always thinking about the business in some form, and that’s because they love it and are energised by it. The money is not what drives them – it’s the joy of building the product and the company, having amazing customers, and building something that could be here and still be being used in 30 years’ time.

The final trait that Jack thinks is key to being successful, is the ability to get others to come along with you on the journey. Being able to inspire others to be as optimistic, energised, and excited by the product and the company as you are is important. Similarly to James’ earlier point, Jack says that one wouldn’t be able to do this alone and therefore you have to be able to get along with people and build a strong team around you. Being a good storyteller helps to get buy-in from others into your brand, both internally and externally. It is felt across Bumper that when a new starter joins the team, they are immediately bought into the product, the culture, and the company as a whole.

I was interested to see if either of them had glimmers of entrepreneurial traits when they were younger and asked what they both wanted to be when they were kids. After some thinking, Jack settled on either a professional sportsman or an architect. Interestingly, James also said an architect, before admitting that when he was 13 years old he wanted to be an investment banker, which frankly Jack and I could hardly believe.

Thankfully, James didn’t become an investment banker and instead created this amazing company we’re all working for - here’s to the entrepreneurs!

Bumper Co-Founders: How to Be a Great Entrepreneur

Co-fundadores de Bumper: Cómo ser un gran empresario

In the UK, the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), colloquially known as 'road tax', is a necessary toll for the privilege of driving on public roads. It has existed in some form since 1888, when a tax was charged for using certain public highways. 

To help you find the right vehicle for your lifestyle, we've created a list of cars with £30 road tax. Scroll down to see the complete list now.

From Hyundai to Fiat, here’s a list of the 17 

best cars with £30 road tax. We’ve also added some subsections like ‘small cars’ and ‘older cars’ to help you find the best match. 

A superb city car, the Hyundai i10 comes with a frugal 

 that emits just 117g/km of CO2, putting it in the £30 road tax band. Its compact size and nimble handling make it perfect for navigating through narrow urban streets. 

 2 Series Active Tourer, specifically the 218d model, falls into the £30 tax bracket thanks to its CO2 emissions of 111g/km. Despite the low emissions, it delivers punchy performance and premium comfort. 

For a more spacious option, the Mazda 6 Tourer's 2.2-litre diesel engine achieves CO2 emissions of 127 g/km, allowing for a £30 tax rate. The Mazda 6 Tourer is perfect for families, offering ample space and comfort without breaking the bank on road tax. 

For those desiring a bit of luxury without the hefty tax bill, the Mercedes GLA 200d is a perfect choice. It emits only 114g/km of CO2 and enjoys a £30 tax rate. Its sleek design and spacious interior provide a 

Looking for used cars with £30 road tax? Consider these reliable options. 

The iconic MINI Hatchback, specifically models produced between 2006 and 2014, emit around 127g/km of CO2, meaning they benefit from a low tax rate. They’re also famed for being great to drive and have a stylish charm reminiscent of the original MINI. 

The Renault Kadjar, especially the 1.5-litre diesel models made before 2017, emits just 99g/km of CO2, giving it a tax rate of £20 per year. Combining practicality with efficiency, the Kadjar is a compelling choice for those seeking a 

 XE diesel models manufactured before 2017. These stylish saloons fall into the £30 tax bracket, offering superior comfort and performance for a reasonable annual cost.

The Ford Focus is a reliable hatchback from 2011 to 2028 that’s widely available. With a five-door model and an overall reliable design, it’s easy to see why so many UK drivers love this car. You can secure low tax with the Ford Focus 1.0 T EcoBoost or 1.6 TDCI variants. 

Low-tax cars come in all shapes and sizes. Here are the best small options for local drives or city living. 

If you're environmentally conscious, the Toyota Prius is a standout option. The hybrid model emits just 70g/km of CO2, which exempts it from road tax. Plus, its compact size makes it ideal for city driving. 

The VW Up! is an excellent option for urban dwellers. ThE 

 emits just 96g/km of CO2, resulting in a £20 tax bill. It's a stylish and practical vehicle that will save you money. 

The quirky Citroen C4 Cactus 1.6 BlueHDi emits a mere 89g/km of CO2. This not only results in £0 road tax but also an incredibly economical car. Perfect for those looking for a vehicle with personality without a hefty tax bill. 

The Fiat Panda 0.9 TwinAir has a low tax rate due to its CO2 emissions of just 99g/km. This compact car is practical, economical, and surprisingly spacious - a real winner for city dwellers. 

The Vauxhall Corsa 1.0T ecoFlex SRI is a common sight on UK roads. With a 1.0L turbocharged engine, compact size, and an attractive design, it’s easy to see why this is a popular £30 road tax motor.

If you’re asking ‘What is the cheapest SUV road tax?’ we’re here to help. These cars tend to have higher road tax, but there are a few that sit around the £35 mark. 

The Nissan Qashqai is a compact SUV designed to provide an efficient drive, a spacious cabin, and a robust overall build. Not all Qashqai models have a £30 road tax, though. Only the 1.6 dCi DPF Stop Start model falls into this category. So, make sure you look for this specific variant!

The Kia Sportage is another smooth SUV that can come with an affordable £30 road tax. However, to ensure the lower tax band, you must look for fourth-generation models with a 1.7L diesel engine. They also must be registered before April 1st 2017, so you’re also looking at older models.

Okay, the Skoda Octavia vRS Diesel isn’t technically an SUV. But it’s pretty close! With a 2.0L engine, low emissions, and spacious interior, it’s an excellent choice for those who want an affordable car without losing any power. This model falls into the £30 road tax bracket.

The Audi Q3 is a desirable crossover SUV. Equipped with a sophisticated interior and a sleek look, this is a fantastic choice for a car with a designer feel. However, you’ll need to opt for the 2.0L diesel model to secure affordable road tax. Avoid the four-wheel-drive options, as these increase the tax price. 

Nowadays, the fee varies according to the car's CO2 emissions level. When choosing a car, it's essential to consider the additional costs that come with it. One of these crucial costs is the road tax, which can add up significantly over the years.

Choosing a vehicle that falls under a lower tax band can significantly lighten the load on your wallet. It's important to be aware that VED increases are announced occasionally in the UK government budget, so staying informed about these changes can help you make the most of your budget. 

But worry not, budget-conscious motorists! We're here to help. We've compiled a list of 11 affordable cars that cost between £0 to £30 to tax! These models deliver 

 and reduced tax, giving you more pounds to spend on those thrilling road trips. 

As we hurtle towards a future of greener technologies and increased environmental consciousness, the landscape of road tax in the UK is set to evolve. The government is already implementing tax incentives to encourage the adoption oF 

. This is a trend that is likely to gather momentum as we strive towards cleaner, greener motoring. 

At the same time, we may witness an escalation in tax rates for vehicles with higher emissions. This would incentivise the shift towards more eco-friendly alternatives. It also aligns with the global drive to reduce our carbon footprint. In addition to, combating climate change, and striving for a sustainable future.

That being said, the future of road tax is far from set in stone. Speculations abound, and some industry pundits suggest that the government may explore alternative taxation methods as EVs rise in popularity and traditional fuel vehicles decline. One proposition that has been mooted is a mileage-based tax system.

Whatever the future holds, and regardless of the taxation methods implemented, there will always be a market for economical, tax-efficient cars. From the bustling city streets to the open country roads, from short daily commutes to long family road trips, these 11 cars promise to keep your road tax as low as possible. 

Make car repairs more affordable with Bumper. Split the cost of repairs and services at 

1000s of Bumper partner garages and dealerships nationwide

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

What Cars Are 30 Pounds A Year To Tax?

All cars will need some maintenance and repair in their lifetime, but the cost to repair can vary wildly depending on the car’s brand, model and age.

Buying a new car doesn’t have to lead to expensive maintenance. Our experts have gathered the cheapest cars to maintain in the UK to help you find a vehicle that aligns with your budget. Scroll down and start researching now.

The more popular a car is, the cheaper it is to fix, as the parts and knowledge are much more readily available. The Ford Fiesta is the most commonly seen car on UK roads. 

Ford parts have always been readily available and reasonably priced, contributing to the Fiesta's overall affordability. 

Another small compact car, the Nissan Micra, is extremely popular worldwide, including in the UK. With the latest cars being based on Renault chassis designs, it has an even wider pool of parts and expertise. 

Whilst other Nissan models (such as the Juke and Qashqai) have gained a reputation for untimely engine and 

, the Micra has remained high on the reliability lists.

 car, you can’t go far wrong with a Honda. Whilst the parts may be typically slightly higher in price than Ford or Vauxhall in the UK, their reliability and durability means they’re still a great choice. 

The generation from 2005 to 2012 has a good reputation for reliability, and the parts are relatively inexpensive. 

Mazda is another well-renowned Japanese manufacturer. While the 2.2 Diesel engines have been known to have issues, the 1.6 chain-driven petrol engine is regarded as a 

, meaning it’s both cheap to run and less likely to break.

Mazda parts can be expensive, especially from the main dealer, but with the sheer number of Mazda 3s on the road, picking up usable second-hand or refurbished parts shouldn’t be an issue. 

The Mazda 3 is loosely based on the Ford Focus platform, meaning they are a perfect-sized car for a small family, with five doors and a reasonably sized boot. They offer excellent safety and fuel consumption. 

Renault has always made great small cars. Following on from the extremely popular Renault 5 of the 1980s, the Clio has been a hit with people who need a compact car since its launch. 

Model years 2013 - 2016 are now reaching reasonable price points but are still crammed with great tech and safety features. The 1.5 petrol engine is a nice size, affording a reasonable amount of power - meaning motorway journeys aren’t an issue - but still returning more than 50 MPG when needed. 

Whilst French cars are often not as commended as Japanese ones for reliability, the Clio has always been a reasonably safe bet, as its internals have remained relatively simplistic and dependable. Renault parts are much more affordable, too. 

If you drive longer distances and need slightly more space than the cars listed so far, a Ford Focus might be just right for you. The focus is spacious enough for five adults and luggage but 

The 1.6 diesel engine would be perfect for commuting longer distances, delivering adequate power and fuel economy in excess of 60 MPG. Being a Ford, it’s easy to find the right parts at reasonable prices. 

Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty means even if you buy an i10 when it's a couple of years old, you’ll still have the peace of mind that if anything breaks, it’ll be covered. 

, boasting compact packaging, a very reliable powertrain and great economy. What's more, parts for Hyundai are not just reasonably priced, they are also easily accessible, ensuring that if anything goes wrong, it won't cost a fortune to repair. This further enhances the i10's appeal as a cost-effective and reliable choice. 

Toyota’s hybrid system has been around for quite a few years now, and the very high number of vehicles sold and the large number of model changes mean the Japanese manufacturer has refined the Prius’ drivetrain to be extremely reliable. 

While some hybrid parts can be expensive, they’re not known to fail regularly. Mechanical components such as brakes and suspension are reasonable in cost and also not prone to failure. 

If you’re looking for an economical city car, the Prius could be perfect, with its hybrid system enabling MPG figures over 70, even in the city. 

Like the Civic, the Honda Jazz has a great reputation for reliability, with the 1.4 chain-driven engine rarely giving fault and any components relating to suspension, braking and steering being relatively cheap. 

The Jazz also offers great practicality, as it sports four doors and enough room for four adults inside. If treated with care and serviced properly, a Honda Jazz can provide many years of cheap motoring. 

The Fiat 500 is one of the most popular cars in the UK. It’s tough to complete a journey without spotting one of these small but mighty motors.

While buying a Fiat 500 costs more than other cars on this list, they’re surprisingly cheap to maintain. The 

 for a Fiat 500 is £140, and an interim service sits around £100.

The Toyota Yaris is by no means a new car, but it’s an old, reliable one that will get you from A to B without extreme cost. It’s also been high on car experts’ reliability ratings for years, meaning it’s a great purchase if you want a motor that’ll stand the test of time (and a few knocks on the way). 

Parts for the Yaris are plentiful, and most garages know how to repair them. The approximate yearly service cost is £180, which is below the Toyota Prius and Aygo models. However, the Yaris is a smaller and older car, which may disappoint some buyers. 

What cars are cheap to maintain? Factors to look for

If you’re looking for low-maintenance cars in the UK, you need to have these factors in mind. 

The cheapest car to maintain in the UK - Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a new car or are simply curious about the least expensive cars to maintain, we hope this blog has given you some insider insights into the best low-maintenance cars. From the Ford Fiesta to the Toyota Yaris, these eleven models are great picks for saving money on the go.

Alongside knowing the most reliable and cheap to maintain cars, it’s crucial to know who to call when facing costly repairs. 

 provider, you can split the cost of services and repairs into monthly payments, at no extra cost. Choose from 1,000s of Bumper partner dealerships and garages all over the UK already signed up to the network.

Top 11 Cheapest Cars to Maintain in the UK

 Tu guía para ahorrar en costes: Los 9 coches más económicos de reparar y mantener en España

Die 11 im Unterhalt günstigsten Autos in Deutschland 

Car insurance costs are climbing, and for new drivers especially, the premium can be just as painful as the car payment itself. But good news: not all cars cost the same to insure. If you're looking to cut your insurance bill in 2025, your choice of vehicle makes a big difference. 

We’ve rounded up 10 of the cheapest cars to insure in the UK this year, based on their insurance group, safety rating, and affordability when it comes to repairs. Whether you're after a compact city car, a smart first-time buy, or a reliable second-hand option, this guide will help you choose a model that won’t blow your insurance budget sky-high. 

What is the cheapest car to insure in 2025?

The Hyundai i10 is currently the cheapest car to insure in 2025. It consistently sits in insurance Group 1 – one of the lowest insurance groups, thanks to its small engine size, excellent safety features, and 

Cars in Group 1 insurance are usually the cheapest cars to insure. They tend to be smaller, slower, and safer cars with strong security features and fewer claims history. This means insurers see them as less risky, which is perfect for new drivers or anyone looking to lower their insurance premiums.

 assigns each car model to a group based on things like repair time, replacement costs, and safety systems. For low-cost car insurance, focus on models in groups 1 to 10 – they average around £442 a year.

These are the cheapest cars to insure in 2025, based on ratings, costs, and quotes, 

Compact, affordable, and consistently one of the cheapest cars to insure. The i10 is known for its reliability, low repair costs, and basic trims. It’s also packed with safety features and modern tech, even at entry level, making it perfect for new drivers or city-based commuters. 

The Picanto is a budget-friendly city car that still offers solid value for money. It’s consistently reliable, particularly when it comes to electrics, and even the base models come equipped with key features like air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and a touchscreen system.

A spacious, practical hatchback with the bones of a VW Polo but at a lower cost. The Fabia brings good fuel efficiency and a good driving record among owners. It also benefits from cheap insurance, affordable repair costs, and excellent safety systems. 

Growing families and young professionals 

This Toyota micro-crossover blends the look of a mini SUV with the footprint of a city car. The Aygo X includes an impressive infotainment system, better visibility, and smart safety features, making it affordable to run and insure. 

 Style-conscious drivers who want to keep their insurance quotes low. 

With a punchy, efficient engine, the SEAT Ibiza balances fun with function. It’s known for reliably carrying longer trips, with a solid engine and safety systems.

Drivers who want versatility without forking out too much on the insurance. 

The most affordable brand-new car in the UK also happens to be one of the cheapest cars to insure. While basic, the Sandero brings unbeatable value with durable build quality and reasonable security features, too. 

Drivers who want a no-frills drive and minimal running costs. 

The Fiesta is a household name for a reason – it blends great handling with a comfortable ride, solid safety features, and widespread garage support, which helps to keep your 

Stylish and well-equipped, the Clio pairs strong safety ratings with an excellent dependability track record. Many insurers associate it with responsible driving and lower claims history, which helps to keep insurance premiums in check for Clio drivers. 

 Anyone wanting a bit of style without sacrificing affordability. 

The Polo brings a premium feel in a compact, cost-effective package. Highly rated by experts for safety and reliability, its build quality and modest engine size make it easy to insure, especially in lower trim levels and with optional black box policies. 

 Those who want a built-to-last car at a cheap insurance premium. 

A regular fixture in the UK’s top 10 best-selling cars, and for good reason. The Corsa is now better equipped, more efficient, and cheaper to run than ever, thanks to updated engines and a lighter design. 

 New drivers who want efficiency and a ride whose premiums won’t break the bank. 

 from Bumper allow you to split the cost into 0% interest monthly payments. 

There are a number of things you can do to get the cheapest car insurance, including:

Are there cars to avoid for cheap car insurance?

If it’s cheap car insurance you’re after, avoid the following cars:

It may be compact, but the Mini Cooper is known for its engine/exhaust modifications. This can push it into a higher insurance bracket as it increases the risk of serious accidents, becomes less cost-effective to replace, and more attractive to thieves, raising overall 

 – all of which insurers factor into their pricing.

The Ford Focus is known for dependability, but higher-end trims come with larger engines and more advanced features, which can lead to a larger premium. Larger engines = more power and more risk – insurers don’t like too much risk. Add to that rising 

 for certain trims, and your insurance quote can quickly climb compared to entry-level models.

The Nissan Juke or Ford Puma may seem like reliable choices, but they’re surprisingly expensive to insure. High repair costs, especially in the case of

, can be above average for parts and labour. If your car costs more to fix, your insurer will have to pay more in the event of an accident, so they pass that cost to you in their premiums. 

It’s a similar case for electric vehicles – expensive battery packs, longer repair times, and limited availability for parts cost insurers more to cover, so their premiums are higher as a result.

Bumper Finance: Save money without cutting corners

Even with the best insurance, unexpected repairs still crop up out of nowhere – that’s where Bumper helps. If you're hit with a repair bill you weren’t expecting, Bumper offers a stress-free way to cover it. 

 splits the cost into manageable monthly payments. There are no hidden fees and no impact on your credit to check your eligibility. Most approvals take minutes, and you can 

 across the country. Get back on the road without breaking the bank – 

What’s the cheapest car to insure for a 16-year-old?

The Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, and Skoda Fabia are some of the cheapest cars to insure for 16-year-olds. Remember: In the UK, you can’t legally drive on public roads until you turn 17. However, if you’re planning ahead, these makes and models are usually a solid choice for new, young drivers.

The lowest car insurance group in the UK is Group 1. Cars in Group 1 are usually the cheapest to insure, and are often small, safe, and cheap to repair. 

Are older or newer vehicles cheaper to insure? 

It depends on the car, but generally, newer vehicles with modern safety systems and security features can be cheaper to insure than older models. However, older cars may have lower value, which can reduce your insurance premium. That said, older cars include fewer features like parking sensors and immobilisers, which could affect premium pricing.

10 cheapest cars to insure in 2025

 from the south coast to the North of England in an electric car to visit what has been found to be the most EV-friendly tourist destination - Beamish, the Living Museum of the North. 

The entire trip was more than 600 miles over three days with a lot of charging along the way. We weren’t new to long-distance electric vehicle driving, but it’s fair to say that a lot had changed since the last time. 

Here’s how you can prepare for an EV road trip from what we learnt along the way… 

Planning ahead is essential for any road trip but it can make a huge difference when you’re driving an EV. Start by getting an idea of the mileage simply by putting your route into Google Maps. 

If you know the range of your vehicle - that’s how many miles it’ll do on a full charge - then you can calculate how many times you’ll need to stop and where the best places are. 

There’s so much information online now, even when it comes to charging stations. Many motorway services are now also equipped with charging points, and in a lot of cases, these are high enough power to get you on your way fast. 

Not all electric cars can use the same type of charging connector though, so check what your car can do. You can then use Google Maps or Zap-Map to find chargers that are right for you. Zap-Map is a smartphone app and users can add important information about the charging points, so check on there to see if they were working recently. 

If you’re going to be charging when it’s dark then you might also want to check where the charger is located. Because owners have had to put them where there is space, they’re not always the easiest to find and can feel a bit scary if they’re around the back of a building. 

The good news is that most chargers are marked exactly where they are on Google Maps, so you can navigate straight to them but also see what the services are like around them. 

If you’re driving a Tesla, you’ll know you can easily see how many chargers are in use at the nearest Supercharger (or the one the car has calculated you should use). However, on many other cars, this isn’t always the case. 

Going back to our friend Google Maps, that can now tell you how many chargers are available at each station but that’s not very easy to check while you’re driving. 

That’s why we’d recommend having more stops planned than you’ll need to use. If you get stuck in traffic or can’t charge as fast as you planned, it’s better to have other options. 

This also helps if you drive into a charging station to find all of the other chargers are taken. You can make a judgement call as to whether to wait it out or drive on to the next one. 

You can now charge with a contactless car at a lot of charging points but that’s not always the case. Before you leave it’s worth checking if you need an account or card to use any of the networks you plan to stop at. 

In some cases, you may need to preload your account with money too. Equally, it can become expensive when you’re using your contactless car and the charging points will pre-authorise £40 to even £99 depending on the network. 

5. Aim to recharge with more than a quarter

Again, this is something that we’d recommend whatever you’re driving! But if you turn up at a charging station and can’t charge because they’re either occupied or broken, you’ll have enough left to not stress about driving to the next charger. 

6. You don’t need to stop charging at 80%

This is advice that EV drivers used to be given because the resistance in the battery when you have less than 20% or more than 80% means your charging power will reduce drastically. 

However, with some cars now able to charge at 150 to 350kW, you’ll find that even the reduced rate of charging is still pretty fast! That said, if there are lots of people waiting it’s usually more polite to get on your way. 

If you’re doing a long drive that’s mainly on motorways or A-roads, you’ll find that the car learns your driving style and gives you a more realistic range over time. 

For those who normally drive around town, you might find that your battery lasts longer or the miles start slipping away faster depending on how aggressively or smoothly you drive. 

Either way, don’t expect to get your normal range and give the car a chance to adapt its prediction. 

One of the problems we ran into on our long drive was finding that the physical charging cable wasn’t connecting to the car properly. 

This wasn’t obvious at first so it’s something to watch out for. We plugged in as normal but when we hit start the charger kept telling us there was an issue with the car. The pin that needs to lock the cable in place wasn’t lining up correctly, but this was rectified by holding the cable in as we started the charge. 

As I mentioned, there are some super fast chargers these days claiming that they can do 350kW. Firstly, you’ll only be able to charge at this rate if your car is capable of it but you’ll also need a lot of other things to fall into place. 

Our car and the chargers we used were both able to charge at 350kW but the best we were getting was 150kW on most charges. At one station every charger was taken and we were only getting 40kW. 

Unlike fueling your car with petrol or diesel, car chargers are set at a rate based on the network you’re charging with so they won’t vary depending on where you are in the country. That said, it’s also not obvious what the price is as you arrive. 

We used some chargers at around 69p per kW, which is a lot more expensive than charging at home! 

Rebecca Chaplin is a motoring journalist and owner of Road Trip Club. She’s written about cars and the best places to drive them for nearly 10 years.

Exploring EV-Friendly Attractions in Britain

Top tips for an EV road trip that we learnt on a 600-mile journey around England

Whilst it may seem fairly innocuous, the fuel cap on your car serves a few very important roles. Even though they are a simple device they can still become worn or work less effectively over time, and in some cases stop functioning altogether. We’ll explain their main uses and what to do if your fuel cap is loose and what problems it can cause. 

The main purpose of a fuel filler cap is to prevent the fuel from spilling as well as evaporating from the tank. 

Petrol, if left open to the air, will evaporate all its volatile chemicals within hours, causing the fuel to become stale and much less energy dense. The fuel filler cap prevents the liquid from evaporating and therefore retains the fuel's energy. 

If your fuel cap is broken or worn out, and the rubber seal is not making good contact with the filler neck, 

your fuel will evaporate from the tank much faster than normal.

The more obvious consequence is that the 

You may notice that if you don’t drive many miles, and your fuel cap is loose, the engine runs rough after a month or so, or fails to start at all. 

This would be due to the volatile compounds evaporating and the petrol becoming stale. 

If you notice your fuel cap is loose, the only real way to fix it is to buy another one. The mechanism that locks the fuel cap in place, and that seals the fuel from spilling, is all built into the cap itself, so there should be no issue with the filler neck or tank. 

The best place to source a filler cap would be the main dealer parts department, they will be able to supply an exact replacement of the original, ensuring there are no issues with sealing for years to come. 

It’s strongly recommended that you don't drive if your car is missing its fuel filler cap, 

not only would your fuel evaporate, but spills onto the road can be dangerous for multiple reasons. 

Other than the obvious flammable dangers of petrol spilling from your car, fuel on the road can be very dangerous for road users such as motorcyclists or cyclists, as it can make the surface slick as ice. 

If you're in a position where you’ve lost your fuel filler cap, and cannot get home without driving your car, you could try a couple of short-term solutions. 

Buy a universal filler cap in a garage or supermarket - lots of petrol station shops sell ‘universal’ fuel filler caps. Borrow one from another car - ask your friends and family if they have a similar car or make. 

Don’t use a rag or item of clothing (socks are quite common!) as a makeshift cap. 

The porous material can allow the vapour to still pass through, and petrol can still seep out when the fuel sloshes around.

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