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Holidays are all about creating memories that will last a lifetime and at Sunmaster we strive to ensure they represent excellent value for money.

As you lie back on a sun-kissed Mediterranean beach with a cocktail you can enjoy a smile knowing that you've secured a bargain break. Landing a cheap holiday 2020 means you will have a little extra cash in your back pocket to splash out on treats while on your next retreat.

At Sunmaster, we're dedicated to ensuring you have an unforgettable holiday at a price that won't break the bank. Whether you're exploring the sights of Barcelona, soaking up the sun in the Balearics, or embarking on an adventure in the Canaries, we can take you there for a low, low price. More ...

We work alongside suppliers from across the globe to tailor holidays to your specific requirements. Want to go All Inclusive? No problem. Want to indulge in some 5-star luxury? Great, we've got some incredible deals on the best accommodation around. Travelling with the family? Even better, we have a range of family-friendly destinations ready to cater for your every need.

If you're looking for something a little more romantic, let us take you there. Be pampered on spa breaks in luxury hotels in Turkey, hike through the glorious countryside of the Greek islands or rub elbows with the stars in exclusive resorts such as Marbella. We have a destination to suit you.

Sunmaster is a specialist in cheap holidays 2020 and our goal is to provide peace of mind for every customer. Our package breaks are 100% ATOL protected so you can be confident that should anything go wrong while you're away, you won't be left out of pocket.

It couldn't be easier to get started. Use our deal finder to search for the right holiday for you and make a booking there and then. If you have any extra queries or need guidance with your booking then get in touch with our expert advisors who will be able to help out. Less

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Holidays are all about creating memories that will last a lifetime and at Sunmaster we strive to ensure they represent excellent value for money. As you lie back on a sun-kissed Mediterranean beach with a cocktail you can enjoy a smile knowing that you've secured a bargain break.

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► Guide to electric car charging in UK
► The ins and outs of charging your EV
► How to find your nearest charger
Boris Johnson has this week pledged investment in Britain's electric car charging network - with a vision that no electric vehicle (EV) owner should be more than 30 miles away from their nearest charge point.

It's part of a £500 million election commitment to expand the 'fast-charging network', announced as part of spending plans to boost the UK's economic growth after Brexit. Johnson made the claims in a visit to the maker of the new plug-in London taxi, the London Electric Vehicle Company. Johnson also announced a target to grow offshore wind power capacity from 30 gigawatts to 40GW by 2030, which could help battery-powered cars be even greener.

Is it enough to tempt you to consider an electric car? Read on for our full guide to EV charging in 2019, 2020 and beyond...

How to charge your electric car in the UK

Have you been thinking about ditching your petrol or diesel car for an electric one? If so, it might feel like quite a daunting proposition and a big leap to make - but worry not; advances in both technology and infrastructure are making the transition far easier than you might think.

For starters, ever-improving batteries and EV hardware are resulting in notable increases in the real-world range of electric vehicles. This, in conjunction with quicker charging, often means there's less justification for range anxiety. Similarly, the UK's charging infrastructure continues to expand and become more easily accessed. If you can charge at home overnight, it might be the case that you rarely have to use a public charging station.

On this page, we'll explain everything you need to know about EV charging in the UK - from where things are headed, to the types of charger you can currently connect to. At the bottom of the article, we'll also explain the best ways to plan a journey with an EV. Trust us: with a little consideration, it's far less stressful than it sounds.

Further electric car reading

A growing network: Ionity, BP Chargemaster, Tesco and VW lead the charge

According to Zapmap, there are around 15,500 public charging points in the UK - five times more than in 2011. And many of those chargers have more than one connector, meaning there are 26,500 plugs to use as of autumn 2019.

Compare that with the number of petrol stations scattered across the UK, and you quickly see the direction of travel. There are just 8400 fuel stations in Britain, according to the Petrol Retailers' Association - with 68,000 pumps to use. The gap between fossil fuels and electric car chargers is narrowing at a dramatic rate...

What charging stations are available in UK?

Ionity is busy launching 40 UK sites, and each will have up to six High-Power Chargers. Using Ionity's 350kW charge network, drivers are able to charge their EVs in less than 20 minutes with renewable energy. The network is being launched in the UK with the first station located in Maidstone in partnership with Motor Fuel Group. Other locations will be set up that will ease travelling to Europe - so expect to see them at convenient motorway locations. For all other UK stations, Ionity partnered with Octopus Energy, an energy technology specialist that will provide 100% renewable energy - reducing environmental impact and providing peace of mind for drivers.

Ionity is a joint-venture between Daimler, BMW, Ford, and the Volkswagen Group (Porsche and Audi) that aims to expand the feasibility of EVs with High-Power Charging (HPC) across UK and Europe. Ionity aims to expand this network by setting up 400 stations (2400 chargers) by 2020 across the whole of Europe.

What's more, BP has now bought Chargemaster, in a move that'll see the petrol station take over the UK's largest public network of EV charging points. The new company is called BP Chargemaster, and includes Chargemaster's 6500 charging points along with BP's existing 1200 service stations. BP is rolling out 150kW rapid chargers that'll deliver 100 miles of range in around 10 minutes - providing you have a compatible card, of course. The company has confirmed it'll install 400 of its 150Kw points by 2021, with 100 of those cropping up on forecourts by the end of the year. Progress, indeed.

There's more: Tesco and Volkswagen have also teamed up to add 2400 new EV chargers popping up at 600 branches of the supermarket retailer. Over the next three years, both companies will work with Pod Point to introduce the chargers in selected Tesco Extra and Superstore car parks throughout the UK - and some of them will be free to use, too.

According to Pod Point, the 2400 charger figure includes both 7kW fast chargers and 50kW rapid chargers - and the former will be free to use, although we're not sure if that's for all EV owners or just VW drivers. We're told that the pricing for the 50kW rapids will be in line with market rates, but the split between 7kW and 50kW units hasn't been revealed yet.

What's the government doing to encourage more EV charging points?

Before the 2019 general election was called, transport secretary Chris Grayling outlined plans to increase the amount of electric chargers available to motorists, focusing especially on home and workplace powerpoints. The new proposals explore the idea of installing charging points as standard in new homes and offices, but also suggest new street lighting could include charging points for off-street parking. Alongside those new building regulations, Grayling also outlined a further cash injection into the UK's EV infrastructure. According to Grayling, the new measures mean the UK would possess 'one of the most comprehensive support packages for zero-emission vehicles in the world.'

'We welcome the government's continued support for electric vehicles, which are already enabling zero-emission motoring for over 150,000 drivers in the UK,' added the newly-merged BP Chargemaster chief executive David Martel.
1. Rapid chargers
'We are very pleased to see the continued focus on supporting home charging, as well as an increase in the Workplace Charging Scheme, and a commitment to encourage the installation of charging infrastructure in new developments, which will cost less than retrofitting it in the future.'
2. Fast chargers
Charging types and connectors
3. Slow chargers
Like any new bit of technology, electric cars currently use multiple standards of connection. But this isn't as stressful as the Betamax, VHS war though; most cars feature at least two types of connector, and adaptors are easy to use. EVs are very clear on what type of connector you can use, and it's almost impossible to use the wrong charger in the wrong EV - this isn't like petrol or diesel. What's more, apps such as ZapMap make things even easier: you set the electric car you own, and the app will show you compatible chargers nearby. In a worst-case scenario, you'll be able to charge - but you might not get the fastest possible charging speed.

At present, charging comes in three flavours, with a handful of different connections used for each.

As you'd expect, these are the fastest type of charger, and comes in both AC and DC forms. Both of these standards operate at between 43kW to 50kW of power, and that means they're able to charge 80% of a battery in 30 minutes to an hour. Rapid AC chargers will use a Type 2 connector, while Rapid DC connectors use CCS or the catchy CHAdeMO standard. And one more thing. Tesla's Superchargers count as rapid chargers, and they use their own bespoke connection to achieve transfer of up to 120kW. Still, adaptors are available.

A fast charger is anything classed as between 7kW and 22kW, and will charge an EV in up to four hours. While not as fast as rapid chargers - and about four-times slower - they are probably the most common type of charger in the UK right now. These are ideal for home use, too.

A slow charger is regarded as anything up to 3kW, and is therefore used for primarily for overnight charging. This is trickle-charging for electric cars, and your last resort when it comes to topping up. The good news? You can use any domestic three-pin plug to slow charge at home. The bad news? It'll take between hours and maybe even days, depending on the size of your battery...

How to find your nearest electric car charging station in 2019 and 2020

ZapMap is one of the most useful resources for any EV owner, and regardless of which electric car you've got, it'll show a good deal of information. To find out your nearest electric charging station, head to this link and then type in your postcode. After that you'll be shown a map with all your local EV charging stations, and each site is colour-coded depending on the type of charging on offer. ZapMap has a community element - so you'll be able to see any problems reported with chargers, too.

How to plan a route with an electric car in 2019 and 2020

Most modern EVs' sat-nav systems include charging stops when planning a route - but if you're keen to check your route before you get in the car, ZapMap is also the best place to go. You'll need to create an account first, but after that getting a suitable route is as easy as going to the route planner and entering your destination and starting point.
The best electric cars and EVs on sale today How much does it cost to charge an electric car? The best hybrids, plug-ins and PHEVs Wireless electric car charging
The map will then show charging stations along the way, and you can drag a slider to show suitable charging plugs further afield if needed.

If you've got a Tesla, you'll be able to use a more bespoke tool. Elon Musk's EV company launched a journey planner which helps you map out any route with your EV. Because the tool is specific to Tesla, it's able to carefully calculate your route based on the range of your car - and it'll also favour Tesla's own speedier Supercharger network, too. You can try the tool out here .

Further electric car reading

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Boris Johnson pledges no EV driver should be more than 30 miles from a charger

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► Guide to electric car charging in UK ► The ins and outs of charging your EV ► How to find your nearest charger Boris Johnson has this week pledged investment in Britain's electric car charging network - with a vision that no electric vehicle (EV) owner should be more than 30 miles away from their nearest charge point.

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Thanks to a transport survey conducted by Dalia Research, we've been given an insight into some global transportation habits. One question of particular interest was, 'what do you see as the top disadvantages of owning an electric car?'. Below are what the public perceive to be the top five disadvantages of electric car ownership.

Keep in mind that the majority of respondents don't own an EV, so their answers are what they perceive as the problems.

1. Not Enough Charging Stations

Of those surveyed, 50% felt that there aren't enough charging stations for electric cars. At the moment, there are 15,822 charging stations and 42,148 charging outlets in the U.S.

The number of charging stations isn't too bad, and there is more infrastructure being built constantly. But when compared to the 150,000 plus gas stations in the U.S., the situation doesn't seem great. And ultimately, in the eyes of the driver, gas sets the benchmark for electric standards.

2. They Are Too Expensive
Coming in as the second 'top disadvantage' was the price of an EV, with 44% of people thinking they're too expensive.
It's true that EVs are noticeably more expensive than their gas counterparts:

A difference of $9,100 is pretty sizable. There are, however, up to $7,500 in tax incentives available for those buying a new EV in the U.S. Meaning the difference could be as low as $1,600, in this instance.

3. I Can't Use Them For Long Journeys

With 42% of respondents seeing a problem with using an EV for long journeys, this disadvantage comes in third. This, of course, is a subjective problem. For some, a long journey could be 150 miles, while for others it could be 700 miles.

High-end EVs, like the Tesla Model S 100d, have a range of up to 335 miles. Mid-range EVs, like the Chevrolet Bolt, are improving drastically and can go over 230 miles on a single charge. For some people these ranges genuinely won't be enough for their 'long journeys', but for others, they will.

4. They Take Too Long To Charge

Unsurprisingly, the charge time of electric vehicles is still a major gripe for consumers, and 36% thought this was a disadvantage. But electric vehicles have certainly come a long way in this regard over the last few years. Below are the charge times, depending on charge point output, of the best-selling EV to date, the Nissan Leaf:

5. I Can't Charge At Home

Being unable to charge an electric car at home was the fifth biggest disadvantage for 26% of respondents. This can be a real problem if you don't have a driveway or garage. It's estimated 99% of EV charging is done at home.

Think there are any other major disadvantages to EV ownership that aren't on the list? Let us know in the comments section below.

By Robert Bacon

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Top 5 Disadvantages of Owning an Electric Car

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Thanks to a transport survey conducted by Dalia Research, we've been given an insight into some global transportation habits. One question of particular interest was, 'what do you see as the top disadvantages of owning an electric car?'. Below are what the public perceive to be the top five disadvantages of electric car ownership.

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2. Reduce car emissions to help the environment

Humans have historically had a very negative impact on our environment, and switching to an electric vehicle is one way to reduce further damage to the earth. Carbon dioxide emissions from traditional vehicles contribute to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and accelerate climate change. All-electric vehicles don't release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when you drive them, and hybrid electric cars use their battery to greatly improve the distance you can travel with a gasoline-powered engine.

Electric vehicles can be fueled by electricity from renewable sources, such as wind, hydropower, and solar, while gasoline can only be produced through intensive extraction and transportation processes. Electric vehicles are also built to be more environmentally friendly than conventional vehicles, as the large battery inside your electric car can be recycled. By choosing an electric car, you can reduce your carbon footprint and pollution impact to help preserve our natural environment.

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2019 Advantages of Electric Vehicles | EnergySage

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Humans have historically had a very negative impact on our environment, and switching to an electric vehicle is one way to reduce further damage to the earth. Carbon dioxide emissions from traditional vehicles contribute to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and accelerate climate change.

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Electric Cars: The Basics

For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

Types Of Electric Vehicles: A Short Guide

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Electric Cars: Pros And Cons

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Top 20 Jargons Used In The Electric Vehicle Industry!

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Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter

As we commence 2022, if there is one certainty, it is, that electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay and become a significant part of the UK transportation framework. Electric cars have certainly come a long way since the days of the 1st generation pure electric Nissan Leaf (2010). Today most major global automotive manufacturers have either committed to, or introduced electric vehicles for their core markets.

Companies like Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz are already selling different types of electric vehicles. Of course, relatively newer companies like Tesla Inc., are also leading the march towards zero-tailpipe emission electric driving. Changing consumer tastes, new legislation and innovation are all fuelling the rapid migration to electric cars in the UK, and other markets.

In 2021, the combined market share of plug-in electric vehicles crossed 18% in the UK, with a total of 305,281 electric cars registered. Best selling electric cars like the all-electric Tesla Model 3 and the pure electric Volkswagen ID.3 are now household names!

As we continue to approach 2030 i.e. the year the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned in the UK, we can expect a significant increase in the uptake of environmentally friendly electric cars. You can lease electric cars at fantastic prices via e-zoomed by following this link!

Best-Selling Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs) In 2021 (SMMT)

Model | Units Registered | Body Type | EV Range | Price
Tesla Model 3 | 34,783 units | Saloon | 278 – 360 miles | From £40,990
Kia e-Niro | 12,271 units | SUV | 180 – 282 miles | From £30,345
Volkswagen ID.3 | 11,032 units | Hatchback | 214 – 336 miles | From£30,870
Nissan Leaf | 9,052 units | Hatchback | 168 – 239 miles | From £25,995
Audi e-tron | 7,396 units | SUV | 194 – 249 miles | From£62,025
Hyundai Kona | 7,199 units | SUV (Compact Crossover) | 189 – 300 miles | From £30,450
Mini | 6,615 units | Hatchback | 140 – 145 miles | From £26,000
Renault Zoe | 5,778 units | Hatchback | 238 – 245 miles | From £27,595
Vauxhall Corsa-e | 5,605 units | Hatchback | 209 miles | From £24,140
MG ZS | 5,380 units | SUV | 163 miles | From £28,595

“Electric Vehicles” is a broad ‘umbrella term’ used to describe a number of different types of vehicles that use some form of electric power (electric motor) for propulsion. EVs come in all shapes and sizes, to include passenger cars, electric vans, electric buses and even more! Today there are more than 200 models of EVs available on sale globally.

The All-electric Tesla Model 3 Available To Lease Via e-zoomed

Though electric cars like the Tesla Model 3 battery-electric vehicle (BEV), have inspired many to migrate to electric driving, other EVs like the hydrogen fuelled, Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), will continue to play an important role in the ever changing technological landscape of electric driving. For the medium term, we can expect battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) to take the dominant technological position, but we expect much to change over the next 30 to 50 years in terms of electric cars and the technology in the lead!

Though there are many types of electric vehicles, the table below lists the EVs that are most relevant to us today! This short guide will help you to understand the terminology used for each of these type of electric vehicles, what each can do, what the limits are and any features of that type, so you can make the right decision when selecting your next, or first, electric car.

Type Of Electric Vehicle (EV) | Description
Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs) | Mild hybrids use both an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor. These cars are also known as ‘self-charging hybrids’. The vehicle uses regenerative braking (recuperated electric energy) to improve the fuel efficiency (mpg) and to reduce tailpipe emissions (CO2 g/km). However, mild hybrids cannot be charged by an external power source (i.e. EV charger). The recuperated electric energy is also used to boost the the combustion engine enhancing acceleration. Automotive manufactures (OEMs) like Toyota are one of the pioneers in developing and introducing mild hybrid vehicles. The ubiquitous Toyota Prius mild hybrid is an excellent example. Toyota also helped popularise the use of mild hybrids in the premium segment via its wholly owned Lexus brand.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) aim to achieve the same objectives like a MHEV i.e. increase fuel efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions. However there is much difference between a PHEV and a MHEV. The PHEV has a larger electric motor and onboard EV battery that is used to assist the internal combustion engine (ICE), but also to propel the vehicle. In a MHEV, the small onboard electric motor does not propel the vehicle. PHEVs come is varied EV battery sizes, but in general, most PHEVs have an EV battery size below 20 kWh. A plug-in electric car is capable of up to 25 miles zero-tailpipe emission electric miles. However, some PHEVs are capable of even longer electric miles. The Volvo XC60 PHEV is a good example of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Moreover, a PHEV EV battery is charged by using an external power source to include a domestic 3-PIN plug or a dedicated EV charger.
Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) | A battery-electric vehicle is more commonly referred to as a pure electric car. The EVs are ‘pure’ in that, the vehicle only uses electric power for propulsion i.e. a BEV does not have an internal combustion engine. It is easy to recognise these zero-tailpipe emission green cars, as they are silent (except for the artificial noise) and do not have a tailpipe! The electric vehicles have a much larger onboard EV battery than a PHEV. The EV battery on a BEV can be as large as 120 kWh, though an average in 60 kWh. In any case, most BEVs have an EV battery larger than 30 kWh. BEVs also use regenerative braking to improve the vehicle efficiency and electric range. However, the main source for the EV range is the EV battery, which can only be charged using an external power source, like an EV charger. BEVs can vary in range, depending on a number factors. However the more recent BEVs can have a range between 100 miles to 300 miles (WLTP) on a single charge. As an example, the all-electric VW ID.3 has a range up to336 miles.
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Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Top 10 For 2022

For those keen on buying a pure electric car i.e. a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), below is the e-zoomed list of top BEVs for 2022. These can be leased at very competitive rates via e-zoomed!

Model | Body Type | EV Range | Price
Volkswagen ID.3 | Hatchback | 214 – 336 miles | From£30,870
Kia EV6 | SUV (crossover) | 328 miles | From £40,895
Tesla Model 3 | Saloon | 278 – 360 miles | From £40,990
Porsche Taycan | Saloon | 208 – 288 miles | From £70,690
Tesla Model Y | SUV (crossover) | 298 – 315 miles | From £54,990
Skoda ENYAQ iV | SUV | 256 – 333 miles | From £31,995
Audi e-tron | SUV | 194 – 249 miles | From£62,025
Peugeot e-208 | Hatchback | 217 miles | From £29,725
MG5 EV | Estate | 250 miles | From £27,595
Polestar 2 | Hatchback | 273 – 335 miles | From £39,900

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs):Top 10 For 2022

For those keen on buying a plug-in hybrid electric car i.e. a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), below is the e-zoomed list of top PHEVs for 2022. These can be leased at very competitive rates via e-zoomed!

Model | Body Type | EV Range | Price
Volvo XC40 PHEV | SUV | 28 miles | From £39,100
Ford Kuga PHEV | SUV | 35 miles | From£36,905
Renault Captur PHEV | SUV (Compact) | 31 miles | From£31,390
Peugeot 508 SW PHEV | Estate | 39 miles | From£39,045
VW Passat GTE Estate PHEV | Estate | 34 miles | From£41,080
BMW 330e Saloon PHEV | Saloon | 36 miles | From£41,330
Lexus NX PHEV | SUV | 40 miles | From£49,450
Mercedes-Benz A 250e PHEV | Saloon | 44 miles | From£35,875
Audi A3 Sportback TFSI e PHEV | Hatchback | 37 miles | From£34,050
Renault Megane PHEV | Hatchback | 30 miles | From£29,990

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