All you need to know about EV charging

A simple guide to electric vehicle charging

Considering making the switch to an electric vehicle? Then you’re probably looking to find out more about electric vehicle charging. Otherwise known as EV charging, electric vehicle charging is easy and cost-effective to do both at home, at work, and in public areas. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about EV charging, such as how much it costs, the various types of charger, and our top EV charging picks.

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1. What is EV charging?
2. EV charging types explained
     a. Mode 2 domestic charger
     b. Mode 2 portable charging cable
     c. Mode 3 specific socket outlet
3. How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?
4. Where can I charge an electric vehicle?
5. Our top EV charging picks

1. What is EV charging?

EV charging is quite simply a charging point for your electric vehicle, such as an electric car. An EV charger pulls a current from an electric car charging point and delivers that electricity to a car in order for it to drive. Just like your mobile phone or laptop, both electric and hybrid vehicles (a mixture of electric and fuel) require EV charging.

2. EV charging types explained

Although most EV chargers are similar, there are different types depending on the type of vehicle you’re driving and where it’s being charged. We’ll explain the different modes and plugs below.  

3. How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

Charging an electric vehicle can take anything between 30-60 minutes and 8-10 hours. Charging your electric car depends on a number of factors: the car's battery size, how many miles you do between charges, and how powerful your charger is. There are three main types of chargers:

1. Slow - usually rated up to 3kW. These chargers are mainly used to charge overnight at home or workplace. They take 8-10 hours to fully charge. 
2. Fast - rated at either 7kW or 22kW – they can often be found in car parks and supermarkets. They take 3-4 hours to fully charge. 
3. Rapid - typically rated from 43kW and found at motorway service stations, petrol stations, and supermarkets. They take 30-60 minutes to fully charge but it’s important to note that these chargers are only compatible with rapid-charge function EVs.

4. Where can I charge an electric vehicle?

• Charging at home – often the most convenient and cost effective way to charge an electric vehicle
• Charging while out and about – the UK has more than 30,000 public chargers, of which more than 6,000 are rapid chargers (source www.gov.uk) – often located in supermarkets, public car parks and service stations. Sometimes they can be free but it's common to need a contactless bank card to access chargers, particularly rapid chargers, which are frequently accessed via an app and/or RFID card
• Charging at work – work is a perfect place to leave your car to charge. Usually, people park their cars at work for approximately 8 hours. For an electric vehicle, 8 hours is usually plenty of time to fully charge its battery

5. Our top EV charging picks

We have everything you need when it comes to EV charging. EV charging cables, as well as a range of electrical car charging points, allow you to plug in your electric vehicle at home. Don’t forget – Mode 2 charging cables are ideal for domestic or home use, whereas Mode 3 cables are an ideal portable option for when you’re out and about. Check out our top picks below...