Thinking about switching to an electric vehicle? One of the biggest questions new EV owners have is about charging. Here's everything you need to know.
Understanding Charging Speeds
EV charging comes in three main types:
Slow Charging (3-7 kW)
- Takes 8-12 hours for a full charge
- Typically used for overnight home charging
- Cheapest option if using off-peak electricity
Fast Charging (7-22 kW)
- Takes 3-6 hours for a full charge
- Common at workplaces, car parks, and supermarkets
- Good for topping up while shopping
Rapid Charging (50+ kW)
- Adds 100+ miles in 30-45 minutes
- Found at motorway services and dedicated charging hubs
- Most expensive, best for long journeys
Types of Charging Connectors
| Connector | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 | AC (slow/fast) | Standard in Europe, most public chargers |
| CCS | DC (rapid) | Most new EVs use this |
| CHAdeMO | DC (rapid) | Mainly older Nissan and Mitsubishi |
| Tesla | Proprietary | Tesla Superchargers (adapters available) |
How Much Does Charging Cost?
Costs vary widely:
- Home charging: 7-12p per mile (using off-peak rates)
- Public slow/fast: 10-25p per mile
- Rapid chargers: 15-40p per mile
Compare this to petrol at around 15-20p per mile for an average car.
Finding Public Chargers
The UK now has over 50,000 public charge points. You can find them:
- Using Fuel Near You's EV map — just toggle to "EV Chargers"
- Through your car's built-in navigation
- Via charging network apps (Gridserve, BP Pulse, Pod Point)
Tips for New EV Owners
- Install a home charger if you have off-street parking — it's the cheapest way to charge
- Plan charging stops on long journeys using apps like A Better Route Planner
- Keep your battery between 20-80% for daily use to maximise battery life
- Sign up to multiple networks — no single app covers every charger
Looking for EV chargers near you? Check our map to find available charge points in your area.