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Request info pack£450 off full ADI trainingIf you have just passed your test, driving an electric car may feel new. Charging is one of the biggest differences from petrol or diesel. This guide explains how it works, what it costs and what to expect on UK roads.
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Electric vehicle charging is the process of topping up your car’s battery with electricity. You plug your car into a charge point electric vehicle system instead of filling a tank.
Your battery stores energy and powers the motor. When it runs low, you recharge it at home or at an EV charging station. To find a local charging point, you can use ChargeFinder.
Charging an electric vehicle might be new to you, but it is very simple, especially after a few times.
The first step is to find a local charging station (if you don’t have a charging point at home) and park near a compatible charging point. Once you have plugged the cable into the car, you can start the session either by using an app (depending on which station you are at) or by making a card payment. Some cards and chargers connect automatically, but others you may need an app.
Wait for your car to be fully charged or stop it when you have enough battery. The length of time this will take depends on the vehicle and the charging stations – some are faster than others.
Not all EV charging points are the same, and the main difference is the speed of charging:
Slow charging points are normally the charging points you can have installed at home. This means you can leave the car on charge whilst in your house and even overnight. Home charging points benefit from being lower-cost and more convenient for EV owners.
Charging stations that offer fast charging speeds are normally found in public places such as car parks and supermarkets. This helps with available charging points for public use and is good for topping up while you are out.
These types of charging points, which are known for rapid charging, are mainly found on motorway services and main routes. This is the best electric charging option when you need a quick boost whilst on a long journey.
How long it takes for your electric vehicle to charge depends on three things:
A slow charger (i.e. a home charging point) can take several hours, whereas a rapid charger can add a large amount of range in under an hour.
Electric charging for your vehicle can vary in cost depending on where and when you charge.
If you are wondering how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle, a full charge at home is often much cheaper than a full tank of fuel. However, public charging varies widely.
Some properties, such as your workplace, hotels or supermarkets, may offer free charging for paying customers or staff, but it is always best to check first. Each charging point will show prices either on the screen or via the appropriate app (the charging station will display which app is used).
Finding an electric vehicle charging station can be one of the main concerns when purchasing an EV, however, it can be really easy. You can find an electric charging point either via certain apps or even on your car navigation system.
There are also useful websites, such as ChargeFinder, that can locate nearby charging points.
When planning ahead on any journey, the key things to look for are:
The UK electric vehicle charging law is changing as more drivers switch to EVs. Key things to know are:
These rules aim to make electric vehicle charging easier and fairer. You can find more on EV laws by visiting the GOV website.
Charging time can differ depending on the vehicle and where you are charging. Charging at home can take several hours, and best to charge overnight. Public charging stations can be quicker and good for topping up on journeys.
In most cases, public charging stations in the UK are not free. In some situations, you can get free charging stations in places such as a workplace, supermarket or hotel. This is likely if you are a paying customer or staff.
It depends on your electricity rate and where you charge. Home charging is usually cheapest, as this is part of your home electricity rate. Public rapid charging costs more depending on the location.
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