The Ultimate Guide to Charging an Electric Car

The Ultimate Guide to Charging an Electric Car

Discover everything you need to know about EV charging, from powering up at home to public charging stations.

If you’ve recently bought your first electric car or are thinking of buying one, exploring the different charging methods is key.

One of the great benefits of EVs is their lower running costs but finding the right charging method could reduce those costs even further.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about charging an electric car.

What are the different ways to charge an electric car?

You have a few different options when it comes to charging an EV. It’s important to weigh these up to help you find the most convenient and cost-effective option for you.

Home charging

Home charging is a great convenient way to charge your electric car. You can use the three or five-pin plug provided with most cars or choose to install a home charging point.

One of the major benefits is being able to charge overnight. This means your car is ready to go when you wake up and you can also take advantage of lower electricity rates at night.

Public charging

If you decide to charge in public, you won’t be short on choice! There are now 61,232 UK charging points as of April 2024, according to Zapmap. You’ll find a mixture of slow, fast, and rapid chargers.

The UK’s top charging networks are:

• Shell Recharge
• PodPoint
• Connected Kerb
• BP Pulse

How to install a home charging point

There’s a wide range of providers that now offer home charging point installation. It’s estimated by Carwow that it typically costs £500-£1,000 to install a standard 7kW charger but the price can vary.

However, there is support available from the government with the EV Chargepoint Grant.

You could be eligible for up to 75% off the cost of buying and installing a charger, up to a maximum of £250.

You can apply, if you:

• Own and live in a flat
• Rent any residential property (including properties under the shared ownership scheme).

To qualify, you’ll also need to own an eligible vehicle and have access to your own private off-street parking.

Different types of electric car chargers

When deciding how to charge your electric car, there’s a range of charging speeds available depending on your budget and how quickly you need power.

Slow chargers – up to 3.6kW

Most electric cars will come with a standard three or five-pin plug to charge at home. If you don’t want to install a home charger, or don’t have access to off-street parking, these are a great cost-effective choice. It’s important to note however that it could take up to 12 hours using a slow charger.

Fast chargers – 7-22kW

A fast charger is a great option for charging overnight. A lot of home chargers are 7kW and allow you to charge up in a few hours.

Rapid chargers – 43-50kW

If you need to quickly charge up on the go, a rapid charger is your best option. These types of charges can be found in supermarkets and roadside service stations. While they are generally more expensive, some cars can be charged up to 80% in just half an hour.

How much does it cost to charge an electric car?

The cost of charging an electric car will depend on whether you charge at home or in public. If you are charging in public, you’ll also need to consider the charger’s speed - generally you will pay a premium for fast and rapid chargers.

Data was recently published by leading UK EV charging provider, PodPoint, on the electric car charging costs in the UK. These are calculated based on EVs with a 60kWh battery and 200-mile range.

If you are looking for a cost-effective way to charge an electric car, keep your eyes peeled for free charging stations. These can often be found in car parks and supermarkets, as well as at hotels and attractions. Many workplaces also offer staff free charging during working hours.

Apps like Zapmap and PlugShare can help you locate your nearest free charging point.

Electric cars at Bristol Street Motors

Discover your next EV with the help of our friendly team at Bristol Street Motors. With our wide selection of manufacturers including BYD, CUPRA, PEUGEOT, Hyundai, and Vauxhall – there's a car for all budgets.

Many of our dealerships also have accreditation from the Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) scheme. This means that you can be confident that we’re electric vehicle experts and get support throughout the entire journey.

Find your local dealership today and book a test drive to start the first step in your electric car search.

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